Short cycling is rapid, repeated starting and stopping of the compressor, usually caused by a small receiver, a narrow pressure band or a leak. It overheats the motor and shortens the life of the machine.
Common causes
- Receiver tank too small for the demand pattern
- Pressure switch band set too narrow
- Air leaks that drain the receiver quickly
- Under-sized or blocked pipe causing pressure swings
How to fix it
Increase the receiver volume, widen the pressure band within the machine limits, and repair the leaks that drain the tank. A variable speed machine also reduces cycling by matching output to demand instead of running flat out and stopping.
Why it matters
Each start imposes a high inrush current and thermal stress on the motor. A machine that short cycles for months will fail far earlier than one that runs steadily, so the fix is far cheaper than the failure.