U S General 3848 Stationary Air Compressor Instruction Manual

U S General 3848 Stationary Air Compressor

Product Information

The Stationary Air Compressor is a high-pressure pumping system used in various air system applications. It is designed for heavy-duty use and provides reliable and efficient performance.

The compressor is available in different models:

• US General Models: 3848, 93274, 90836
• US660V
• US560V
• US7580V

Specifications

• Power Source: Electrical
• Country of Origin: USA
• Weight: Varies depending on the model
• Dimensions: Varies depending on the model

Product Usage Instructions

Before Using the Air Compressor
Prior to using the air compressor, it is important to follow these steps:

1. Inspect your work area:
   • Keep the work area clean and free from clutter.
   • Avoid slippery floors caused by wax or dust.
2. Inspect your compressor:
   • Turn off the switch and disconnect the power before checking the compressor to reduce the risk of accidental starting.
   • Read the instruction manual carefully to understand the assembly, disassembly, and operation procedures.
   • If any part is missing, bent, broken, or any electrical part does not work properly, keep the compressor off and disconnected.
   • Check hoses for weak or worn condition before each use and ensure all connections are secure. Do not use if defects are found.

When Installing or Moving the Compressor
When installing or moving the compressor, follow these guidelines:

• Ensure the compressor is bolted to the floor with vibration pads to prevent equipment damage, injury, or death. The compressor is top-heavy, so proper anchoring is crucial.
• Do not tighten the bolts completely as this may cause stress to the tank welds.

FAQ

1. Q: Can I use this compressor for breathing air applications?
   A: No, this compressor is not designed for and should not be used in breathing air applications.

2. Q: What should I do if any part of the compressor is damaged?
   A: If any part of the compressor is damaged during shipping, handling, or use, do not operate it. Operating a damaged compressor may result in bursting and cause injury or property damage. Keep the compressor off and disconnected and seek professional assistance to repair or replace the damaged part.

For questions concerning this air compressor, please call: 1-866-869-3114.

SAFETY GUIDELINES – DEFINITIONS

Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert and knowing how your compressor works. Read this manual to understand this compressor.

DANGER
means if safety information is not followed someone will be seriously injured or killed

WARNING
means if safety information is not followed someone could be seriously injured or killed

CAUTION
means if safety information is not followed someone may be seriously injured or killed

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Save these instructions
Improper operation or maintenance of this product could result in serious injury and property damage. Read and understand all warnings and operation instructions before using this compressor.

Before using the air compressor
Things you should know
Air compressors are utilized in a variety of air system applications. Because air compressors and other components (hoses, connectors, air tools, spray guns, etc.) make up a high pressure pumping system, the following safety pre- cautions should be observed at all times.
Only persons familiar with these rules of safe operation should use the air compressor.

1. Read the instruction manual carefully before attempting to assemble, disassemble or operate your system. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment.
2. Review and understand all safety instructions and operating procedures in this manual.
3. Review the maintenance methods for this compressor (See “Maintaining Your Compressor” section).

Inspect your work area

1. Keep work area clean.
2. Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents. Floors must not be slippery from wax or dust.

Inspect your compressor

1. To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, turn switch off and disconnect the power before checking it.
2. If any part is missing, bent or broken in any way, or any electrical part does not work prop- erly, keep the compressor off and disconnected.
3. Check hoses for weak or worn condition before each use, making certain all connections are secure. Do Not use if defect is found.

WARNING
Do not operate compressor if damaged during shipping, handling or use. Damage may result in bursting and cause injury or property damage.

DANGER
This compressor is Not designed for and should not be used in breathing air applications.

When installing or moving the compressor

WARNING
This compressor is extremely top heavy. The compressor must be bolted to the floor with vibration pads before operating to prevent equipment damage, injury or death. Do Not tighten bolts completely as this may cause stress to the tank welds.

To reduce the risk of a dangerous environment

1. Keep work area well lit.

2. Operate compressor in a well-ventilated area free from flammable liquids and vapors.

3. Operate compressor in a ventilated area so that compressor may be properly cooled and the surrounding air temperature will not be more than 100°F.

4. Never use a compressor in a wet environment.

5. Protect material lines and air lines from damage or puncture. Keep hose and wires away from sharp objects, chemical spills, oil, solvents and wet floors.
   WARNING
   Do Not secure compressor with toggle bolts into drywall. Drywall sheeting or plaster will not support the weight of the compressor.

6. A minimum clearance of 18 inches between the compressor and a wall is required because objects could obstruct airflow.

7. The compressor should be located where it can be directly wired to a circuit breaker. The compressor should be wired by a qualified electrician.

8. Never store flammable liquids or gases in the vicinity of an operating compressor.

9. Do Not locate the compressor air inlet near steam, paint spray, sandblasting areas or any other source of contamination. The debris could damage the motor and pump.

WARNING
Never use plastic (PVC) pipe for compressed air. Serious injury or death could result.

CAUTION
Never use the shipping skid for mounting the compressor.

NOTICE
This compressor is not intended for outdoor installation.

WARNING
Never install a shut off valve between the compres-sor pump and tank. Personal injury and/or equipment damage could occur.

Note:
Tank Outlet Size: 1/2” NPT for Stock# 3848 & 93274 3/4” NPT for Stock# 90836

Before each use

Inspect your work area

1. Keep work area clean. Cluttered areas and benches invite accidents.
2. The floor must not be slippery from wax or dust.

Inspect your compressor

1. To reduce the risk of injury from accidental starting, turn the switch off and disconnect power.
2. If any part is missing, bent or broken in any way, or any electrical part does not work properly, keep the compressor off and dis- connect power. Do Not use if defect is found.
3. Check hoses for weak or worn condition before each use, making certain all connect- ions are secure. Do Not use if a defect is found.

Follow the safety precautions for electrical connections

1. Follow all local electrical and safety codes, as well as the National Electric Code (NEC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).
2. Wiring and fuses should follow electrical codes, current capacity and be properly grounded.
3. Protect wires from contact with sharp objects.

CAUTION
All electrical connections should be made by a qualified electrician.

Plan ahead to protect your eyes, hands, face and ears

Dress for safety

1. Wear safety glasses (meeting ANSI Z87.1 or in Canada CSA Z94.3-99) and use hearing protection when operating the unit. Everyday glasses are not safety glasses.
2. Wear shoes to prevent shock hazards.
3. Tie back long hair.

Pay attention to your hands
WARNING
Keep fingers away from running compressor. Fast moving and hot parts may cause injury and/or burns.

• Be careful when touching the exterior of compressor, pump, motor and air lines; they may become hot enough to cause injury.
• Never operate the compressor without a beltguard. The compressor can start automatically without warning. Personal injury or property damage could occur from contact with moving parts.

CAUTION
The compressor may be hot even if the unit is stopped.

WARNING
Use of a mask or respirator per chemical manufacturers’ instructions may be neces-sary if there is a chance of inhaling toxic fumes. Read mask and respirator instructions care-fully. Consult a safety expert if you are not sure about the use of certain masks or respirators.

When operating

1. Do not exceed the pressure rating of any component of the system.
2. Release pressure within the system slowly to prevent flying dust and debris.
3. If the equipment starts to abnormally vibrate, STOP the compressor immediately and check for the cause.

WARNING
Never change the safety valve or pressure switch settings. Keep safety valve free from paint and other accumulations. See compressor specification decal for maximum operating pressure. Do not operate with the pressure switch set higher than the maximum operating pressure.

Spraying precautions

WARNING
Never point a spray gun at yourself or any other person or animal. Accidental discharge may result in serious injury.

Reduce the risk of dangerous environment

• Extreme caution should be taken when spraying flammable liquids as the spark from a motor or pressure switch may cause a fire or explosion. Ample ventilation must be provided.
• Spray in a well ventilated area to keep fumes from collecting and causing serious injury and fire hazards.
  1. Do Not spray in the vicinity of open flames or other places where a spark can cause ignition. Do Not smoke when spraying paint, insecticides, or other flammable substances.

Be informed about the materials you use

1. When spraying with solvents or toxic chemicals, follow the instructions provided by the chemical manufacturer. Consult a safety expert if unsure about the use of masks or respirators.
2. If the material you intend to spray contains trichloreoethane and methylene chloride, do not use accessories that contain aluminum or galvanized materials, as these chemicals can react with galvanized components causing corrosion and weakening equipment. Use stainless steel accessories.

Perform these maintenance operations

1. Do regular maintenance; keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight, to be sure equipment is in safe working condition.

2. Inspect tank yearly for rust, pin holes or any other imperfections that could cause it to become unsafe.
   WARNING
   NEVER attempt to repair or modify a tank!Welding, drilling or any other modification will weaken the tank resulting in damage from rupture or explosion. Always replace worn, cracked or damaged tanks.

3. Clean electrical equipment with an approved cleaning agent, such as a dry, non-flam- mable cleaning solvent.

4. Drain tanks of moisture after each day’s use. If unit will not be used for awhile, it is best to leave the drain cock open until such time as it is to be used. This will allow moisture to completely drain out and help prevent corrosion of inside of tank.

5. Always disconnect from power source before working on or near a motor, or its connected load. If power disconnect point is out-of- sight, secure it in the “OFF” position and tag it
   to prevent unexpected application of power.

WARNING
Disconnect power and depressurize system before servicing air compressor. Slightly open drain cock after shutting off compressor.

Daily
Check oil level at sight glass. Drain moisture from tank. Verify the pressure switch unloader is working by listening for a brief hissing sound when the compressor shuts off. Visually check the compressor for loose parts, excessive noise or vibration.

Monthly
(Make sure the main power is off.) Check the belts for tension. Belts should not move up and down when the compressor runs and when stopped, should not have more than ½ in of play when depressed. Be careful not to over tighten belts during adjustment. Remove and check air filter, replace if necessary. Change oil every 3 months or 300 hours. A compressor grade non-detergent oil should be used. (40 wt for 3848 and 30wt for Models 93274 and 90836).

WARNING LABELS
Find and read all warning labels found on the air compressor.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Air Filter
Porous element contained within a metal or plastic housing attached to the compressor cylinder head which removes impurity from the intake air of the compressor.

Air Tank
Cylindrical component which contains the compressed air.

Check Valve
Device which prevents compressed air from flowing back from the air tank to the compres-sor pump.

Electric Motor
Device which provides the rotational force necessary to operate the compressor pump.

Pressure Gauge
Device which shows the tank or regulated pressure of the compressed air.

Pressure Switch
Device which automatically controls the on/off cycling of the compressor. It stops the compressor when the cut-off pressure in the tank is reached and starts the compressor when the air pressure drops below the cut-in pressure.

PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)
Measurement of the pressure exerted by the force of air. The actual psi is measured by a pressure gauge on the compressor.

Pump
Device which produces the compressed air with a reciprocating piston contained within a cylinder.

Safety Valve
Device which prevents air pressure in the air tank from rising over a predetermined limit.

Thermal Overload Switch
Device, integrated into the electric motor winding, which automatically “shuts off” the compressor if the temperature of the electric motor exceeds a predetermined limit.

WIRING

WARNING
ALL ELECTRICAL WIRING SHOULD BE DONE BY A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN

General Information

Adequate wiring and motor protection
should be provided for all stationary compressors. Wiring used for other machinery should not be used. A qualified electrician familiar with local electrical codes in your area should be used. Size supply wiring per NEC (National Electric Code) requirements.

WARNING
To reduce the risk of electrical hazards, fire hazards or damage to the compressor, use proper circuit protection. Your compressor is wired at the factory for operation using the voltage shown. Connect the compressor to a power source with the correct breaker size.

• Electrical connections must be properly grounded. Ground connections should be connected at the grounding screw.

CAUTION
Overheating, short circuiting and fire damage will result from inadequate wiring.

For Models 3848 & 93274

| 3848| 93274| 90836
---|---|---|---
Voltage| 230V / 1 ph| 230V / 1 ph| 230V / 1 ph
Full Load Amps| 16| 23| 32
Breaker Size| 30 amp| 40 amp| 60 amp

STARTING THE COMPRESSOR STARTING THE COMPRESSOR
Prior to actually running the compressor, check the following items: Crankcase oil – Make sure the sight glass shows ½ full or slightly above. Make sure all rags, tools, oil, etc. are away from the unit. Open the air system to free it of any pressure. Switch the compressor on for a few revolutions to make sure the rotation is correct. Correct rotation is clockwise when facing the sight glass on the pump. Operate the compressor for a few minutes unloaded (air system open) then allow the compressor to pump up. Make sure the electrical pressure switch properly switches off the compressor according to the setting desired. (130 psi for 3848, 165 for 93274, and 175 psi for 90836.)

CAUTION
Make sure the pressure in the tank does not exceed its rating. 3848 should operate at a maximum of 130 psi, 93274 should operate at a maximum of 165 psi, & 90836 at a maximum of 175 psi. If the pressure gauge indicates a pressure that is higher than these maximum pressures, shut off compressor immediately and call 1-866-869-3114.

• Part Numbers Subject to Change Without Notice

Compressor Support: 866-869-3114

LIMITED WARRANTY

Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year (3848) or two years (3847, 93274, and 90836) from date of purchase (90 days if used by a professional contractor or if used as rental equipment). This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents; repairs or alterations outside our facilities; or lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return the repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. PO Box 6009 Camarillo, CA 93011 (800)444-3353

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