Your browser is not supported

You are using a browser we do not support any longer. To continue visiting our website, please choose one of the following supported browsers.

Our global presence

Please select a business area and your country and language.

Close

When to use E-Stop on an air Compressor?

Knowing what's an emergency.

The emergency stop, "e-stop", is for true emergency situations only. When hitting the e-stop, all power is halted from the machine and the unload process isn't achieved. The emergency stop button is intended to help with possibly hazardous situations that are developing. Common conditions of having to use the e-stop is the misuse of the equipment in ways that weren’t intended, predictable failures not addressed or failing to consider all the foreseeable uses of the compressor. Machines are designed with the e-stop to shut down your compressor without increasing or introducing new risk to the situation. The emergency stop function is available and operational at all times, regardless of the operating mode.

Understanding E-stop

1. E-stop is not a safety device: This button will not keep you safe, but designed to shut down the compressor immediately. It still needs to be initiated by human action and will not happen on without.

2. Emergency Stop and Cycle Stop are NOT the same: E-stop stops all power to the machine and can only be restarted once the machines' e-stop has been deactivated. A cycle-stop ends the cycle once that phase is completed without a harsh stop.

3. Not all compressors are designed to include an e-stop button for an emergency.

4. The E-stop function should NEVER be used as an on/off function for your machine. Remember, the braking or stopping time must be as short as possible when hitting the e-stop, usually just short of breaking the machinery due to the stopping stresses. The overuse of the e-stop button will result in damaging your compressor over time.

Jim Phillis

You ask, we answer. Visit our Expert Corner for every #CPTechThursday to find answers to common industry questions and highlights of CP's high-quality compressors. We love providing our customers with answers to their technical questions.

Jim Phillis , Technical Support Chicago Pneumatic

Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date on our #CPTechThursday posts.

Please contact [email protected] for additional information. For tech support for any Chicago Pneumatic product, please call us at (877)861-2722, opt 1. Or email us at [email protected] . We look forward to helping.

Experts' articles

Why a Chicago Pneumatic VSD Expert Corner

Why Is My Compressor Vibrating?

Regardless of the type of compressor you have, vibration issues can be troubling for any business. The root of the vibration can stem from multiple sources, some internally and others externally. Understanding the cause of the vibration and how to resolve them will be critical in keeping your compressor in proper working order.

Can my compressor be outside

How Do I Winterize My Air Compressor?

Regardless of whether or not it actually freezes where you live, most winterization service recommendations are also basic, solid maintenance procedures that will help extend the life and operational efficiencies of air compressors regardless of whether you live in northern Maine or South Florida.

Expert Corner Dryer

Where Should I Install my Air Dryer?

Your company purchased an air dryer for your compressor. One of the most common things we see in the industry are air dryers being stored on top of the compressors. Seems like a wasted space not being used on top of the compressor, right? Wrong.