Air Compressor problem. Tank pressure activates pressure switch activates magnetic starter activates electric motor.
Air pressure "Unloader" copper pipe goes from tank to pressure switch to turn compressor on. Air pressure from tank goes to pressure switch to turn compressor off. This is a spring loaded setup where one of the previously mentioned systems pushes the two connections away and the other system pushes them together all in one mechanical assembly. When the two connections connect that is when the starter is activated.
Think of it as giving someone high five with both your hands at the same time with enough clearance to put one or two credit cards between each others hand.
Problem happens when the compressor is about to reach cut in or cut off. When the connections are about to connect they start to touch each other and separate quickly causing the starter to activate on and of repeatedly. Like when you flicker the light-switch. There is very little clearance between the connections and they appear to be magnetic. Because of the bad design of the pressure switch the sparks start to fly from the magnetic starter, and the starter makes loud knocking noises and sometimes trips the breaker, and it causes the motor to turn on/off repeatedly which can't be good for it.
Once it connects or disconnects then it is fine. The problem is the transition from on to off and off to on. It seems to be because of the incremental movement and because of the microscopic clearance between the two connections.
Is this normal? Does the pressure switch need to be fondeled with? Do I need a different size spring? Do I need to find a way to create more clearance between the connections?
Campbell Hausfeld CE7000
New, never ran correctly
Factory installed starter
Electrician installed plug
7.5 HP 80 gallon 175psi