InterviewSolution
This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.
| 1. |
Why Compressor Shuts Down On High-temperature? |
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Answer» If your compressor trips on over TEMEPRATURE, it could be any of the following:
If your compressor trips on over temeprature, it could be any of the following: |
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| 2. |
Why Doesn't My Air Compressor Produce As Much Air As It Used To? |
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Answer» The most COMMON cause is BAD valves. It is also important to CHECK your ENTIRE system for HIGHER air consumption or leaks. The most common cause is bad valves. It is also important to check your entire system for higher air consumption or leaks. |
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| 3. |
Why Does The Safety Valve On My Tank Blow Off? |
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Answer» This is caused by a PRESSURE switch IMPROPERLY installed, SET too high or malfunctioning. SAFETY valves do not NORMALLY fail on their own. This is caused by a pressure switch improperly installed, set too high or malfunctioning. Safety valves do not normally fail on their own. |
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| 4. |
Why Does The Safety Valve On My Compressor Pump Make A "popping" Sound? |
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Answer» This is most COMMONLY an INDICATION of bad valves. Depending on the MODEL valves could be rebuilt or replaced. This is most commonly an indication of bad valves. Depending on the model valves could be rebuilt or replaced. |
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| 5. |
Why Does My Compressor Leak Air When The Compressor Shuts Off? |
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Answer» Most air compressors have a one way check valve between the compressor pump and the air receiver. When the compressor shuts off the check valve prevents the high pressure air from TRAVELING back from the receiver to the pump. This allows for an unloader valve to release the pressure on the pump to ATMOSPHERE to allow for easier startup. The unloader SYSTEM can be of several different designs. Two of the more COMMON types are pressure switch mounted or centrifugal mounted on the end of the crankshaft. Most air compressors have a one way check valve between the compressor pump and the air receiver. When the compressor shuts off the check valve prevents the high pressure air from traveling back from the receiver to the pump. This allows for an unloader valve to release the pressure on the pump to atmosphere to allow for easier startup. The unloader system can be of several different designs. Two of the more common types are pressure switch mounted or centrifugal mounted on the end of the crankshaft. |
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| 6. |
Will My Small Homeowner Air Compressor Be Able To Handle An Extra Tank? |
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Answer» It depends on whether or not you have a continuous duty air compressor or not. A continuous duty compressor MEANS that it is able to run for long PERIODS of TIME (AKA continuously). This type of compressor will not have any problems running a larger spare tank. If it is not continuous duty then it might have a tougher time. Depending on the size of your machine and the receiver tank, it should be able to handle it. Just be sure that you give it time to cool off when filling the tank, otherwise you would be GOING overboard. It depends on whether or not you have a continuous duty air compressor or not. A continuous duty compressor means that it is able to run for long periods of time (aka continuously). This type of compressor will not have any problems running a larger spare tank. If it is not continuous duty then it might have a tougher time. Depending on the size of your machine and the receiver tank, it should be able to handle it. Just be sure that you give it time to cool off when filling the tank, otherwise you would be going overboard. |
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| 7. |
What Is The Difference Between A Rotary Screw Compressor And A Reciprocating Compressors? |
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Answer» A rotary SCREW compressor is one that utilizes two intermeshing HELICAL rotors to trap a volume of air, then compress it to a higher pressure. Rotary screw compressors can be run at lower temperatures for 24 HOURS per day, 365 days a year. A piston compressor (aka reciprocating) uses PISTONS driven by a crankshaft to deliver air at high pressure. A rotary screw compressor is one that utilizes two intermeshing helical rotors to trap a volume of air, then compress it to a higher pressure. Rotary screw compressors can be run at lower temperatures for 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. A piston compressor (aka reciprocating) uses pistons driven by a crankshaft to deliver air at high pressure. |
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| 8. |
What Is A Good Tank Size? |
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Answer» The tank SIZE you will use will depend on the amount of air that you need stored. A benefit to a LARGER tanked air compressors is that the MOTOR will not start and stop as OFTEN as a smaller tanked compressor. HOWEVER, if you do not believe that you will use a good amount of air, it may be smarter and cheaper to use a smaller tank. The tank size you will use will depend on the amount of air that you need stored. A benefit to a larger tanked air compressors is that the motor will not start and stop as often as a smaller tanked compressor. However, if you do not believe that you will use a good amount of air, it may be smarter and cheaper to use a smaller tank. |
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| 9. |
How Often Until A New Compressor Is 'broken In'? |
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Answer» AIR COMPRESSORS do not NEED to be BROKEN in. Check for any leaks or malfunctions during the first start-up, but after that you should be ready to GO. Air Compressors do not need to be broken in. Check for any leaks or malfunctions during the first start-up, but after that you should be ready to go. |
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| 10. |
How Much Air Will I Need To Power My Air Compressor Tool? |
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Answer» Generally, most AIR TOOLS will take around 70-100 PSI, and will CONSUME less than 10 CFM, however consult the manual or manufacturer of your TOOL for exact air REQUIREMENTS. Generally, most air tools will take around 70-100 PSI, and will consume less than 10 CFM, however consult the manual or manufacturer of your tool for exact air requirements. |
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| 11. |
What Is The Maximum Hose Length I Should Use With My Compressor? |
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Answer» This will also DEPEND on the size of compressor and CFM required. The Maximum hose LENGTH is one of the most open ended questions related to air compressors. For a small homeowner unit, it would be smart not to exceed 150'. For a shop or industrial compressor, contact your LOCAL installation PROVIDER or GIVE us a call to help figure out your maximum length. This will also depend on the size of compressor and CFM required. The Maximum hose length is one of the most open ended questions related to air compressors. For a small homeowner unit, it would be smart not to exceed 150'. For a shop or industrial compressor, contact your local installation provider or give us a call to help figure out your maximum length. |
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| 12. |
What Size Of Hose Should Be Used? |
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Answer» This will depend on the type of compressor that you have. The two most common sizes are 1/4" and 3/8". Check your compressor manual, or GIVE us a call to help find the right size to USE. Generally, the larger the compressor means the larger size of DIAMETER you can use. Most HOMEOWNER compressor manufacturers would recommend a 1/4" hose diameter. This will depend on the type of compressor that you have. The two most common sizes are 1/4" and 3/8". Check your compressor manual, or give us a call to help find the right size to use. Generally, the larger the compressor means the larger size of diameter you can use. Most homeowner compressor manufacturers would recommend a 1/4" hose diameter. |
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| 13. |
What Happens If There Is Water In My Lines? |
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Answer» GENERALLY this is caused by two problems - either a failed condensate trap or a failed or undersized air compressor dryer. To solve the first problem, you will need to either CLEAN the water trap or SIMPLY replace it. The second problem is a bit TRICKIER, as you would need to repair or replace your air dryer with something larger (unfortunately, this can be a bit pricy). Generally this is caused by two problems - either a failed condensate trap or a failed or undersized air compressor dryer. To solve the first problem, you will need to either clean the water trap or simply replace it. The second problem is a bit trickier, as you would need to repair or replace your air dryer with something larger (unfortunately, this can be a bit pricy). |
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| 14. |
What Happens When Water Stays In My Compressor? |
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Answer» Compressor tanks are MADE of steel, which means if WATER is left in the tank, rust will start to accrue. Depending on the severity, contact your local SERVICE center about the best way to eliminate the problem. One place to start would be to LOOK into purchasing an air DRYER, to help eliminate the problem. Compressor tanks are made of steel, which means if water is left in the tank, rust will start to accrue. Depending on the severity, contact your local service center about the best way to eliminate the problem. One place to start would be to look into purchasing an air dryer, to help eliminate the problem. |
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| 15. |
Will My Compressor Run On A Generator? |
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Answer» The compressor should be ABLE to RUN GIVEN the proper requirements, however we recommend not USING a compressor with a generator. Generators have fluctuations in power, and because a compressor needs constant VOLTAGE to be able to run, it is generally best not to use a generator if no power is available. The compressor should be able to run given the proper requirements, however we recommend not using a compressor with a generator. Generators have fluctuations in power, and because a compressor needs constant voltage to be able to run, it is generally best not to use a generator if no power is available. |
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| 16. |
What Voltage Do I Run On? |
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Answer» It depends on the size of Compressor. Most Homeowner sized small compressors are built to RUN on a single 110V Outlet. As you get into larger models, MANY compressors OFFER the choice between 110 to 460 VOLTAGE. It depends on the size of Compressor. Most Homeowner sized small compressors are built to run on a single 110V Outlet. As you get into larger models, many compressors offer the choice between 110 to 460 voltage. |
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| 17. |
What Is The Difference Between Stop-start And Constant Run? |
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Answer» SIMPLY put, a start-stop air compressor has a pressure switch that turns the machine on and off. Most small electric and small gas air compressors are start-stop. A constant run compressor means the MOTOR continuously runs and continuously turns the pump. Many INDUSTRIAL SHOPS who need consistent air on a daily basis will purchase a constant run compressor. Simply put, a start-stop air compressor has a pressure switch that turns the machine on and off. Most small electric and small gas air compressors are start-stop. A constant run compressor means the motor continuously runs and continuously turns the pump. Many industrial shops who need consistent air on a daily basis will purchase a constant run compressor. |
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| 18. |
When Should I Replace The Air Intake Filter? |
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Answer» If your compressor has an Air Intake Filter, it should be cleaned on a WEEKLY basis (assuming you are using the compressor about 3 days a week). When the filter STARTS to develop debris that is BECOMING harder to CLEAN out, or you notice any tears or HOLES in the filter, the filter should be replaced. If your compressor has an Air Intake Filter, it should be cleaned on a weekly basis (assuming you are using the compressor about 3 days a week). When the filter starts to develop debris that is becoming harder to clean out, or you notice any tears or holes in the filter, the filter should be replaced. |
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| 19. |
How Often Should We Change The Oil? |
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Answer» In a ROTARY screw compressor, oil should be changed about every 7000-8000 hours. This depends on the type of compressor you PURCHASE. For a Reciprocating air compressor, generally you would change the oil approximately every 3 months. For a more accurate TIME frame, CALL in with a model number to find the recommended schedule for your compressor. In a rotary screw compressor, oil should be changed about every 7000-8000 hours. This depends on the type of compressor you purchase. For a Reciprocating air compressor, generally you would change the oil approximately every 3 months. For a more accurate time frame, call in with a model number to find the recommended schedule for your compressor. |
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| 20. |
Is Amp Draw Of The Compressor Something I Need To Be Concerned With? |
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Answer» Yes, the LOWER the AMP draw, the BETTER the COMPRESSOR is. As a rule of thumb, the MAXIMUM amperage that a compressor should require is 30amps. Yes, the lower the amp draw, the better the compressor is. As a rule of thumb, the maximum amperage that a compressor should require is 30amps. |
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| 21. |
Is It Possible To Use An Adjustable Pressure Switch With My Compressor? |
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Answer» May not USE adjustable pressure switches with any VIAIR COMPRESSOR. If you use an adjustable pressure switch, you can set the pressure switch higher than the maximum pressure that is rated for your compressor, or you may EXCEED the maximum rated working pressure for your air supply tank. Doing so will immediately void your warranty, not to mention, it is DANGEROUS. May not use adjustable pressure switches with any VIAIR compressor. If you use an adjustable pressure switch, you can set the pressure switch higher than the maximum pressure that is rated for your compressor, or you may exceed the maximum rated working pressure for your air supply tank. Doing so will immediately void your warranty, not to mention, it is dangerous. |
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| 22. |
Is It Possible To Hook Up More Than One Compressor To A Single Pressure Switch? |
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Answer» YES, it is possible to use one pressure switch on more than one compressor. You should always run a relay if you WANT to hook up multiple compressors to a SINGLE switch. You should check the AMP draw on the switch first, and then you’ll KNOW how many compressors you can hook up to one switch. Yes, it is possible to use one pressure switch on more than one compressor. You should always run a relay if you want to hook up multiple compressors to a single switch. You should check the amp draw on the switch first, and then you’ll know how many compressors you can hook up to one switch. |
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| 23. |
If I Mount My Compressor Sideways, Like On The Frame Rail Of My Truck, Is There Anything I Should Be Careful Of When Doing This? |
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Answer» you mount your compressor sideways to the FRAME rail, you should periodically check to MAKE sure that your compressor is mounted securely. Use a thread-locking COMPOUND to keep the screws from BACKING off and CAUSING the compressor to be mounted loosely. you mount your compressor sideways to the frame rail, you should periodically check to make sure that your compressor is mounted securely. Use a thread-locking compound to keep the screws from backing off and causing the compressor to be mounted loosely. |
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| 24. |
Is It Possible To Mount The Compressor Sideways? Must It Be Mounted With The Cylinder Upright? |
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Answer» Yes, you can mount our COMPRESSORS in any direction or POSITION because they are oil-less. The only position we do not recommend is an upside-down mount, since HEAT tends to TRAVEL UPWARD. Yes, you can mount our compressors in any direction or position because they are oil-less. The only position we do not recommend is an upside-down mount, since heat tends to travel upward. |
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| 25. |
Is The 550c Compressor Sealed And Weatherproof? |
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Answer» The 550C is not a sealed UNIT. If you WANT to mount a COMPRESSOR under your truck, you might want to take a look at our 450 SERIES. While it is not as fast as the 550 series, it is moisture and dust resistant and can be mounted under your truck. Also, we have new compressors that are more SUITED to exterior mounting (420, 460C, and 480C). The 550C is not a sealed unit. If you want to mount a compressor under your truck, you might want to take a look at our 450 series. While it is not as fast as the 550 series, it is moisture and dust resistant and can be mounted under your truck. Also, we have new compressors that are more suited to exterior mounting (420, 460C, and 480C). |
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| 26. |
Why Is It Important To Have A Sealed And Moisture-resistant Compressor? |
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Answer» The preference of a sealed-type compressor is due to the FACT that in MOBILE PNEUMATICS, COMPRESSORS are likely to be exposed to outside ELEMENTS. The preference of a sealed-type compressor is due to the fact that in mobile pneumatics, compressors are likely to be exposed to outside elements. |
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| 27. |
How Can I Tell Whether The Compressor Is Sealed Or Non-sealed? |
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Answer» Manufacturers will normally SPECIFY if a compressor is SEALED against moisture and dust, and in MANY cases, you can tell the difference by simply INSPECTING the compressor. If you see vents, cracks, or holes in the motor housing, then the compressor is not sealed and must be KEPT away from dust and moisture. Manufacturers will normally specify if a compressor is sealed against moisture and dust, and in many cases, you can tell the difference by simply inspecting the compressor. If you see vents, cracks, or holes in the motor housing, then the compressor is not sealed and must be kept away from dust and moisture. |
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| 28. |
Does It Matter Where I Install My Compressors On My Vehicle? |
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Answer» This DEPENDS on SEVERAL factors such as available space, WHETHER or not the compressor is of a SEALED or vented type, as well as personal preference and aesthetics. Make sure to utilize the rubber insulators to keep vibration and noise to a minimum. This depends on several factors such as available space, whether or not the compressor is of a sealed or vented type, as well as personal preference and aesthetics. Make sure to utilize the rubber insulators to keep vibration and noise to a minimum. |
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| 29. |
How Do You Check For Leaks? |
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Answer» You can CHECK for LEAKS by PUTTING soap and water solution where the FITTING CONNECTIONS are. If there are bubbles present that grow in size, then there are leaks. You can check for leaks by putting soap and water solution where the fitting connections are. If there are bubbles present that grow in size, then there are leaks. |
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| 30. |
Does A New Compressor Have To Be Broken In? |
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Answer» No, they do not. Typically after an install, you should power up the system from 0 to WHATEVER the cut-off PRESSURE is and CHECK for any leaks that may be PRESENT. No, they do not. Typically after an install, you should power up the system from 0 to whatever the cut-off pressure is and check for any leaks that may be present. |
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| 31. |
What Else Would Best For My On-board System? |
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Answer» COMPONENT PARTS for an onboard AIR system: PART NUMBER component parts for an onboard air system: PART NUMBER |
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| 32. |
How Do I Know If I Want The 400c Or 450c? |
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Answer» The 400C pump is rated at 150psi working pressure and the duty cycle on this unit is rated at 33% duty at 100psi in 72 degree AMBIENT temp. The 450C is rated at 150psi working pressure, the duty is rated at 100% at 100psi at 72 DEGREES ambient temp. TIP: If you need duty cycle, go with the 450C. If you want SPEED, go with the 400C (it is faster than the 450C). The 400C pump is rated at 150psi working pressure and the duty cycle on this unit is rated at 33% duty at 100psi in 72 degree ambient temp. The 450C is rated at 150psi working pressure, the duty is rated at 100% at 100psi at 72 degrees ambient temp. TIP: If you need duty cycle, go with the 450C. If you want speed, go with the 400C (it is faster than the 450C). |
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| 33. |
Which Is Best Compressor For On-board Setup? |
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Answer» EITHER the 400C 12V air compressoror the 450C 12V air COMPRESSOR for SETUP. Either the 400C 12V air compressoror the 450C 12V air compressor for setup. |
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| 34. |
Does A Compressor That Has 100% Duty Cycle Mean That I Can Run The Compressor All The Time? Can I Run My Compressor 24 Hours A Day? |
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Answer» No, you’ve GOT to remember that duty cycle is RATED at 100PSI, at an ambient temperature of 72°F, but certainly a 100% duty cycle compressor can RUN for much longer periods of time than a 30% duty compressor under the same conditions. No, you’ve got to remember that duty cycle is rated at 100PSI, at an ambient temperature of 72°F, but certainly a 100% duty cycle compressor can run for much longer periods of time than a 30% duty compressor under the same conditions. |
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| 35. |
What Is Cfm? |
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Answer» The notation CFM (Cubic Feet PER Minute) refers to a volume of air produced by the air compressor at a GIVEN pressure or PSI (Pound per SQUARE Inch) The notation CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) refers to a volume of air produced by the air compressor at a given pressure or PSI (Pound per Square Inch) |
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