- 8 -
OPERATION
WARNING
–
Your safety and the wellbeing of others during the operation of every ROLAIR compressor is our main
concern. Do not operate or permit anyone else to operate your air compressor until the information contained in this
manual is read and completely understood. Please contact your distributor or our customer service department if you
have any questions on the proper use of your air compressor.
DIRECT-DRIVE ELECTRIC
Establish that the air compressor is ready to operate by reviewing the topics and information provided in the “Pre-
Start Checklist” section of this manual. Slowly open tank drain to remove any condensate that has accumulated and
keep drain open for a few seconds after starting to warm up motor/pump assembly. Make sure the pressure switch
lever is in the “Off” position before plugging power cord into a properly grounded outlet. Move pressure switch lever
to the “On/Auto” position to build and automatically maintain top end tank pressure setting. Rotate regulator
adjustment knob counterclockwise until the gauge attached reads 0 PSI before attaching air hose and accessory. Set
working pressure by rotating regulator adjustment knob clockwise and lock in working pressure according to
specifications provided by the tool manufacturer. Always use the pressure switch “On(Auto)/Off” lever to start or stop
the air compressor. Never stop the compressor by unplugging it from the power source. Store compressor in a
warm/dry location and perform maintenance as indicated in manual.
BELT-DRIVE ELECTRIC
START/STOP OPERATION:
Follow same procedures described above for use of direct-drive electric
compressors. Open drain valve located on pump aftercooler for cold
starting purposes. An electric belt-driven motor should not be subjected to
more than 15 starts per hour. Consult your dealer or any authorized
ROLAIR service center for information on a conversion kit if you experience
nuisance tripping of the motor overload due to an excessive amount of
motor starts per hour.
CONSTANT-SPEED OPERATION:
Constant speed or continuous-running operation should be used during
periods of heavy use to extend motor life and prevent overheating. If your
machine is built to only operate continuously, special care must be taken
to safely start and stop the machine. Always shut off the power to the
electrical outlet at the main breaker or optional on/off switch before
plugging in or unplugging the power cord. We also highly recommend
complete draining of storage tank(s) and opening of aftercooler drain valve prior to starting, especially when
operating in cold temperatures. Never stop the compressor by pulling the plug from the outlet. Use the breaker or
optional on/off switch to shut off the power to the outlet first.
DUAL-CONTROL OPERATION:
Dual controls allow an easy transition between start/stop and continuous-running operation. See figure 1 for
instructions to switch operation from start/stop to constant speed. Always flip the lever on the pressure switch to the
“off” position before plugging in or unplugging the power cord.
GAS POWERED
Refer to item numbers 12, 16, 17 & 18 in the “System Controls” section of this manual for information on the engine
automatic idle control, kill switch, choke and fuel shut-off valve. Also note the engine throttle arm is locked into a top
RPM setting that will provide maximum service life and does not need to be moved to start or stop the machine.
Additional instructions can be found in the engine owner’s manual. Use the drain valve located on the pump
aftercooler or intercooler for cold-starting purposes. Take additional care to keep dirt/debris from entering the fuel
tank or obstructing the air flow through the engine or past the pump. Make sure the air flow to the regulator is
completely closed (gauge attached reads 0 PSI) before attaching air hose and accessory. A slight
hissing noise caused
by the air flow being directed to atmosphere during engine idle is normal. Store compressor in a warm/dry location
and perform maintenance as indicated in your manuals.
