Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual
150 PSI 6 CFM M
odel
12V6CF
Serial No. ___________________
____
Questions?
As a manufacturer, we are com-
mitted to providing you complete
customer satisfaction. If you have
questions, or find there are missing
or damaged parts, we will guaran-
tee you complete satisfaction. To
avoid unnecessary delays, contact
your dealer immediately
CAUTION:
Read all safety precautions and
instructions in the manual carefully
OWNER’S MANUAL
“ A i r W h e re A n d W h e n Yo u N e e d I t ! ”
®
WARRANTY
Voltair, Inc. warrants the Voltair against defective workmanship and parts in accordance with the warranty given to
us by our suppliers for one full year. If during the warranty period it is thought that the unit becomes inoperative
due to a defect, the Voltair needs to be returned to the dealer to determine the proper course of action. The dealer
shall contact Voltair, Inc. regarding a warranty inspection or replacement. Voltair, Inc. reserves the right to void
any warranty claim if the Voltair has been altered, shows bad maintenance, shows abuse, or has been dismantled
without proper authorization. Voltair, Inc. can request that the unit be returned for inspection. Voltair will not war-
ranty and is not liable for improper installation. Improper installation can be the result of poor judgment in running
power to the compressor, not installing a circuit breaker or not using a DOT approved air storage tank.
VOLTAIR, INC. IS NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM-
AGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT
OR OTHER DAMAGES WITH RESPECT TO ANY ECONOMIC LOSS, LOSS OF PROPERTY, LOSS OF REV-
ENUES OR PROFITS, LOSS OF ENJOYMENT OR USE, COSTS OF REMOVAL, INSTALLATION OR OTHER
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF WHATSOEVER NATURE.
Voltair, Inc., Henderson, NE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARNING
:
Please read through these instructions before installing the 12-Voltair air compressor
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................................................................................................. 4
BEFORE YOU BEgIN
PICTURE DIAgRAM ...................................................................................................................5
INSTALLATION
ASSEMBLY .................................................................................................................................. 6
OIL ................................................................................................................................................. 6
FINDINg A LOCATION FOR THE 12-VOLTAIR .......................................................................7
DRILLINg/SECURINg ................................................................................................................7
ELECTRICAL
gROUND WIRE, POSITIVE WIRE ............................................................................. 8
BATTERY FACTS
(helping you pick the best battery for you)
.......................................... 8
TOggLE SWITCH (OPTIONAL) .................................................................................. 9
CIRCUIT BREAkER (OPTIONAL) ............................................................................... 9
PLUMBINg AIR STORAgE TO YOUR COMPRESSOR
CHOOSINg THE RIgHT SIzE AIR TANk .................................................................. 10
FINDINg A LOCATION FOR AN AIR TANk ............................................................... 10
OPERATION AND ADJUSTMENT .......................................................................................................... 11
MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................................................ 11
WIRINg DIAgRAM ................................................................................................................................... 12
TROUBLESHOOTINg .............................................................................................................................. 13
WARRANTY CARD .................................................................................................................................. 15
“ A i r W h e re A n d W h e n Yo u N e e d I t ! ”
®
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IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, read the following important safety
precautions and information before operating this air compressor.
1.
“ A i r W h e re A n d W h e n Yo u N e e d I t ! ”
®
Page
BEFORE YOU BEgIN
Thank you for selecting the 12-VOLTAIR air compressor. The 12-VOLTAIR is a heavy duty air compressor designed to let
you accomplish most air related jobs away from the shop.
For safety and benefit, read this manual carefully before using the 12-VOLTAIR.
Air Filter
Pressure Switch
Oil Fill / Oil Dipstick
Pop Off Safety Valve
Quick Coupler Outlets
Storage Tank Inlet
Solenoid
Attach Positive Wire Here
Oil Drain
Attach ground Wire Here
Adjust Belt Tension Here
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®
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ASSEMBLY
Be sure to check over the 12-Voltair and inspect for any damages.
1. Side Latches
Use the provided 1/4” x 1” bolt, lock washer and nut to secure the anchor bracket to the
outside of the compressor. Once the anchor bracket has been secured use the 1/4” x
1 1/4” bolt and 1/4” lock nut to secure the rubber hold down in-between the ears of the
anchor bracket.
2. Quick Coupler
Install the threaded nipple and quick coupler into the right side of the compressor
through the two holes of the 12-Voltair cabinet.
3. Remove Service Panel
- remove the 7 screws that hold the front service panel on the 12-Voltair. Once removed,
there is no need to reattach until your installation is complete.
4. Check Belt Tension
- Although the 12-Voltair has been shipped with the proper amount of belt tension, please
check to make sure that it has not come loose during shipping.
5. Check Oil
- The 12-Voltair is not shipped with any oil. It takes approximately 2 cups of oil to fill compressor to the
full level on the dipstick. Do not overfill. See specs below on what oil should be used.
-20F - 70F (-7C - 21C) 10W non detergent compressor oil
50F - 110F (10C - 73C) 30W non detergent compressor oil
-20F - 110F (-7C - 73C) 40W synthetic non detergent compressor oil
Voltair recommends the use of synthetic non detergent compressor oil for year around use
.
Amsoil is just one manufacturer that can provide this oil (800) 96-69 - part #PCKQT
“ A i r W h e re A n d W h e n Yo u N e e d I t ! ”
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Page 6
Rubber Hold Down
1/4” x 1 1/4” Bolt
1/4” Lock Nut
Anchor Bracket
1/4” x 1” Bolt
Cabinet side
1/4” Nut
In finding a loc
ation for your compressor...
1. Find a location in which the 12-Voltair can get adequate ventilation.
2. Find a location in which the 12-Voltair will not be overly exposed to dirt and dust.
3. Find a location in which the 12-Voltair can be properly fastened to ensure that it does not shift.
4. Check the underside to make sure that any drilling of holes will not interfere with existing lines or structure.
CAUTION:
U
se
gOOd
COmmON
seNse
wheN
INsTAllINg
The
12-V
OlTAIr
. w
heN
drIllINg
hOles
fOr
mOUNTINg
,
e
leCTrICAl
ANd
plUmbINg
,
be
sUre
TO
CheCk
The
UNdersIde
TO
mAke
sUre
yOUr
drIll
wIll
NOT
INTerfere
Or
dAmAge
exIsTINg
lINes
,
hOses
Or
sTrUCTUre
.
HoW BIG oF A Hole SHoUld I dRIll?
To eliminate any potential problems,
Voltair recommends adding extra protection around the wires and hose (such
as running the wires and hose through another hose, or use a rubber grommet).
However you decide, drill a hole at least 1/8” bigger than the outside diameter
of the hose/wires that will be run through the floor of your location.
Once the 12-Voltair is securely fastened to the vehicle go to next page.
FINDINg A LOCATION
Once you have decided on a location for the 12-Voltair...
1) Set the unit into position
2) Mark the 3 holes on the right side of the compressor base
onto the floor of your location.
3) Mark the 4 mounting holes of the base of the 12-Voltair on
the floor of your location
4) Set the unit aside and get ready to drill some holes
5) Drill your holes
- 3/8” hole for 5/16” x 1 1/2” mounting bolts
- holes for electrical and plumbing
6) Once your holes are drilled, move the 12-Voltair back into position
and use the provided 5/16” x 1 1/2” bolts, lock washer and nut to
secure it to the floor. If possible also drill through the side of the
12-Voltair cabinet to secure it at a higher point.
a) Deck Mount- use all 4 mounting holes in base of the 12-
Voltair frame.
b) Bed Side Mount- use at least 2 of the for mounting
holes on the base of the 12-Voltair as well as 2
holes higher up on the back of cabinet as shown in the
above diagram.
Here is an example of securing the cabinet ‘at a
higher point’ for a bed side mount
Here is an example of
protecting wires by either
using ‘another hose’ or
‘rubber grommet.’
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Mounting Holes
ground Wire
Air Line
Positive Wire
ELECTRICAL
W
hat Size of Wire Should I Use?
A minimum of 4 gauge copper battery cable should be used for both positive and ground
wire lengths up to 15 foot. For lengths of 15’ - 30’ use 2 gauge or 1 O copper wire
GROUnd WIRe
IN most cases a short ground cable from the 12-Voltair to the frame of your vehicle is sufficient. When securing a ground
to the frame of a vehicle be sure to sand/grind metal ‘shinny’ to ensure that the ground makes good contact. REMEMBER:
When working with 12-Volt DC your positive connection is only as good as your ground. In other words, if you have a ‘weak’
ground connection you will not be able to get peak energy through the positive wire to the
12-Voltair.
Step 1
Run the wire from the bottom of the vehicle up through
the back hole of the 12-Voltair base.
Step 2
Strip back about 3/4” of the outer covering of the
battery cable and attach and secure to the ‘loose’ copper lug,
at the base of the motor, by either soldering or crimping.
Wrap the connection with electrical tape to complete the job, ‘well done!’
Step 3
Secure to the bolt on the base of the motor
Step 4
Run other end of the ground wire along frame of vehicle to ground location and secure. Be sure to use
plastic tie straps to secure wire against frame.
POSITIVe WIRe
This wire should be run directly from the battery of the vehicle to the left side of the solenoid in the 12-Voltair. When running
this wire be sure to keep it away from moving parts and exhaust. kEEP IN MIND that if the outer sheath of the battery cable
wears through and makes contact with metal it will create a short and could cause major damage.
Step 1
Run wire from the bottom of the vehicle up through the front hole of the 12-Voltair base.
Step 2
Strip back about 3/4” of the outer covering of the battery cable and attach and secure to the copper
lug by either soldering or crimping. Wrap the connection with electrical tape to complete the job, ‘well done!’
Step 3
Attach to the left side of the solenoid. Be sure that the copper eyelet is not making contact with any
other metal objects.
Step 4
Run other end of positive wire along frame of vehicle to the positive side of the battery. Be sure to use
plastic tie straps to secure wire against frame. DO NOT USE WIRE.
BATTeRY FACTS
1. The OEM (Original Equipment Battery) that came with the purchase of your vehicle is only designed to keep up with the
demand of the vehicle. For optimum performance, Voltair recommends replacing your battery with a battery that is rated
with 120 or more minutes of reserve.
2. The alternator that comes standard in most vehicles will charge between 40-50 amps at a vehicle idle. Since the Voltair
draws 80 amps when in use, Voltair recommends a good battery and in some cases a second battery maybe necessary.
3. Voltair recommends a battery with 120 or more minutes of reserve. The 12-Voltair air compressor does not need cranking
amps for optimum performance, but it does need battery reserve.
4. Over time a battery’s ability to hold a full charge greatly diminishes. A lead battery may need to be replaced every 2 years
and an optima battery may need to be replaced every 4 years.
5. If you are using or planning to use the 12-Voltair for more than 3-4 hours on a day-to-day basis adding a second battery
will help in achieving optimum performance
“ A i r W h e re A n d W h e n Yo u N e e d I t ! ”
®
Page 8
ELECTRICAL
(o P T i o n A l )
TOGGLe SWITCH
The Voltair is designed/manufactured with the solenoid activating the pressure switch. By default, when the pressure switch
is in the on position, the Voltair will run whether the vehicle ignition is on or off. If your system would drop below 125 PSI,
the compressor would kick on and run until the pressure reached 150- regardless of whether or not you are in the vehicle or
not. To avoid this, Voltair, Inc. recommends installing a remote toggle switch and powering this switch with a keyed ignition
power source. This way, the 12-Voltair will only run if both this switch and ignition are in the on position.
To turn the 12-Voltair on and off from a convenient location (i.e.- inside your vehicle) follow the steps below
Step 1
Run an 18 gauge wire from the bottom of the vehicle up through one of the three holes of the 12-
Voltair.
Step 2
Remove the wire from the left side of the solenoid (the same terminal that the wire from the vehicle
is hooked to) and connect to the wire you just pulled up.
Step 3
Run the other end of the 18 gauge wire to the location (wherever you see fit to put the toggle switch)
of the toggle switch and connect to one of the terminals.
Step 4
Run a wire from the other terminal of the toggle switch to a 12-volt power source. Preferably a power
source that only has power when the keyed ignition is in the on position. Consult your automobile manufacture to
assist you in locating a 12 VDC power source, that only has power when the ignition is in the ‘on’ position.
YOUR SWITCH SHOULd Be ReAdY TO GO
CIRCUIT BReAkeR
One way to protect against the positive wire shorting is installing a circuit breaker. Voltair recommends
a 150 amp circuit breaker. AW Direct is just one dealer who can be reached at (800) 243-3194 Part
#SCB-150. This is a device that is mounted right next to your battery that will trip in the event that
you have a wire that would short out.
“ A i r W h e re A n d W h e n Yo u N e e d I t ! ”
®
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PLUMBINg
Choosing the right size
air storage tank. How much air storage you need can vary from task to task. In most cases a
10 gallon tank is adequate for filling/changing 1-2 tires at a time. Anything larger than 40 gallons is not recommended by
Voltair. See chart below to help you determine how much air storage you need.
Choosing a location for your air storage tank.
The great thing about air is that the inlet and outlet are one in the
same. It is possible to plumb 2 or three tanks together with minimal fittings and confusion (see diagram 8.4)
If you are mounting an air tank in an out of the way place then running your air hose from the compressor to your air stor-
age through the floor is the best way to go. This hose will be run through the middle hole of the 12-Voltair base.
Step 1
Mount tank. See chart to determine how much air storage you need
Step 2
Anytime an air storage tank is to be mounted on a mobile vehicle, Voltair recommends using a D.O.T.
(Department of Transportation) approved air storage tank.
(i.e.- brake tanks from semi trucks)
Step 3
Remove plug on bottom of manifold where the two quick couplers were screwed into
Step 4
Run hose from the bottom of the vehicle up through the middle hole of the 12-Voltair base and attach to
manifold where plug was removed.
Step 5
Connect the other end of the hose to the air storage tank.
VOLTAIR, InC. ReCOmmendS USInG A d.O.T APPROVed AIR STORAGe TAnkS
“ A i r W h e re A n d W h e n Yo u N e e d I t ! ”
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Page 10
Time It Take To Fill Air Storage Tank
10 Gallon
20 Gallon
30 Gallon
40 Gallon
0-150 PSI
3 min
6 min
9 min
12 min
125-150 PSI
45 sec
90 sec
2 min 15 sec
3 min
Notes
Minimum Size
Maximum Size
Tank Tank Tank
1
2 3
Air Hose Plumbing
A couple ideas for where to mount air tanks are
1) Remove Spare Tire
2) Along Frame Rails
MAINTENANCE
Under optimum conditions you can count on your 12-Voltair to provide “Air Where And When You Need It!” for a long, long
time.
Check the items below atleast once a year or every 300 hours of use.
Check air filter and replace as needed
Check oil level
Drain oil and replace if using a petroleum based non-detergent compressor oil
If you are using a synthetic based compressor oil drain oil every 3 years or 600 hours
Check Belt to make sure that it there is adequate belt tension
Check pump pulley to make sure that side flanges are securely fastened
Remove any debris that may have fallen inside the case of the 12-Voltair
Check positive (wire attached to left terminal of solenoid) to make sure that there is not any excessive wear and is
still securely fastened.
Check plumbing to make sure that there are not any air leaks
To order parts consult your dealer or call (402) 723-4985
“ A i r W h e re A n d W h e n Yo u N e e d I t ! ”
®
Page 11
WIRINg
“ A i r W h e re A n d W h e n Yo u N e e d I t ! ”
®
Page 12
OPTIONAL
REMOTE SWITCH
OPTIONAL
12 VdC POWeR SOURCe
This can be any 12 power source. There are two types
of power sources.
1- Direct- This is a power source that has continuous 12
VDC whether the ignition is on or off. The disadvantage
of this is that if the switch is left on over the weekend
and an air leak were to develop- the 12-Voltair will run
to maintain air pressure and may leave you with a dead
battery when you get back.
2- Ignition Controlled- This is a power source that only
has 12 VDC power when the keyed ignition is in the on
position. The advantage of this is that the 12-Voltair will
only run when the ignition in on. Consult your vehicle
manufacture to help you locate an ignition controlled 12
VDC.
Disconnect (red dotted) wire
from the solenoid and reattach
to the wire that goes from the
pressure switch to the wire
(green dotted) that goes to the
toggle switch.
Follow this line if you are not using a circuit
breaker.
Use this dotted line if you are using a circuit
breaker.
TROUBLESHOOTINg
mY 12-VOLTAIR nOT RUn
1. Check if the switch on the pressure switch is in the auto (down) position
2. Check the air pressure. If you have more than 120 PSI in the compressor, the compressor will not kick in
and run until the pressure has dropped below 120 PSI
Before proceeding with this troubleshooting guide, be sure to disconnect the wire on the right
side of the solenoid. This is the wire that goes to the inside of the motor.
3. Do you have a toggle switch? If not skip to 4.
- Check if the toggle switch is in the on position
- Check your wiring against the wire diagram on previous page
- Check with a volt meter that you have voltage on at least one side of the switch (10-14 VDC) when the
switch is in the off position
- Check to see if you have voltage on both sides of the switch when the switch is in the on position
4. Do you have a circuit breaker? If not skip to 5.
- Check to see if there is a reset on the circuit breaker
- Check to see if you have voltage on both sides of the circuit breaker (10-14 VDC)
5. Check to see if the solenoid is working
- Make sure the circuit breaker is engaged, the remote switch is on
- Make sure the switch is in the off position
- Put you hand on the top side of the solenoid with one hand and turn the switch on the pressure switch
on with the other hand. You should feel a click. If not you possibly have a bad solenoid. Double check
with the next step
(Be sure the wire on the right side of the solenoid is disconnected)
- With a volt meter check the solenoid using the two different sceneries
Scenario
Left Post
Top Post
Right Post
Circuit breaker on
Remote Switch on
Pressure switch off
10-14 VDC
0 VDC
0 VDC
Circuit breaker on
Remote Switch on
Pressure switch on
10-14 VDC
10-14 VDC
10-14 VDC
dIAGnOSIS
- If you don’t get voltage on the top post in scenario #2 you have a bad pressure switch
- If you don’t get voltage of the right post in scenario #2 you have a bad solenoid
6. Was the compressor running and just quit?
- If the motor overheated (surface temp over 190F) than the thermal protector will have shut the
system down until the temperature drops below 170F. This may take up to 30 minutes.
WARNING:
This is an automatic reset thermal protector- If all switches are on, and the thermal protector resets it
will run without any warning. Never put hand in the box without
first disconnecting the power
.
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®
Page 1
TROUBLESHOOTINg
mY 12-VOLTAIR SHAkeS A LOT.
1. Check to make sure there is adequate belt tension. You should have anywhere from 1/4” - 3/8” movement
when applying 50% pressure to the belt directly between the motor and pump pulleys
2. Check to make sure that the motor and compressor are securely fastened to the frame. Make sure that bolts
have not come loose.
mY 12-VOLTAIR RUnS BUT IS nOT ABLe TO PUmP UP AnY PReSSURe
1. Check to see if you have any external air leaks
- Disconnect any air storage tanks and plug tank supply line and run compressor to see if pressure
builds up
- If this fixes the problem you have a leak that needs to be fixed
mY 12-VOLTAIR jUST STARTS - STOPS - STARTS - STOPS
1. You probably don’t have an external air storage supply tank. The compressor is shutting down with 150
PSI in the air lines and a small leak is draining the pressure down to 125 PSI and the compressor is
kicking back on to build the pressure back up to 150 PSI.
mY COmPReSSOR RUnS FAST AT BeGInnInG BUT SOUndS LIke IT SLOWS dOWn AFTeR IT HAS RUn FOR 5,
10, 15 mInUTeS.
BATTERY
STEP 1 Recharge battery to make sure you have a good full charge if the problem still exists- STEP 2
STEP 2 Replace battery with a new battery. See battery facts on page 8 - if this does not
fix that problem- STEP 3
STEP 3 Check your alternator.
OPTION 1- Take it to a mechanic for him to check
OPTION 2- With an DC amp meter and the vehicle running, check the wire between the battery
and the alternator to see if the alternator is charging
WHen RUnnInG THe 12-VOLTAIR FOR exTended PeRIOdS OF TIme, mY VeHICLe jUST SHUTS OFF
BATTERY- check the steps above to diagnose a problem
HOW dO I AdjUST mY PReSSURe SWITCH
“ A i r W h e re A n d W h e n Yo u N e e d I t ! ”
®
Page 1
WARR ANTY
12-Voltair Warranty Card
Voltair, Inc. would like to congratulate you on your purchase of the best 12 Volt Air compressor on the market. Please
take the time to fill out this information and return to Voltair, Inc. By filling out this form we can help keep track of your
purpose as well as assist us in learning how this product is being used.
Name
Address
City
State
zip
Phone Number
Fax Number
mOdeL # 12V6CF
SeRIAL #
located on the right side of the base of the 12-Voltair, just below the back of the motor
1. Who Installed the 12-Voltair
Customer Dealer
2. How often do you plan to use your 12-Voltair?
Daily
Weekly Monthly
3. What of the following best describes the area in which you will be operating this compressor?
Check all that apply
Aerial
Management Co.’s
Off-road
Aerial
Forestry
Oil field/Gas
Auto Parts stores
Fuel/Lube
Road Repair
Catalog firms
Government
Rural Fire Departments
Companies with fleet of vehicles
Law Enforcement
Towing Associations
Contractor
Manufacturer OEM
Towing Companies
Crane
Military
Truck parts stores
Fish & Game Departments
Mobile Detailing & Trim firms
Other ____________________
Fleet Maintenance
Municipalities
mail Completed Form to
Voltair, Inc.
515 Road 11
York, NE 68467
FAx Completed Form to
(810) 885-8284
download
form from
www.12-Voltair.com/warrantycard
e-mail Completed Form to
info@12-Voltair.com
“ A i r W h e re A n d W h e n Yo u N e e d I t ! ”
®
Page 1
T
hank-You for your pur c has e. We
s i nc er ely ho p e that your 12-Vo l tai r
wi l l pr ovide you wi th “A i r W her e
A nd W hen You n eed i t! ”
T he Vo l tai r Team
“ A i r W h e re A n d W h e n Yo u N e e d I t ! ”
®
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