Air Compressor Installation Tips

Estimated time to read: 5 minutes

Just bought an air compressor? Good on you for making such a smart investment! As dedicated fans of compressed air and all sorts or air compressors, ALUP is always happy to geek out with the kind of facts, tips and hints that come from obsession. From installation to maintenance and troubleshooting, we will always be here to help you make the most of your compressed air system.

Always follow your installation instructions to the letter when you install your air compressor. We have a few extra tips that we have developed over the years.

1. The best place to install an air compressor? A flat, solid floor. Make sure your compressor is perfectly horizontal for optimal performance and a longer life.
2. Make sure your compressor room has the equipment you need to lift heavy parts. Experience says your back muscles will complain if you don’t.
3. When you install your air compressor, leave space around the unit for proper air flow and easy access for maintenance.
4. Leave the red transport spacers in place during the installation process. What’s the best time to remove them? Wait until the compressor is fully installed and ready to run.
5. Keep the compressor room well-ventilated to guarantee the optimal performance of your compressor.
6. Make sure your main switch allows you to use lock-out tag-out protocols. Double-check you have the proper fuses installed too.
7. We highly recommend using cable glands. They help to protect your air compressor’s electrical wires. At the same time, they also prevent dust from sneaking into your air compressor.
8. Perform a rotation direction check after you’ve installed your air compressor – and every time you need to connect or reconnect the unit. However, you may have to do this check a different way depending on whether you have a fixed-speed air compressor or a variable speed drive air compressor. Sound complicated? Your installation instructions will tell you exactly what to do and how to do it. Get in touch with ALUP if you have any doubts.  
9. Are you installing more than one compressor? Make sure each compressor has its own pressurised drain system. This will help to prevent back pressure and drain blockage. At the same time, it increases the lifetime of the filters in your air compressors.
10. Do not connect your waste drains to each other. This will also help to prevent drain blockages.

Use these tips – and your installation instructions – to optimise the uptime and the quality of air your compressor gives you. 

Please note: This is general advice. We recommend working with a compressed air expert to ensure your air compressor installation complies with local regulations.

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