Compressor Pressure Switch Problems...

[Twodose]

I have a 60 gallon upright Eaton Compressor purchased new in 2006. Started having problems about a year ago with the pressure switch, it occasionally wasn’t turning the compressor off, so on 03/20/14 I replaced the switch, about a month ago started having problems where the compressor occasionally would not kick on, so I replaced the switch again yesterday 12/12/14, this time I changed the steel nipple to brass and using a 90° ell and a nipple changed the mounting position from vertical to horizontal thinking this would help, now it sometimes won’t start or stop the compressor. For instance I went there today and it had not kicked on and was at 40psi, then I tried a dozen times or so bleeding the air off and it would start and stop ok, then on say the 13th time it would not kick off and was over pressurizing the tank. So I tapped on the cap of the pressure switch and it stopped < I also did the same to start it.

Using a 9013 FHG square D pressure switch. 3 switches in 8 years? I’ve had pressure switches that lasted 15 years, I ordered another switch again yesterday should have this week. I’m at my wits end with this, hard to believe 2 defective switches.

 

[2Biz]

I had the same thing happen....But only once so far. It was sinking feeling walking up to the ER door hearing that god awful noise behind the door! Mine had stuck closed and was over-pressurizing the tank and popping the safety valve. I don't know how long it had been like that, but it had the ER filled with smoke and the compressor and motor was pretty hot! A new pressure switch fixed it, but I now have a spare on the shelf...

I don't know if it matters, but the switches are adjustable. I have mine set to come on at 80psi and it turns off at 120psi. I have a large regulator/water seperator set at 80psi that feeds all my other regulators. That way they always see a constant 80psi. The pressure doesn't fluctuate.

 

[Randy]

In the past we had nothing but problems with the Square D air compressor switches. We’ve gone to the Furnas air compressor switches and haven’t had any problems since. It’s good idea to always have a spare on hand.
http://www.mastertoolrepair.com/pressure-switches-furnas-pressure-switches-c-25_2_256.html

 

[Twodose]

Which Furnas brand compressor pressure switch would replace a square D 9013FHG?

 

[Randy]

Which Furnas brand compressor pressure switch would replace a square D 9013FHG?

Are there any number/letters after the 9013FHG? Does the pressure switch have an unloader? What size motor does this air compressor use? What voltage and many amps does the motor draw?

 

[Twodose]

The whole # is 9013FHG32J39M1X.

230 volt , has an unloader, also has a lever on the side for off and auto.

It’s a 3 hp motor, 13.3 amps.

I think possibly the furnas switch I need is a 69JF7Y, which doesn’t have the lever, but do you really need that?

Called schneider electric back in November, they thought it may be vibration that is causing the handle on the switch to go a little towards the off position that is causing the problem. < which is BS.

Again tonight the compressor was at 40psi, tapped the square d PS and it kicked on. I don't know anywhere locally where i can purchase a furnas switch, so i have been looking online, including the link you provided. Thank You.

 

[Twodose]

I had the same thing happen....But only once so far. It was sinking feeling walking up to the ER door hearing that god awful noise behind the door! Mine had stuck closed and was over-pressurizing the tank and popping the safety valve. I don't know how long it had been like that, but it had the ER filled with smoke and the compressor and motor was pretty hot! A new pressure switch fixed it, but I now have a spare on the shelf...

I have also had this happen, funny it didn't burn up the compressor.

 

[Twodose]

This is the one I have from zorotools.com

http://www.zoro.com/i/G1026602/

 

[Randy]

The cross reference doesn’t show a Square D #9013FHG32J39M1X, the closest Furnas switch would be a #69JG7Y. Take look on EBay.

 

[Twodose]

Look at this

http://midwest-control.com/starters-switches-pressure_switches_69J.html

 

[Twodose]

probably work, hate to get it from ebay, takes to long.

Dont know what to do, between a rock and a hard place.

 

[jprb]

We switched one of our compressors to an electronic contactor. The pressure switch only has the load of the contactor, so the points don't burn/weld/stick. It has been working for over a year at this point. It would be an easy conversion for any air compressor.

JPRB

 

[Twodose]

You talking about a magnetic motor starter.

And thanks Randy, you were right i got the 69JG7Y.

 

[Randy]

I’d buy another Furnas Pressure switch to keep on the shelf as a spare. If the one I just replaced goes bad in the next year I’d put in a motor contractor or a magnetic motor starter, this would take the load off the Pressure switch. I’d also take back the failed Square D pressure switches to whoever I bought them from.

 

[Twodose]

I just talked to tech support at square d about the problem with both of these switches, they claimed it is a volume usage problem, if the volume is high and the usage is low the switch is working outside its range, so according to them if say the tank is to big and the compressor to small and this would cause the switch to not turn off, if there are any even very small leaks in the system anywhere it would cause the switch to not turn on, they said the switch was designed and built in 1939 and the efficiency and use of compressors has changed over the years, also said that even if I used a magnetic motor starter with this switch I would still have the same problem, first time I called they said that when mounting the switch in the vertical position on a compressor, they thought it may be vibration that is causing the handle on the switch to go a little towards the off position that is causing the problem. Today the first guy I talked to said without hesitation you could mount the switch vertical or horizontal (already knew this) < I know this is all a bunch of BS, but if you want to hear a couple idiots give you every excuse in the book and blame the problem on everything else but there switch give them a call.

 

[2Biz]

I just talked to tech support at square d about the problem with both of these switches, they claimed it is a volume usage problem, if the volume is high and the usage is low the switch is working outside its range, so according to them if say the tank is to big and the compressor to small and this would cause the switch to not turn off, if there are any even very small leaks in the system anywhere it would cause the switch to not turn on,

Are you kidding me!?!?!?!? High Volume and Low usage causing the switch to not engage? Pressure is pressure regardless of tank size, small leak..Big leak... Low usage...High usage....If the pressure switch is set to engage at 80 psi, it should come on @ 80 psi...Now thats funny...You might want to listen to Randy instead of the guys from Square D! Ha!

 

[Twodose]

If you read the post a couple before yours I did buy the furnas switch, I was just updating on the conversation I had with square d tech support after removing both of their switches, do you think I make this stuff up? I am merely passing on information. Get this, I purchased 2 of the furnas switches only to have the first one fail, after installing it got almost to the cut off pressure when it starting leaking air around the diaphragm, drained the air from the tank, tightened the screws, that stopped the air leaking from the diaphragm, then it started leaking air through the unloader and it would not shut off < I couldn’t believe it, thought this can't be happening...LOL, so I am sending that one back for a replacement…Go figure! Glad I purchased two.

 

[Randy]

I found the Bull $h1t story that Square D laid on you to be pretty funny, I wonder if they think that you just fell off the turnip truck yesterday. Who did you end up buying the Furnas pressure switches from? I’ve never gotten one that didn’t work, just your luck. I checked my spare parts and I need to order another spare pressure switch. Is everything working the way it's supposed to now?

 

[2Biz]

Twodose,

I wasn't directing the comment at you. Sorry if it appeared that way. I just couldn't believe that tech support for these switches are trying to cover up the way they were...And to think they are TECH SUPPORT! There was absolutely no logic to their claim. I'm seeing that more and more everywhere I turn.

I don't know if you followed my Demand Heater For Floor Heat Thread. Tech support for the Takagi heater cost me about $750 because they recommended a circulator that didn't have enough flow pressure for the heater. I should have known I needed to do the research myself. You live and learn!

 

[MEP001]

I just couldn't believe that tech support for these switches are trying to cover up the way they were...And to think they are TECH SUPPORT! There was absolutely no logic to their claim. I'm seeing that more and more everywhere I turn.

Someone once argued with me that his compressor was staying on and blowing the tank popoff because the check valve in the tank was bad. An IR tech had told him that's what it was, and since he was a tech he must be right. It was arcing the contactor closed and staying on. He never got it working right and ended up replacing the compressor with some PoS that was rated for home use.