When I power on the airless paint sprayer, why the air switch trips
WHEN I POWER ON THE AIRLESS PAINT SPRAYER, WHY THE AIR SWITCH TRIPS?
Airless paint sprayers are widely used for various painting applications, but sometimes users face an issue where the air switch (circuit breaker) turns off immediately after powering on the machine. This problem is often related to electrical overloading, incorrect wiring, or insufficient circuit capacity. Below are possible causes and solutions, including electrical regulations in different countries regarding maximum allowable current.
Possible Causes of Air Switch Tripping
- Overloaded Circuit – If the airless sprayer draws more current than the circuit can handle, the breaker will trip to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
- Undersized Circuit Breaker – The installed circuit breaker may not support the power requirements of the sprayer.
- Insufficient Wire Gauge – Thin wires create resistance and cause voltage drops, leading to excessive current draw.
- Long Cable Length – The longer the extension cable, the higher the resistance, causing voltage drops and increased current draw.
- Faulty Electrical Components – A malfunctioning motor or internal electrical components can cause excessive power draw and trip the breaker.
Maximum Electrical Current Limits in Different Countries
Each country has its own regulations regarding the maximum current capacity allowed per circuit. Below are some common standards:
| Country | Standard Voltage | Typical Maximum Current per Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 120V / 240V | 16A (standard), 20A (high-power) |
| Canada | 120V / 240V | 16A, 20A |
| UK | 230V | 13A, 16A, 32A |
| EU | 230V | 10A, 16A, 20A, 32A |
| Australia | 230V | 10A, 15A, 20A, 32A |
| China | 220V | 10A, 16A, 20A, 32A |
| Japan | 100V / 200V | 15A, 20A |
If your airless paint sprayer requires a higher current than what your existing circuit can provide, you may need to take corrective actions.
Solutions to Prevent the Air Switch from Tripping
- Upgrade to a Higher Rated Circuit Breaker
- If your paint sprayer requires more power, replacing the breaker with a higher-rated one (e.g., upgrading from 16A to 20A or 32A) can solve the problem. Ensure the wiring and power outlet support the increased capacity.
- Use a Thicker Power Cable
- Power cables have different gauges (thickness). Using a thicker cable (lower gauge number, such as 10 AWG instead of 14 AWG) reduces resistance and prevents excessive voltage drops. If you’re using 2.0 mm² (15 AWG) now, so change it to 2.5 mm² (14 AWG) wire cable.
- Reduce Extension Cord Length
- Long extension cords increase resistance, causing higher current draw. If possible, connect the sprayer directly to the power source or use a shorter, high-quality extension cable. but if you are using 20m long cable, please change it to 10 meters or 5 meters..
- Check and Upgrade the Power Supply Circuit
- Ensure that the power supply meets the required specifications of the sprayer. If necessary, upgrade the electrical system to handle the load safely.
- Ensure the Voltage Matches the Machine’s Requirements
- Some sprayers are designed for 220V but may be connected to a 110V outlet, causing overloading. Verify the voltage requirement and use a transformer if needed.
- Inspect and Replace Faulty Components
- If the sprayer has a malfunctioning motor or internal electrical issue, it may draw excessive current. Conduct an inspection and replace any defective parts.
If the circuit breaker trips off when the pressure goes up to the maximum pressure, it means the cable is over loading only after the pressure goes up. so you only need to reduce the pressure, or change to bigger spray tip size.
or you can adjust the pressure regulator knob from 0 / low pressure to higher slowly, it will reduce the risk also.
