READ & SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
8-Gallon Electric Air Compressor
Owner’s Manual
WARNING: Read carefully and understand all ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION
INSTRUCTIONS before operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic safety
precautions may result in serious personal injury or property damage.
Item #53009
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Thank you very much for choosing a NorthStar™ product!
For future reference, please complete the owner’s record below:
Serial Number/Lot Date Code: ________________________________
Purchase Date: ____________________________________________
Save the receipt, warranty, and this manual. It is important that you read
the entire manual to become familiar with this product before you begin
using it.
This air compressor is designed for certain applications only. Northern
Tool and Equipment is not responsible for issues arising from
modification or improper use of this product such as an application for
which it was not designed. We strongly recommend that this product not
be modified and/or used for any application other than that for which it
was designed.
For technical questions, please call 1-800-222-5381.
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Table of Contents
Intended Use .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Packaging Contents .............................................................................................................................. 4
Technical Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 4
Important Safety Information ............................................................................................................... 4
Specific Operation Warnings ............................................................................................................... 7
Grounding .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Extension Cords .................................................................................................................................. 10
Main Parts of Model 53009 ................................................................................................................. 11
Ref. 1 Air Filter Set .............................................................................................................................. 12
Ref. 2: Wheel Set ................................................................................................................................. 13
Before Each Use .................................................................................................................................. 13
Operating Instructions ........................................................................................................................ 14
After Each Use ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................ 17
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 18
Parts Diagram- Air Receiver Tank ..................................................................................................... 19
Parts List .............................................................................................................................................. 20
Parts Diagram- Pump .......................................................................................................................... 21
Parts List .............................................................................................................................................. 22
Replacement Parts .............................................................................................................................. 22
Limited Warranty ................................................................................................................................. 23
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Intended Use
The NorthStar 8-Gallon Electric Air Compressor provides compressed air used primarily for operating
air tools and pressuring other objects that require high air pressure, such as tires. Do not use for lowpressure objects such as balloons, air mattresses, and sport balls, which can explode quickly and
easily. Special precautions are necessary when used for cleaning to prevent flying debris hazards. It
is not to be used to supply breathing air.
Packaging Contents
Air Compressor(1)
Air filter set(2)
Wheel set (2)
Operating Manual (1)
Technical Specifications
Property
Specification
Motor Voltage
115 Volts
Frequency
60 Hz
Motor Speed
1750 RPM
Amps
12A
Horsepower
1.5 HP
Max. Working Pressure
125 PSI
Volume Rating
3.1 CFM @125 PSI
4.0 CFM @90 PSI
5.4 CFM @40 PSI
Duty Cycle
70%
Noise Level (dB)
70
Receiver Capacity
8 gal.
Compressor Dimensions (Inch)
15.7 (L) x 15.4 (W) x 34.3 (H)
Net Weight (Lb.)
90
Important Safety Information
⚠WARNING
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result in serious injury
or property damage.
The warnings, cautions, and instructions in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions or
situations that could occur. Exercise common sense and caution when using this tool. Always be
aware of the environment and ensure that the tool is used in a safe and responsible manner.
Do not allow persons to operate or assemble the product until they have read this manual and
have developed a thorough understanding of how it works.
Do not modify this product in any way. Unauthorized modification may impair the function and/or
safety and could affect the life of the product. There are specific applications for which the product
was designed.
Use the right tool for the job. DO NOT attempt to force small equipment to do the work of larger
industrial equipment. There are certain applications for which this equipment was designed. This
product will be safer and do a better job at the capacity for which it was intended. DO NOT use
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this equipment for a purpose for which it was not intended.
Industrial or commercial applications must follow OSHA requirements.
⚠WARNING
This product may contain chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities
contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
• lead from lead-based paints,
• crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
• arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To
reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well-ventilated area, and work with approved
safety equipment, such as dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic
particles.
Handling power cords on corded products may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the state
of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash your hands after
handling.
⚠WARNING
WORK AREA SAFETY
Inspect the work area before each use. Keep work area clean, dry, free of clutter, and well-lit.
Cluttered, wet, or dark work areas can result in injury. Using the product in confined work areas
may put you dangerously close to cutting tools and rotating parts.
Do not use the compressor where there is a risk of causing a fire or an explosion; e.g., in the
presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. The product can create sparks, which may ignite
the flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
Do not allow the compressor to come into contact with an electrical source. It is not insulated and
contact will cause electrical shock.
Keep children and bystanders away from the work area while operating the tool. Do not allow
children to handle the product.
Be aware of all power lines, electrical circuits, water pipes, and other mechanical hazards in your
work area. Some of these hazards may be hidden from your view and may cause personal injury
and/or property damage if contacted.
⚠WARNING
PERSONAL SAFETY
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Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating the compressor. Do
not use the tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A
moment of inattention while operating the tool may result in serious personal injury.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects, or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing
and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving
parts. Air vents on the tool often cover moving parts and should be avoided.
Wear the proper personal protective equipment when necessary. Use ANSI Z87.1 compliant
safety goggles (not safety glasses) with side shields, or when needed, a face shield. Use a dust
mask in dusty work conditions. Also use non-skid safety shoes, hardhat, gloves, dust collection
systems, and hearing protection when appropriate. This applies to all persons in the work area.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
Remove keys or wrenches before connecting the tool to an air supply, power supply, or turning on
the tool. A wrench or key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may cause personal
injury.
Secure the work with clamps or a vise instead of your hand when practical. This safety precaution
allows for proper tool operation using both hands.
⚠CAUTION
COMPRESSOR USE AND CARE
Do not force the compressor. Products are safer and do a better job when used in the manner for
which they are designed. Plan your work, and use the correct product for the job.
Check for damaged parts before each use. Carefully check that the product will operate properly
and perform its intended function. Replace damaged or worn parts immediately. Never operate the
product with a damaged part.
Do not use a product with a malfunctioning switch. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with
the power switch is dangerous and must be repaired by an authorized service representative
before using.
Disconnect the power/air supply from the product and place the switch in the locked or off position
before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
Store the product when it is not in use. Store it in a dry, secure place out of the reach of children.
Inspect the tool for good working condition prior to storage and before re-use.
Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for use with your product.
Accessories that may be suitable for one product may create a risk of injury when used with
another tool. Never use an accessory that has a lower operating speed or operating pressure than
the tool itself.
Keep guards in place and in working order. Never operate the compressor without the guards in
place.
Do not leave the compressor running unattended.
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Specific Operation Warnings
⚠WARNING
Moisture in supply air when compressed will form into droplets as it leaves air compressor pump
and enters receiver tank. When humidity is high or when a compressor is in continuous use for an
extended period of time, a significant amount of moisture will collect in the tank. Part of the
moisture will be discharged in the outlet air. When using a paint spray or sandblast gun, this water
will be carried from the tank through the hose, and out of the gun as droplets mixed with the spray
material. If this is not acceptable for your application, an external air dryer must be added to the
system.
The ideal operating temperatures is 40° and 100°F (4° and 37° C), the operating limitations is
15°F (-9°C) or above 125°F (52°C). If temperatures consistently drop below 32°F (0°C), install
within a heated building. If this not possible, protect the safety/relief and drain valves from
freezing.
The supply air is passing through the compressor supply hoses and tools. These can be damaged
or have a shortened life if unclean air is present or air filter is not clean and functioning properly.
Do not allow debris to accumulate or block airflow.
Do not place any objects against or on top of the unit, which can also block airflow or damage unit.
Rotating hazard. Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts, tie up long hair, remove jewelry,
and do not wear loose clothing.
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD.
Use only undamaged electrical cords.
Do not touch bare wires or receptacles.
Do not operate air compressor in wet weather or in wet conditions.
Do not touch air compressor or cords if hands or feet are wet.
Ensure that all cords are free of damage before connecting to the power supply.
Ensure that you have a sufficient electrical supply for supporting the requirements of the motor.
⚠WARNING
HOT SURFACE AND FIRE HAZARD
The pump of the compressor will become very hot during and immediately after use. Do not touch
any part of the pump of this compressor with bare hands other than the ON/OFF switch during and
immediately after use.
Allow the air compressor to cool before touching it.
Provide access to adequate, clean, and unobstructed airflow for cooling and air supply.
Do not allow debris to accumulate or block airflow.
Do not operate with a tarp, blanket, or storage cover surrounding the machine, which blocks air
flow. Only place a cover on the air compressor after it has thoroughly cooled down.
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⚠WARNING
FLYING OBJECTS HAZARD
Always wear the proper protective equipment including ANSI Z87.1 compliant eye protection.
Air-powered equipment and power tools are capable of propelling items (metal chips, fasteners,
and particulates) at high speed into the air and could result in injury.
Never point the air stream at any part of your body, or at another person or animal.
When operating the air compressor, make sure all other people and animals maintain a safe
distance.
Do not move the air compressor when the air tank is under pressure.
Never use the air hoses to pull or move the air compressor.
For use on a hard, level surface capable of sustaining the weight of the compressor and any other
tools and people in the work area.
⚠WARNING
EXPLOSION HAZARD
To prevent injury or property damage, only use high-pressure hoses, fittings, and couplings
designed for use with air compressors.
Never use this compressor to inflate small low-pressure objects, i.e., balloons/inflatables, small or
low volume PSI tires. It is easy to over-pressurize them, causing them to rupture. Identify the
inflation capacity of an object prior to filling it with air. Use a gauge to check the pressure regularly
when inflating anything.
Inspect all hoses, fittings and couplings for leaks and wear. When leaks and wear are detected,
stop use immediately and replace those items before continuing use. Do not repair.
Never leave pressurized air in the air tank when performing maintenance.
Never leave the air compressor unattended with the power supply in use and the air hose
connected.
Improper care could lead to the air tank bursting or exploding.
Drain air tank daily or after each use to prevent moisture buildup in the air tank.
Rust can weaken the air tank and cause leaks or bursting. If rust is detected, replace tank
immediately. Do not try to repair the air tank by welding, drilling or modifying it in any other way.
These modifications can weaken the air tank and cause a hazardous condition.
Never make adjustments to factory-set pressures.
Never exceed manufacture’s maximum-allowable pressure rating attachments.
Because of extreme heat, do not use plastic pipe or lead tin solder joints for discharge line.
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