We often get asked if putting an air compressor outside of the shop is acceptable and we decided to put together a few tips below. Temperature Swings in Air Lines- If your compressor is living outside that means the air line running from the compressor to inside the shop could vary greatly in temperature and could cause issues when there is extreme differences in temperature outside to inside. When your compressor is breathing in sanding or grinding dust all day it will tend to kill or clog the air filter and thus make the compressor work harder to pull air in.
Condensate could turn to ice anywhere that it collects on or in your compressor and compressor controls adversely affecting the way the system operates. A filthy air filter is only hurting your air compressor by allowing dirty air from the outside in, plus forcing it to work harder to intake air. Moving your compressor outside can be done, however it does come at a risk to your business and your compressor.
01-11-2011, 2:33 PM #1 I’m thinking of moving my air compressor outside to help with some space issues. 01-11-2011, 2:38 PM #3 I’m thinking of moving my air compressor outside to help with some space issues. 01-11-2011, 3:55 PM #5 Hi neighbor! Keith, many commercial automotive shops and dealerships have their air compressors outside and under cover, so it’s doable here in NC. As others have mentioned, moisture is your number one concern.
If you’re dead set on placing your air compressor outdoors, read on to learn everything you need to consider prior to doing so. Since the air outside is more likely to have dirt, dust, and debris present, the compressor’s air filter is more likely to clog faster. Protecting your compressor in the winter is similar to the general guidelines listed above for keeping your compressor outside.
“Mine’s outside because of space considerations, sharing a shed with my motorcycle. It was still to loud for my taste. The major noise was from the intake which the paper filter did almost nothing to muffle. I grabbed a plastic bucket, lined it with 2” foam rubber and shoved it over the air filter canister. LARGE noise reduction, no noticeable change in performance.
An option which just occurred to me is to pour a slab outside the shop wall, build a weatherproof shed and check oil an air filter once a month. 03-07-2008, 07:34 PM #2 I’ve had my compressor outside on a pad for years. 03-08-2008, 04:25 AM #13 The big downside to a compressor outside is the noise that people complain about, we had one outside, a 10hp, not the quietest thing, but not too bad, no problems for months, then a lady stopped by and complained that her 90 year old grandfather could hear it 3 blocks away, but only at night when he took his hearing aids out.
how to install air compressor outside Related Question:
Can an air compressor be installed outside?
Moving your compressor outside can be done, however it does come at a risk to your business and your compressor. If you do decide to install it outside, please make sure to keep it covered, insulate your machine & regularly check and maintain.
Where should I put my air compressor?
Your air compressor should always be accessible for servicing. A rule of thumb is to place your compressor somewhere that allows a minimum of a three-foot radius around the unit. This allows doors on any side of your compressor to open fully, meaning different components can be changed during servicing.
Can you leave air compressor outside in winter?
Air compressors run best in temperatures between 41 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. When it is colder than that, the compressor will not perform efficiently and may get damaged. Problems can also occur when you store the unit outside but use it indoors.
Can air compressors get rained on?
If an air compressor gets wet (whether from rain, flooding, spills, etc.), it can affect performance, accelerate wear, or cause the unit to stop working entirely. Excess moisture can damage or degrade mechanical components, both internal and external. It may also create electrical/fire hazards.
Can I store my air compressor in the shed?
You must find a clean, dry place to put your compressor. For example, you should not store your compressor in a storage shed unless it is sufficiently insulated from the outdoor elements. In order to protect the compressor from moisture, it’s also important to get it off of the floor.
Are air compressors waterproof?
Regardless of the terrain or river crossings, this air compressor is ready to take on the elements. The Kleinn engineering team developed the new 6450RC air compressor with modified seals & gaskets to make it completely waterproof.
How much space do you need around an air compressor?
To allow for proper air flow to your air compressor, it should be located at least 12 inches (30 cm) from nearby walls and other equipment.
How much ventilation does an air compressor need?
If the compressor is in an open room, the room must be large enough to dissipate the heat removed from the compressor. A compressor rejects approximately 2500 BTU/hr per horsepower. A 100 HP compressor will exhaust 250,000 BTU/hr into a room.
Does an air compressor need to be vented?
Oftentimes, the compressed air distribution system ends of being built wherever there is space left. However, as much as 80 to 90% of the electrical energy used by an air compressor is converted to heat, and without proper ventilation, the room can easily become overheated and negatively affect overall operations.
Can an air compressor explode in cold weather?
All compressed air system components are vulnerable to damage in cold weather because of the way that condensate moves through the system. Frozen condensate can cause air or water blockages in air compressor accessories and receiver tanks.
Is it OK for an air compressor to freeze?
All air compressors naturally produce condensate, but when condensate freezes, it can impede system functions, and may lead to frozen control lines, cracking heat exchangers, frozen valves, and more.
Can you leave an air compressor in an unheated garage?
It’s an unheated garage that sometimes goes to -30oC. thanks for your input. Storing it in the cold should be fine. Drain any water before you store it.
What happens if an air compressor gets wet?
If Your Air Compressor Gets Wet: It won’t work! You need to drain it! Get the water out of the tank and out of the pistons.
What happens if a compressor gets wet?
Water on a fire protection air compressor can cause the unit to rust prematurely, create a dangerous electrical short, and even create internal damage to the unit depending on the amount of water introduced.
How do you store an air compressor in a garage?
To keep air compressor hoses stored neatly, attach a garden hose reel to the wall of your shop or garage near the compressor and coil the hose around it. When screwing the hose reel to the wall, insert a wood shim between the reel and wall on the bottom screw hole so it tilts the reel upward slightly.
