SECTION 4: OPERATION
AIR N ARC
®
150 SERIES
PAGE - 22
090051-OP_r0 (FEB-2014)
Vanair Manufacturing, Inc.
vanair.com • 800-526-8817
If the thermal overload circuit breakers on the
generator are tripped due to an overload
condition, press the white reset buttons on
the generator panel to reset the breakers
(
Figure 4-2
).
4.6 OPERATING THE AIR
COMPRESSOR
The air compressor on the Air N Arc 150
Series machine is a continuous-run
compressor. This means that the compressor
continues to turn at all times, even when it is
not building pressure in the air storage tank.
The compressor is controlled by a pilot valve
that provides an air pressure signal to the
compressor head unloader valves.
When the air tank pressure builds to 125 psi,
a spring loaded valve in the pilot valve
opens, providing an air pressure signal to the
head unloader valves of the compressor.
This causes the air in the compressor to vent
to the atmosphere.
When the air tank pressure falls below 95
psi, the pilot valve will close, stopping the air
signal to the unload valves, allowing the
compressor to start pumping air to the tank.
A lever on the top of the pilot valve will allow
the operator to manually stop the
compression of air by the compressor during
initial engine start-up or if operation does not
require the use of compressed air (
Figure 4-
3
). Since the head unloader valves require
air pressure to operate, there must be a
minimum of 10 psi in the air tank to allow the
valves to operate properly.
When purchasing air tools or planning a
project, the rated capacity of the compressor
(20 CFM @ 100 psi) will need to be taken
into consideration. Check the desired power
tool manufacturer’s specifications to ensure
that the tool capacity is within range of the
compressor’s operating scope.
4.7 EXTREME CONDITION
OPERATION
When operating in extreme hot or cold
conditions, extra attention should be given to
any indications that could lead to a serious
problem. Machine review and maintenance
check schedules should be more frequent
than the normal suggestions given in
Section 5.3, Maintenance Schedule Table
.
Become familiar with the alternative
operation procedures given in this section
before operating the power system package
in any type of extreme ambient conditions.
4.7.1 COLD WEATHER OPERATION
Additional care should be taken under
consideration when operating the package in
extreme cold weather environments or
ambient temperatures.
Run machine with no load at idle speed to
warm up the machine. Refer to
Figure 4.3,
[A2].
WARNING
Do not rely on the thermal overload
circuit breakers on the generator to
protect personnel, power tools, or the
generator. The thermal overload circuit
breakers on the generator require time to
overheat when the generator is operating
in an overload condition — they do not
provide instant protection against short
circuiting or overload conditions. Always
use GFCI protected extension cords and
power strips when using the generator.
WARNING
If one of the generator circuit breakers is
tripped, the cause of the overload must
be determined before the circuit breaker
is reset and work is resumed.
NOTE
The leading cause of component failure
of the air control system is moisture. Air
tanks must be drained daily at a
minimum to eliminate condensation.
