VIAIR 485c High Performance Compressor User Manual
- June 1, 2024
- VIAIR
Table of Contents
- VIAIR 485c High Performance Compressor
- Product Information
- Product Usage Instructions
- IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
- INSTALLATION
- MOUNTING AND WIRING
- OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
- MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS
- COMPRESSOR APPLICATION GUIDE
- TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
- SPECIFICATIONS
- LIMITED WARRANTY
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
VIAIR 485c High Performance Compressor
Product Information
Specifications:
- Model: Single 485C High-Performance Compressor
- Power Source: 12-Volt DC Systems
- Maximum Pressure Rating: 200 PSI
- Duty Cycle: 100% @ 200 PSI
- Moisture & Dust Resistant
Product Usage Instructions
Installation:
- Securely attach the compressor to a stable surface using appropriate mounting hardware.
- Connect the compressor to a 12-Volt DC power source using the provided wiring diagram.
- Ensure the positive lead wire is of sufficient length and gauge for proper installation.
- Choose a mounting location away from heat sources and potential contact with water or dirt.
- Use thread sealant for fittings installation, ensuring proper sealing and torque.
Operating Instructions:
- Operate the compressor at or below the maximum pressure rating of 200 PSI.
- Observe the maximum duty cycle of the compressor to prevent overheating.
Maintenance & Repairs:
- Regularly check electrical connections, fittings, and mounting screws for tightness.
- Replace the air filter element periodically based on operating frequency.
FAQ:
-
Q: Can this compressor be used with any power source?
A: No, this compressor is designed to be used with 12-Volt DC systems only. -
Q: What is the maximum pressure rating of this compressor?
A: The maximum pressure rating is 200 PSI. It is important tooperate the compressor below this limit. -
Q: How often should the air filter element be replaced?
A: The replacement frequency of the air filter element depends on the operating frequency of the compressor; it should be periodically checked and replaced as needed.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION – To reduce risk of electrical shock:
- Do not disassemble. Do not attempt repairs or modifications. Refer to qualified service agencies for all service and repairs.
- Do not use this product in an area where it can fall or be pulled into water or other liquids.
- Do not reach for this product if it has fallen into liquid.
- Use this compressor with 12-volt DC systems only.
- This product should never be left unattended during use.
WARNING – To prevent injury:
- Never allow children to operate this compressor. Close supervision is necessary when this compressor is being used near children.
- This compressor will become very HOT during and immediately after use. Do not touch any part of this compressor with bare hands during and immediately after use.
- Do not use this product near flames or explosive materials or where aerosol products are being used.
- Do not operate this product where oxygen is being administered.
- Do not pump anything other than atmospheric air.
- Never use this product while sleepy or drowsy.
- Do not use any tools or attachments without first determining maximum air pressure for that tool or attachment.
- Never point any air nozzle or air sprayer toward another person or any part of the body.
- This air compressor is equipped with an Automatic Reset Thermal Protector, and can automatically restart after the thermal protector resets. Always cut off power source when thermal protector becomes activated.
- Wear safety glasses or goggles when operating this product.
- Use only in well ventilated areas.
INSTALLATION
Please read and follow the installation instructions carefully to avoid injury or damage to the compressor and your vehicle. Each of our air compressors and parts have been carefully produced and packaged. Before you begin installation, please familiarize yourself with Installation Parts List (Fig.
- of this manual.
Guidelines for Selecting Mounting Location:
The selection of proper mounting location for your air compressor will help
ensure a long and trouble free compressor service life. Please pay close
attention to the following guidelines:
- Select a FLAT, UPRIGHT AND SECURE location where the compressor can be mounted.
- To maximize air compressor performance, locate compressor as CLOSE TO THE BATTERY as possible so that length of positive lead wire required is at a minimum.
- Choose mounting location that is as cool as possible and AWAY FROM HEAT SOURCES. The cooler the ambient temperature, the less chance the compressor will overheat.
- This compressor is moisture & dust resistant, but NOT DIRT OR WATERPROOF. Do not mount compressor in locations where the unit is likely to come in contact with the elements.
- If it is necessary to mount the air compressor further away from the battery, such as inside your vehicle or in the bed of your pickup, use a positive lead wire for remote installation. Refer to the wire gauge guide on the back of this manual.
- Do not mount compressor near areas where flammable liquids are stored.
- Use thread sealant for proper fitting installation. Thread tape is not recommended. Properly sealed, recommended torque is 12 to 15ft. lbs.
MOUNTING AND WIRING
- Disconnect ground cable from vehicle’s battery.
- Temporarily position the air compressor in the location where it will be mounted.
- Route ground wire to the negative post of the battery or to an appropriate grounding point and cut ground wire to length as needed.
- Mount the air compressor with the four sets of 13/64″ (5 mm) bolts, nuts, washers, and locking washers provided. (See Fig. 2 for Mounting Instructions) Use of thread sealant is recommended.
- Your air compressor comes with a heavy duty heat-resistant leader hose with 3/8″ fittings. This leader hose is designed to prolong the life of your air line. Do not remove the leader hose from the air compressor.
- IMPORTANT: Please note, the leader hose that came with your compressor may have a built-in inline check valve. Do not remove inline check valve from leader hose.
- Connect compressor positive lead wire to one of the leads of your pressure switch (sold separately).
- Make sure that your compressor setup is properly fused. The compressor will pull no more than 23-Amps peak.
- Always locate fuse as close as possible to power source.
- Before connecting to power source, re-check to make sure that all connections are made properly.
- Connect and test compressor system by running the compressor for a short time to build up pressure in your air tank.
- Once air pressure reaches preset cut out pressure of your pressure switch, the compressor will shut off. Inspect all air line connections for leaks with soap and water solution. If a leak is detected, the air line may not be cut squarely or pushed all the way in.
Repair connections as needed.
(Fig. 1) 485C Compressor Installation Parts List:
- A. Mounting Bolts (4pcs)
- B. Flat Washers (8pcs)
- C. Locking Washer (4pcs)
- D. Nuts (4pcs)
- E. Direct Inlet Air Filter (1 pc)
- F. Replacement Filter Element (1 pc)
(Fig. 2) Compressor Mounting Hardware:
- B. Mounting Bolt
- C. Flat Washer
- D. Locking Washer
- E. Nut
- K. Vibration Isolator
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
- IMPORTANT: Always operate the compressor at or below the MAXIMUM PRESSURE RATING of the compressor (200 PSI).
- Always observe the MAXIMUM DUTY CYCLE of the air compressor. Refer to Compressor Applications and Specifications Sections of this manual for details. Operation exceeding maximum pressure ratings and/or duty cycle will result in damage to the air compressor.
- Your air compressors are equipped with AUTOMATIC THERMAL OVERLOAD PROTECTORS. This feature is designed to protect the air compressor from overheating and causing permanent damage. The thermal overload protector will automatically cut power to your air compressor should the internal operating temperature of the air compressor rise above safe levels during excessive use.
- Should at any time during use, your air compressor automatically shut off, do not attempt to restart them. Cut power to the air compressor. The automatic thermal overload protector will automatically reset when internal temperature of the air compressor drops below safe levels. After allowing air compressor to cool off for about 30 minutes, you can safely resume use of the air compressor.
- To prevent discharge of your vehicle’s battery, we recommend that you keep the vehicle’s engine running while operating air compressors.
- ONLY OPERATE AIR COMPRESSORS IN WELL-VENTILATED AREAS.
- Compressor performance is enhanced when operating compressor with vehicle’s engine running.
MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS
- Periodically check all electrical, fittings connections. Clean and tighten as needed.
- Periodically check all mounting screws. Tighten as needed.
- Replace Air Filter Element periodically. Replacement frequency depends on operating frequency and operating environment. For frequent use in dusty environments, we recommend that you replace air filter element once a month.
- Regularly clean dust and dirt from compressor cooling fins and motor housing.
- Your air compressor is equipped with a permanently lubricated, maintenance-free motor. Never try to lubricate the compressor.
- All repairs should be performed by Manufacturer or Manufacturer’s Authorized Service Agencies only.
CAUTION: Never touch the air compressor or fittings connected to the air compressor with bare hands during or immediately after use. The leader hose and fittings connected to leader hose will become very HOT during and after use. If necessary, wear heat resistant gloves to handle fittings, air line, and leader hose.
Wiring Diagram:
(Pressure Switch, Relays & Fuse Not Included)
COMPRESSOR APPLICATION GUIDE
To ensure that you get the highest level of satisfaction from your compressor’s performance, refer to information below:
VIAIR® COMPRESSOR REFERENCE CHART
ABOUT COMPRESSOR DUTY CYCLE:
Duty cycle refers to the amount of time a compressor can be operated in a
given time period at 100 PSI, and a standard ambient temperature of 72° F. It
is commonly expressed in percentage format: Compressor on time ÷ (on time +
off time) = Duty Cycle%.
NOTE: All compressors, regardless of rated duty cycle, require sufficient rest time in between cycles to allow for partial or complete heat dissipation. Heat dissipation rates may vary depending on ambient temperatures and operating conditions.
ABOUT RATED WORKING PRESSURE:
To ensure trouble free service life of your compressor, always operate
compressor within rated working pressure of the compressor. Never use a
pressure switch with a higher cut-off pressure than compressor’s rated working
pressure.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM:
Tank pressure drops when compressor(s) shut off
| POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
1. Loose drain cock
2. Check valve leaking
3. Loose connections
| CORRECTIVE ACTION
1. Tighten drain cock
2. Replace check valve or compressor
3. Check all connections with soap and water solution and tighten
---|---|---
Compressor runs continuously and air flow lower than normal| 1. Excessive air
usage
2. Loose connections
3. Worn piston ring or inlet valve.
4. Clogged air filter element
| 1. Decrease air usage
2. Check all connections with soap and water solution and tighten.
3. Replace compressor
4. Replace air filter element
Compressor runs continuously causing safety valve (if equipped) to open| 1. Faulty pressure switch
2. Defective safety valve
| 1. Replace pressure switch
2. Replace safety valve
Excessive moisture in discharge| 1. Excessive water in air tank
2. High humidity
| 1. Drain tank, tilt tank to drain. Drain tank more frequently
2. Move compressor to area with less humidity, or use air line filter
Compressor will not run| 1. No power, or power switch in OFF position
2. Blown fuse
3. Motor overheats
4. Faulty pressure switch (if hooked up to a pressure switch).
| 1. Make sure compressor switch is ON
2. Disconnect compressor from power source, replace fuse. (Refer to Specifications section for correct fuse-Amperage)
3. Let compressor cool off for about 30 minutes to allow thermal overload switch to reset.
4. Replace pressure switch
Thermal overload protector cuts out repeatedly| 1. Lack of proper ventilation or ambient temperature is too high
2. Compressor valves failed
| 1. Move compressor to well ventilated area, or area with lower ambient temperature
2. Replace compressor
Excessive knocking or rattling| 1. Loose mounting bolts
2. Worn bearing on eccentric or motor shaft
3. Cylinder or piston ring is worn
| 1. Tighten bolts
2. Replace bearing or piston assembly
3. Replace piston or compressor
CAUTION: NEVER DISASSEMBLE COMPRESSOR WHILE COMPRESSOR IS PRESSURIZED.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Part No. 485SB / Single 485C High Performance Compressor / Stealth Black (CE Certified)
- Part No. 485SP / Single 485C High Performance Compressor / Platinum (CE Certified)
- Motor Voltage: 12-Volts
- Max.-Amperage: 23-Amps
- Motor Type: Permanent Magnetic
- Horsepower: 1/4
- Max. Working Pressure: 200 PSI
- Minutes On/Off (@72ºF & 200 PSI): Continuous
- Max. Restart Pressure: 200 PSI
- Max. Ambient Temperature: 158°F
- Min. Ambient Temperature: -40°F
- Auto. Reset Thermal Protection: Yes
- Dimensions: 10.82″L x 4.14″W x 6.59″H
- Net Weight: 10.764lbs.
- Ingress Protection Rating: IP67
AMERICAN WIRE GAUGE GUIDE 12-VOLT:
Amp Draw | Length of wire from battery to compressor (in feet) |
---|---|
5 | 10 |
5 | 16 |
10 | 16 |
15 | 16 |
20 | 14 |
25 | 14 |
30 | 12 |
40 | 12 |
50 | 10 |
60 | 10 |
AMERICAN WIRE GAUGE GUIDE 24-VOLT:
Amp Draw | Length of wire from battery to compressor (in feet) |
---|---|
5 | 10 |
5 | 16 |
10 | 16 |
15 | 16 |
20 | 16 |
25 | 16 |
30 | 16 |
40 | 14 |
50 | 14 |
60 | 12 |
LIMITED WARRANTY
VIAIR® Corporation warrants this product, when properly installed and under normal conditions of use, to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year from its original date of purchase. To receive warranty service or repair, please contact VIAIR® Corporation. Returns should be made within one year of the date of purchase, after a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number has been assigned by VIAIR® Corporation. To obtain RGA, fax a copy of your receipt to 949-585-0188. For complete warranty details, please visit: www.viaircorp.com/warranty
PLEASE NOTE:
THIS WARRANTY COVERS PRODUCT DEFECTS ONLY; IT DOES NOT COVER INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGESAS RESULT OF MISUSE OR ABUSE.
This Manual is proprietary to VIAIR® Corporation and no ownership rights are hereby transferred. No part of the Manual shall be used, reproduced, translated, converted, adapted, stored in a retrieval system, communicated or transmitted by any means, for any commercial purpose, including without limitation, sale, resale, license, rental or lease, without the prior express written consent of VIAIR®. VIAIR® does not make any representations, warranties or guarantees, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the Manual. Users must be aware that updates and amendments will be made from time to time to the Manual. It is the user’s responsibility to determine whether there have been any such updates or amendments. Neither VIAIR® nor any of its directors, officers, employees or agents shall be liable in contract, tort or in any other manner whatsoever to any person for any loss, damage, injury, liability, cost or expense of any nature, including without limitation incidental, special, direct or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the use of the Manual.
15 EDELMAN • IRVINE, CA 92618
TEL: 949-585-0011
FAX: 949-585-0188
www.viaircorp.com