CHOOSING YOUR COMPRESSOR:

Choosing the right compressor?

Compressed air is the preferred choice of many to use in their workshop or on the work site. It is clean, simple to use and readily available. However, like most forms of energy it can be expensive, especially if the compressor you choose is too small or too large for your requirements. To select the most suitable compressor for your needs you will need to have answers to the following questions:

What will be your total air consumption?

You will need to know the total air consumption of the tool or tools you expect to be powering simultaneously.

What is the recommended air pressure your tools need to be operated at?

The operating pressure of air tools can vary from as little as 15 PSI to more than 200 PSI, working pressures are easily reduced using a regulator however, it is important to ensure your compressor can provide the higher end pressure you require.

Do you need your compressor to be portable or stationary?

How do you intend to run your tools?

Will you be running tools continuously, i.e., tools in constant use on a production line OR will the use be intermittent or short bursts such as it would be in the workshop or tyre shop?

Total air consumption requirement

For your air tools to work correctly your compressor needs to be able to supply them with enough air flow (l/min or CFM) at the correct pressure (PSI or BAR).

This information should be provided with the air tool instruction manual or be available from the tool manufacturer, it may also be noted on the tool itself.

For example, an impact wrench may have an air consumption of 350 l/min at a required pressure of 90 PSI.

The amount of air a compressor can provide is known as Free Air delivery or FAD. When choosing your compressor you need to ensure that the compressors FAD meets or exceeds the requirement of the tool or tools that will be connected to it.

For example, to run the impact wrench that requires 350 l/min, your compressor needs to be able to provide an FAD of at least 350 l/min.
However, if you were going to be running the impact wrench (350 l/min) at the same time as air saw (200 l/min), the FAD of the compressor would need to be 550 l/min (350 + 200).

Air pressure requirement

As well as FAD your compressor needs to be able to deliver the air at a high enough pressure to allow correct operation of the tool or tools.

SP Tools compressors are all 145 PSI (10 BAR) compressors, this will allow for most air tools with a higher PSI requirement to run using an SP Tools compressor. The use of a regulator will allow for you to reduce the supply pressure if a lower operating pressure is required (please note that running a tool above the recommended operating pressure can be dangerous and may lead to damage of the tool).

Portable or stationary use

Do you need to transport your compressor to the work site or will your compressor be a part of a stationary set up in a workshop?

With the exception of our stationary 3 Phase compressors, all other SP Tools compressors are considered portable.

If you need to be able to move your compressor around easily though you may be limited on size and you will also need to consider the availability of the power available on worksites i.e., the location of the power outlet and is it 10 or 15 Amp?

If electrical power is not going to be available you may want to consider a petrol powered compressor, remembering these should only be operated outdoors (never in an enclosed environment).

If using electricity to power your compressor, consider its location to the power outlet, it is always preferable to connect the compressor to the outlet without the need to use an extension lead. Extension leads can reduce the amount of power available to the motor causing it to overheat. Always opt to use longer air hose over an extension lead where possible.

Whenever using or locating your compressor, portable or stationary, ensure the area around it is large enough to allow adequate ventilation so that the compressor does not overheat.

How are the tools being run on your compressor being used?

It is important to consider the type and amount of use of the tools being used.

For example, is the work environment a workshop or tyre shop where the tools are being used intermittently or in short bursts, or are they a part of a production line where continuous FAD is required such as a paint shop or assembly line?

SP Tools compressors are Reciprocating Compressors, this type of compressor offers numerous advantages in efficiency and versatility and they generally cost less to purchase and maintain.

All SP Tools compressors have storage tanks which the compressor pump forces air into until it reaches its upper set pressure limit and the compressor shuts off. When the air in the tank is being used up by a tool the pressure inside the tank decreases to the lower pressure limit, at this point the compressor turns itself on to repressurise the tank (or continue to provide FAD until the tool is shut off and the tank can repressurise). Large amounts of heat can be produced when compressing air and this needs to be managed to prevent damage to the compressor. Once the compressor reaches the upper set pressure limit in the tank it shuts off the compressor giving it time to cool.

Reciprocating compressors have a 50% duty cycle, meaning that the unit requires roughly an equal amount of time to cool as it has taken to pressurise the storage tank. However, if the tool being used quickly consumes the air in the tank and the compressor must turn on more frequently to repressurise, the amount of time the compressor has to cool is greatly reduced.

If you are going to be using a tool or tools that have a higher air consumption, or you are going to be using tools in a continuous manner you will need to look at compressors with a higher FAD (greater than the consumption of the tool being used) and/or a larger capacity storage tank to prevent overheating and premature wear and tear on your compressor.

If your application requires a continuous FAD such as a paint shop, then you may need to consider a different type of compressor that is designed to provide a 100% duty cycle such as a Rotary Screw Compressor. These tend to be much more expensive to purchase and maintain and can, if not correctly sized to your application, greatly increase your energy costs.

Things to consider:

• Extra capacity, do you think you will require extra capacity in the future? If so, it would be worth considering this in your purchase.
• Location, try to locate your electric compressor close to the power source. Avoid using extension leads wherever possible, it is better practice to use a longer air hose. Check before your purchase whether you require a 10 Amp, 15 Amp single phase or 3 Phase power outlet.
• Ventilation, ensure there is adequate ventilation for your unit to cool. Avoid placing hard up against a wall, or under a low ceiling that prevents airflow via the cooling fins on the compressor pump and motor fan.
• Pressure regulation, to prevent damage to your tools regulate your pressure using either the regulator at the compressor outlet or via individual regulators at the air outlets in your workshop.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - COMPRESSORS:

How do I know what compressor to buy?

RELEVANT TO FULL RANGE

Please read our guide: Choosing Your Compressor. It explains what information you need prior to finding the best suited compressor for your requirements or contact your local SP Tools stockist.

Can I run my compressor using a generator?

RELEVANT TO SP11-12X, SP11-40X, SP12-50X, SP13-50X, SP14, SP17, SP18 & SP1800

All of our electric, portable generators can be run from a generator. It is important to note that compressors use an induction motor that will draw as much as 3 times it's rated wattage when first starting. Therefore you must use a generator with enough capacity to allow for this to avoid damage to both compressor and generator (our smallest compressor would require a 5KW generator). We recommend the use of a generator that makes use of AVR or Inverter technology to provide a stable power source. Please contact your SP Tools stockist or use our "Contact Us" page for further information.

How often should I service my compressor?

RELEVANT TO FULL RANGE

The answer depends on how often you use your compressor. If it is in continuous use (construction/workshop) it will require more regular servicing as per the maintenance schedule in the owners manual. If only occasionally (homeowner use) then the annual service as per the maintenance schedule should be adequate.

Can I buy spare parts for my compressor?

RELEVANT TO FULL RANGE

Yes, spare parts are available for the SP Tools range of compressors. Please contact your local stockist or use our "Contact Us" page for more information.

What pressure should my compressor cut out, the needle in the gauge goes into the red zone, is this ok?

RELEVANT TO FULL RANGE

SP Tools compressors are 10 BAR (145PSI) compressors. They are set at factory to cut out when they reach this pressure, often this pressure is shown inside the red zone on the tank gauge. This is normal. All SP Tools compressors are fitted with a safety valve that will activate if the compressor goes over pressure. If the safety valve activates you may need to check and adjust the pressure switch. Please use our "Contact Us" page for more information.

What oil does my compressor use, and how much does it require?

RELEVANT TO FULL RANGE

We recommend SP Tools Compressor oil or Castrol Aircol PD68 (or equivalent) for the compressor pump. The correct level is achieved when the oil reaches the top of the red dot at the centre of the oil sight glass when the compressor is on a level surface (refer to the owners manual). Please refer to the owners manual for the correct engine oil and quantity to be used in the engine for the SP17P petrol powered compressor.

My compressor no longer turns on, it was working fine the last time I used it?

RELEVANT TO SP11-12X, SP11-40X, SP12-50X, SP13-50X, SP14, SP17, SP18 & SP1800

First follow the trouble shooting guide in your owners manual. It is also possible that the thermal overload protection on the motor has tripped. Turn your compressor off using the red button on the pressure switch and unplug from the power outlet. Push to reset the thermal overload switch, this is found on the black capacitor box on top of the motor (belt drive) or at the rear of the compressor (direct drive). Plug your compressor back in and turn on using the red button on the pressure switch. There are several reasons why this switch may activate, the two most common are: Using the compressor with an extension lead, better practice is to use a longer air hose and remove the need for an extension lead. Or turning the compressor off at the wall while it is mid cycle, always use the red button on the pressure switch to turn your compressor off and on.

Is there an overload/reset switch for my SP25/35/50 Compressor?

RELEVANT TO SP25, SP35 & SP50

Yes, it can be found in the contactor box.

Why can I hear air leaking when my compressor turns off?

RELEVANT TO SP11-12X, SP11-40X, SP12-50X, SP13-50X, SP14, SP17, SP18, SP1800, SP25, SP35 & SP50

You may hear air leaking for a number of reasons, often it is the hose connections to the compressor and not the compressor itself. However you will need to inspect for the source of the leak. Check all outlet taps, tank drain valve and fittings (regulator, gauges etc.). If the leak is coming from the small pipe that connects to the underside of your pressure switch the Non-Return Valve may have cracked or become worn and will need replacing.

Do I need to "run in" my new compressor?

RELEVANT TO FULL RANGE

Yes, the run in period in minimal, follow the instructions in your owners manual. Remember to do your first oil change and tighten all nuts and bolts on time as per the instructions.

Why do I have water coming through my air hose?

RELEVANT TO FULL RANGE

Water is a by product of creating compressed air, it will collect in the bottom of your compressor tank and can also get into your air lines. Remember to drain your tank daily (after each use when you turn it off at night). Check your regulator/filter, this will filter out some of the moisture and may need emptying. Air driers can also be installed in line to remove moisture from the process if required.

SP Air Tools & Compressors - 12 Months
SP Air Tools are warranted for 12 months, from date of sale to the end user. This warranty covers faulty workmanship and materials only. Such accessories as pads, blades, retainer springs, chisels, chucks or any other such attachments are not included. Products which are being claimed for warranty are to be returned to Austech Industries or an appointed warranty agent freight prepaid with your name address, adequate proof of date of purchase and short description of the defect. This warranty does not apply to products which have been abused, misused, modified or repaired by anyone other than an Austech appointed repair agent. Austech’s sole liability under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the defective product. The decision to repair or replace remains solely at the discretion of Austech Industries only and the repairs or replacements are warranted as described above for the remainder of the original warranty period.

SP Air Compressors Direct Drive:
8 Bar - 12 Months Belt Drive: 8 Bar - 12 Months, Belt Drive 10 Bar pump only 36 Months, Screw compressor 12 Months (professional use)