Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE Vertical Air Compressors.
Read this manual fully before use and follow the instructions carefully. In doing
so you will ensure the safety of yourself and those around you, and you can
look forward to your purchase giving you long and satisfactory service.
GUARANTEE
This product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of 12
months from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt which will be
required as proof of purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or
tampered with in any way, or not used for the purpose for which it was
intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product can
be returned to us without prior permission.
This guarantee does not effect your statutory rights.
ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING POLICY
Through purchase of this product, the customer is taking on the
obligation to deal with the WEEE in accordance with the WEEE
regulations in relation to the treatment, recycling & recovery and
environmentally sound disposal of the WEEE.
In effect, this means that this product must not be disposed of with general
household waste. It must be disposed of according to the laws governing
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at a recognised disposal
facility.
Before using your compressor it is in your own interest to read and pay attention
to the following safety rules.
1. Compressed air is dangerous. Do not point a jet of air at persons or animals, and do
not discharge compressed air against the skin.
2. DO NOT operate your compressor with the guard removed.
3. Repairs must only be carried out by a qualified engineer. If problems occur, contact
your Clarke dealer.
4. Before carrying out any maintenance, make sure that the pressure is released from
the air reservoir, and that the compressor is disconnected from the electrical supply.
5. DO NOT leave pressure in the receiver overnight, or when transporting.
6. DO NOT adjust, or tamper with the safety valves. The maximum pressure is factory
set, and clearly marked on the compressor.
7. DO NOT operate in wet or damp conditions. Keep the compressor dry at all times.
Similarly, clean air will allow the compressor to work efficiently. Do not use in dusty or
otherwise dirty locations.
8. Some of the metal parts can become quite hot during operation. Do not touch/
remove these until the compressor has cooled down.
9. Always set the pressure regulator to the recommended setting for the tool.
10. When spraying flammable materials e.g. cellulose paint, ensure that there is
sufficient airflow and keep clear of any source of ignition.
11. Before spraying any material always consult paint manufacturers instructions for
safety and usage.
12. Protect yourself. Goggles will protect your eyes from flying particles. A face mask will
protect you against paint spray and fumes.
13. Do not apply strain to electrical cables and make sure that air hoses are not kinked
or wrapped around the compressor.
14. When disconnecting air hoses or other equipment from your compressor, make sure
that the air supply is turned off at the outlet and vent all compressed air from within
the reservoir and other equipment attached to it.
15. Make sure that children and animals are kept well away from the compressor and
any equipment attached to it.
16. Make sure that all individuals using the compressor have had the necessary training
and have read and fully understand these operating instructions.
17. Make sure that any equipment or tool used in conjunction with your compressor, has
a safe working pressure exceeding that of the compressor.
18. Be very careful when transporting the compressor to prevent tipping over
19. Permanently installed systems must be installed by a competent engineer.
20. These compressors produce noise levels in excess of 70dB(A). Persons working near
the compressor must be supplied with ear protection.
Read this instruction booklet carefully before positioning,
operating or adjusting the compressor.
Risk of electric shock. The compressor must be
disconnected from the mains supply before removing any
covers. Do not use in a damp environment.
Risk of accidental start-up. The compressor could start
automatically in the event of a power cut and subsequent
reset. Do not carry the compressor while it is connected to
the power source, or when the tank is filled with
compressed air.
This compressor contains surfaces which may reach a high
temperature during operation. Never operate with the
motor housing removed.
Wear safety goggles and ear protectors when using this
compressor
This compressor produces a high sound level during
operation. Ear protection should be worn.
WARNING: READ THESE ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONNECTING THE PRODUCT TO THE MAINS
SUPPLY.
Connect the mains lead to a standard, 230 Volt (50Hz) electrical supply
through an approved 13 amp BS 1363 plug, or a suitably fused isolator switch.
If the plug has to be changed because it is not suitable for your socket, or
because of damage, it must be removed and a replacement fitted, following
the wiring instructions shown below. The old plug must be discarded safely, as
insertion into a power socket could cause an electrical hazard
WARNING: THE WIRES IN THE POWER CABLE OF THIS PRODUCT ARE
COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE:
BLUE = NEUTRAL BROWN = LIVE YELLOW AND GREEN = EARTH
If the colours of the wires in the power cable do not agree with the markings
on the plug.
• The BLUE wire must be
connected to the terminal
which is marked N or coloured
black.
• The BROWN wire must be
connected to the terminal
which is marked L or coloured
red.
• The YELLOW AND GREEN wire
must be connected to the
terminal which is marked E or
or coloured green.
We strongly recommend that this machine is connected to the mains supply
through a Residual Current Device (RCD)
If you are not sure, consult a qualified electrician. DO NOT try to do any
repairs.
VEC18C150
The unit must be connected to a 230V socket cabable of supplying 40 Amps,
We recommend that you consult a qualified electrician
5
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Page 6
BEFORE USE
WARNING: TO PREVENT INJURY, ALWAYS GET ASSISTANCE WHEN LIFTING
OR MOVING THIS COMPRESSOR. ITS DESIGN MEANS IT IS TOP HEAVY.
Before connecting your compressor to the power supply, check the following:-
• Set the ON/OFF switch to the
OFF position (pushed down).
• If fitted, remove the protective
plastic moulding from the top
of the cylinder head.
• Make sure that the supply
voltage matches the voltage
shown on the data label.
• Make sure that the compressor
is on firm level ground.
• This compressor must be
secured to the ground through
the feet using suitable bolts and washers.
CHECK THE OIL LEVEL
1. Remove the dipstick from the oil
reservoir.
2. Ensure the oil level is between the
min and max marks on the
dipstick.
• Only use SAE30 compressor oil,
available from your Clarke
dealer Part No. 3050801
If the compressor has not been used for more then 24 hours, open the drain
valve (on the bottom of the reservoir) and drain any condensate which has
collected. See page 10.
MOVING THE AIR COMPRESSOR
• Stop the compressor and disconnect it from the power supply
before you move it.
• Always get assistance when lifting or moving this compressor as its
design means it is top heavy.
• Do not lift by (or put strain on) valves or hoses.
CONNECTING AIR TOOLS
WARNING: BEFORE CONNECTING AIR TOOLS, MAKE SURE THAT YOU
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS SUPPLIED WITH THE TOOL, ALSO ENSURE THAT
THE TOOL IS SUITABLE FOR USE WITH THE COMPRESSOR AND HOSE
SPECIFICATIONS.
1. Attach the air hose to the outlet
valve.
2. Attach the air tool to the other
end of the air hose.
3. Turn the outlet valve tap to the On
position.
NOTE: The outlet valve is shown
without the air hose fitted for
clarity.
NOTE: To adjust the output pressure
we recommend that a
pressure regulator (not
supplied) be fitted between
the compressor and the tool.
CAUTION: YOU MUST DRAIN THE RESERVOIR AFTER EACH DAYS USE AND
BEFORE YOU PUT YOUR COMPRESSOR INTO STORAGE.
1. Turn the compressor off and disconnect from the power supply.
2. Put a container below the drain
valve to collect the condensate.
• The drain valve is located on
the bottom of the reservoir
3. Open the drain valve slowly.
• Condensation will drain from
the reservoir.
4. Close the drain valve when the
reservoir has fully drained.
RESET BUTTON
This compressor has a thermal
overload device.
If the motor gets too hot, the thermal
overload device cuts the power
which prevents damage to the motor.
If the thermal overload device
operates, let the motor cool down for
5 minutes and push the reset button.
If you start the compressor and the
overload cutout operates again, stop
the compressor and disconnect from the power supply and have your
compressor examined by a qualified service agent.
WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT THE COMPRESSOR IS DISCONNECTED FROM
THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY BEFORE CARRYING OUT ANY MAINTENANCE
CHECK OIL (DAILY)
Ensure the oil level is between the min and max marks on the dipstick. See
“Check the Oil level” on page 6 and top-up if necessary - (use Clarke SAE30
compressor oil, available from your local dealer).
DRAIN THE RESERVOIR (DAILY)
After use, always open the drain
valve to make sure that any
condensate is drained off.
CLEAN THE AIR FILTER (MONTHLY)
The air filter must be examined
monthly, more often in dusty
conditions,
1. Remove the securing bolt and pull
the filter housing from the
compressor.
2. Unclip the front and rear of the
filter and pull out the filter
element.
3. Clean the filter using a soft brush.
• If necessary, the filter can be
carefully cleaned in warm
soapy water.
• Rinse and let the filter dry
completely before refitting.
• If the filter or filter element is damaged, you must replace it.
4. Reassemble the filter and refit it to the compressor using the securing bolt.
After the first 100 hours use, replace
the oil using Clarke SAE30 compressor
oil. Then replace the oil after every
500 hours of operation or every 6
months.
To empty the oil from the machine,
remove the oil drain plug from the
crankcase.
CHECK THE NON-RETURN VALVE (EVERY 6 MONTHS)
If the reservoir pressure decreases for no apparent reason, it is possible that the
non-return valve is leaking. To check this:
1. Make sure that the reservoir is not
under pressure and the
compressor is switched OFF.
2. Examine the non-return valve,
and replace the gasket and valve
if necessary.
Dimensions (L x W x H) 620x500x1610 mm620x500x1630 mm620x500x1630 mm
Weight100 kg110 kg125 kg
Please note that the details and specifications contained herein, are correct at
the time of going to print. We reserve the right to change specifications at any
time without prior notice.