"Being a small shop that didn't have 3-phase power, we were looking for a compressor that would put out high volume and had a good duty cycle rating. We are operating a lot of air tools, so we were only concerned with 90 psi volumes since most impact wrenches, air drills, sanders, etc, are designed for 90 psi. We didn't need the high pressure of a two-stage compressor, but wanted the high volume and quick recovery time. This compressor fit the bill.
The SS5L5 has a 100% duty cycle rated compressor, which is the only 100% duty cycle rated compressor that we found. Even though the motors that drive the compressors have an 80% duty cycle rating, the compressor cycle rating is much better than the closest compeitor that was only 80% duty cycle. Most of the compressors in this class were only 60% duty cycle rated. The 100% continuous duty cycle rating is only specified when using synthetic lubricant. Using petroleum lubricant drops the duty cycle rating to 60% per hour with a maximum of 10 on/off cycles.
This compressor has a maximum pressure of 135 psi. At 135 psi it produces 15.5 cfm continuously. Since basic hand shop tools are designed around 90 psi, at 90 psi this compressor produces 18.1 cfm continuously, which is what is advertised. If you only need 40 psi, it is rated at 21 cfm continuous.
The stock cycle pressures of the pressure switch will turn the compressor on at 95 psi and shut off at 135 psi. We did not find any kind of adjustment on or in the pressure switch used.
The compressor is shipped without oil, but we purchased the IR start up kit, which contained four quarts of IR synthetic oil and two replacement air filters. Purchasing this kit will extend the two year warranty on the compressor an additional year to total of 3 years. There is an additional 30-day warranty extension if you register your product online. The crankcase held approximately half a quart.
Initial start up calls for running the compressor for a full 30 minutes with the supply and drain valves opened so no tank pressure is created. Then close both valves and allow the pressure switch to activate the shut down.
Servicing guidelines found in the owners manual call for an initial oil change after the first 200 hours of service. Then an ongoing oil change every 2000 hours or 1 year, whichever comes first, along with an air filter replacement.
The condensate drain valve is a manual valve that is recommended to be opened once daily. If you do not keep the compressor at operational pressure consistently, it is recommended to open the drain valve at the end of your use cycle. Since the drain valve is a 1/8? npt valve located at the bottom of the tank and it is difficult to get your hands through the access, and you are on your hands and knees if not laying on the ground, we opted to purchase and install an automatic drain valve that activates for 1 second twice a day. We had to slightly elevate the compressor with 2x4?s at the base to install an elbow and plumb the drain line out from under the compressor.
We also added an IR combo line pressure regulator/water filter to the supply line. We were surprised to see how much water the water filter captures. We typically see more condensate in the supply line filter than we experience in the tank drain valve.
There are no installation instructions, but I would imagine anyone needing this size of a unit should be able to safely wire in 220a and secure the base of the tank using concrete lags or through bolts. We took the extra precaution of securing the upper portion of the tank to the walls with wire rope and turnbuckles. Since this is a vertical compressor, it tends to be top heavy. In an earthquake or similar event, this is an inexpensive and easy preventative measure to ensure safety.
The only problem we had while installing it was that no plumbers tape or pipe dope was used on the main shut off valve from the factory. I?m not sure it this was an oversight or not because both the pressure blow off valve and the tank pressure gauge that were installed on the same T fitting were properly sealed. However, after plumbing into the system, we experienced a leak at the main shut off valve. A small problem to be sure, but it is worth a check to anyone else receiving this unit.
In service this has been an excellent unit. Not overly noisy for a single stage compressor, but not the quietest one we have heard either. Vibration, although existent, is not excessive. Recovery times are fairly quick. It is simply another excellent example of why we continue to come to IR for our air tools needs.
Highly recommended."
What is your level of technical expertise? Professional