WIRING TROUBLESHOOTING:
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Problem:
Wires are hot to the touch after running compressor.
Possible Cause:
Rise in amp draw due to motor damage or the gauge of wire run from the power source (battery) maybe too small.
Solution:
Replace compressor if motor is damaged, or increase gauge of wire running from power source.
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Problem:
How do I determine the gauge wire I should run?
Solution:
(Values indicated are for stranded copper wire)
Wire Gauge Amp Draw Length of Wire Run
18/16/14 gauge wire 10 amps maximum 10 feet or less from power source.
12 gauge wire 20 amps maximum 10 feet or less from power source.
10 gauge wire 40 amps maximum 10 feet or less from power source.
8 gauge wire 60 amps maximum 10 feet or less from power source.
6 gauge wire 80 amps maximum 10 feet or less from power source.
4 gauge wire 100 amps maximum 10 feet or less from power source.
Length of wire run: Keep wire run as short as possible, but increase gauge for every 10 feet of additional wire run over 10 feet long. For example: if you have a 450C that pulls 20 amps and it is mounted 10 feet from the battery, you should use 12 gauge wire. If the compressor is 20 feet from the battery, you should use 10 gauge wire using the chart above. Remember dual compressor setups will use double the amp draw of a single unit. If you are running common power to multiple units, increase the wire gauge size according to total amp draw of the system using the chart above.
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Problem:
Pressure switch fails.
Possible Cause:
No relay is wired into the system. Direct power from a compressor will shorten the life of a pressure switch without a relay.
Solution:
Use a relay suited to the amp draw of the compressor. We recommend using a relay for each compressor. VIAIR offers 12- & 24-volt 40 amp relays as well as a 12-volt 80-amp relay.
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