Common Terms:
CFM – Cubic feet per minute.
Cut-In-Pressure – As you are using the compressed air, the pressure in the tank drops. When it gets to a pre determined low level, the motor will restart automatically. The pressure at which the motor re starts is called the “cut-in-pressure.”
Cut-Out-Pressure – When the compressor is running, the pressure in the tank builds. It will reach a certain high pressure and then the motor will shut off automatically. This protects the tank from pressure higher than its capacity and is known as the “cut-out-pressure”.
Oil / Water separator – takes oil and other contaminants out of the air line and collects them in a container so that they can be disposed of safely down drains.
Pressure – force per unit area, usually measured in psi (pounds per square inch) in the US.
PSI – Pounds per square inch.
Rotary screw compressor – a rotary compressor that uses two screw elements winding in different directions to create compressed air. Normally more efficient than piston or vane compressors.
Safety valve or safety relief valve - Releases air at a certain pre determined pressure, will stop air tanks from damage or explosion.
Voltage – A measurement of "electrical pressure". Home workshop and DIY compressors usually operate at 110v or 240V single phase current, where as industrial units run on 220V or three phase 400V electrical service.
Working pressure – the pressure at which a system generally operates.