- Motor. Air compressors need an electric motor in order to power itself up. What the motor basically does is that it drives a pulley and two belts which will make the transfer of power from the motor towards the pump pistons. This is done with the use of a flywheel as well as with a crankshaft. One important thing to remember to install is a magnetic starter. With this, you can avoid damage to your motor in the event that there is an overload.
- Compressor pump. The pump refers to the instrument which allows air to be compressed and then consequently discharged to the receiver. It is common to have air compressors that have two stage and these will require two cylinder pumps in order to efficiently work. The compressors can then produce from about 145-175 PSI and this is done by compressing the air twice. The air is first compressed in the low pressure and larger cylinder and then into the smaller high pressure cylinder.
- Tank. This is the part of the air compressor which stores the air that is being compressed. This is the biggest part of the air compressor which usually ranges from about 1-10 gallons or even more when there is greater need for it like in construction. However, if your purpose of having air compressors is just for DIY projects in your abode and small construction jobs then you can just settle for 3 gallon tanks or lesser. This will of course depend on where you will use the compressed air.
- Pressure switch. This air compressor part automatically shuts down the motor whenever the receiver will reach the limit which is set beforehand. When the level of pressure drops to a pre-set level then the switch for the pressure will immediately restart the motor. It will then resume the pumping of air. This is also referred to as the emergency switch which regulates the amount of air pressure with which your tank can take.
Drain valve. The very purpose of this air compressor part is exactly what it name means. It will literally drain out the dirt, oil, moisture as well as other debris that might have been trapped inside the tank. Simple maintenance of the air compressor will entail draining the tank from debris and any impurities. Oil and moisture are some of the common reasons for rust to form inside the tank when they are not drained.