They are used to keep the pressure in a tank between a pre-set lower and upper pressure. When the tank pressure crosses the upper or lower limit, an electrical switch is operated. Normally Closed (NC) switch.
[pdf] It should turn around smoothly, without any 'hickups' (be sure to completely shut down the air compressor!). Check the isolation of the motor windings. Should be in the mage-ohms (you need an isolation tester / high voltage ohm meter for this). Check the voltage when the compressor is running.
[pdf] According to screw compressor manufacturers, treatment is closing the ball valve to verify that the rated pressure can be attained and inspecting the air compressor component to prevent issues with that component constituting the treatment procedure.
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