Porter Cable cpf6025 Air Compressor

[handyman]

I have a Porter Cable cpf6025 Air Compressor (upright 25 gallon 135 psi) that has an electrical issue that i have not been able to isolate. The air compressor will run fine once it is running and will occasionaly refill tank without any issues. The majority of the time the compressor will blow the circuit immedialty upon turning the power switch on. I have brought it to the dealer and they cannot get it to fail. I have tried multiple outlets in my house, all of which the same issue arises. The compressor is on a 20 amp circuit with a 20 amp outlet 4 feet from the circuit breaker panel (200 amp). I am able to run all of my other power tools with no problem. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[cmoorejack]

Hey handyman,
These air compressor's have a max rating of 15 amps running..if there is anything else running on the same circuit at the same time it will trip..also sometimes these will run a little higher on the amps and your breaker is just getting over worked..if the dealer checked everything and said it was okay..you only have your power source to blame..if you compressor is having to run a long time to refill an empty tank your breaker may heat up and trip..it may be weak..but since you said it does it on all of them that might not be the case..it may be time to have an electrician check it out and see if a new or higher breaker is recommended..but first find out what you air compressor is actually pulling for amps..check it just before it shuts off..that will be the maximum reading..
hope this helps?
Craig

[handyman]

The compressor is the only thing on the circuit and the only time it blows the breaker is on the intial turning on of the switch. The manual says that it should be able to run on a 15 amp circuit, which made me think that there should be no problem with it being on a 20 amp circuit. I have a friend who has a craftsman compressor (same ratings) that is having the same exact issue at his house. I have changed (updated to new breakers) just to verify the condition of the breaker and had a new 200 amp panel put in 3 years ago. Is there a different type of breaker that might be installed ( currently have a HACR)?

[cmoorejack]

The hacr is a slow blow type breaker..I'm afraid you will have to go back to the dealer or service center and have them recheck..the problem may not have shown up during their inspection..make sure you get an amp reading from them..you might have a check valve leaking a little bit [air back out of the tank into the pump and it causes back pressure so the comp is trying to start but under a load and that's why the breaker trips?!] There could be other reasons why also the pressure is not being released from the pump head and not bleeding off causing a problem...ugh ..you can also try contacting a factory rep for Porter-Cable [dewalt] and see if they have any suggestions..they might authorize a warranty repair or replace..
Hope this helps? and good luck..!
Craig

[jimhuey]

I had the same problem. After much trial and error, I foud that the plastic device that holds the capacitors on the back of the motor had broken where the bottom bolt attaches it to the motor. This allowed the plastic device to move away from the motor and kept the motor from starting with more torque. Fixed the plastic device (super glue) and all is well.