Clarke VE11C150 Instruction Manual

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
LS1115
VERTICAL AIR COMPRESSORS
MODEL NO: VE11C150, VE15C150, VE18C150
PART NO: 2226005, 2226000, 2226015

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INTRODUCTION
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.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
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.

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SAFETY SYMBOLS
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.

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ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
VE11C150 AND VE15C150
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.
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
WARNING: READ THESE ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONNECTING THE PRODUCT TO THE MAINS
SUPPLY.
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
Plug must be BS1363/A approved.
Always fit
Ensure that the outer sheath of
Neutral
(Blue)
Live
(Brown)
Earth
(Green and
a 13 Amp
the cable is firmly held by the clamp
fuse.
Yellow)

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BEFORE USE
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
• Take care not to exceed the
maximum mark.
WARNING: TO PREVENT INJURY, ALWAYS GET ASSISTANCE WHEN LIFTING
OR MOVING THIS COMPRESSOR. ITS DESIGN MEANS IT IS TOP HEAVY.

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OPERATION
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
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.
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.

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TURNING THE COMPRESSOR ON
1. Plug the compressor into the power supply.
2. Lift the On/Off button.
• The compressor will operate
until the reservoir is fully
pressurised. It will then shut
down.
• The compressor will start up
again when the pressure in the
reservoir decreases.
CHECK THE SAFETY VALVE
To make sure that the safety valve works correctly:-
1. Pull on the ring attached.
• Air will be released when you
pull on the ring and stop when
released.
2. If the valve does not operate in
this way, do not use the
compressor. The compressor must
be repaired by a qualified service
agent.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE OR TRY TO ADJUST THE SAFETY VALVE.

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REMOVING TOOLS FROM THE AIR HOSE
1. Push down on the On/Off button
to stop the compressor.
2. Turn the outlet valve handle to the
off position.
3. Operate the tool to depressurise
the air hose.
4. Disconnect the tool from the hose.
TURNING THE COMPRESSOR OFF
1. Follow steps 1-4 in “Removing Tools
From The Air Hose” above.
2. Disconnect the compressor from
the power supply.
3. Slowly open the outlet valve to
depressurise the reservoir.
• You will hear a hissing sound as
the reservoir depressurises.
4. Do not leave the compressor
unattended if the reservoir is pressurised.
WARNING: ALWAYS SET THE PRESSURE REGULATOR TO ZERO BEFORE YOU
REMOVE OR REPLACE A TOOL.

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DRAINING THE RESERVOIR
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.
CAUTION: YOU MUST DRAIN THE RESERVOIR AFTER EACH DAYS USE AND
BEFORE YOU PUT YOUR COMPRESSOR INTO STORAGE.

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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.
WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT THE COMPRESSOR IS DISCONNECTED FROM
THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY BEFORE CARRYING OUT ANY MAINTENANCE

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REPLACING THE OIL
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.

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REPLACING THE DRIVE BELT
1. Rotate the clips on the front of the
safety cage.
2. Remove the front of the cage
and take out the worn or broken
drive belt.
3. Place the new drive belt over the
small wheel.
4. Position part of the drive belt over
the large belt wheel as shown.
5. Rotate the large belt wheel by
hand in a clockwise direction
whilst guiding the belt on to it.
• Take care to avoid trapping
your fingers between the wheel
and belt.
6. Replace the cage and secure
before use.
NOTE: Never use the compressor with the guard removed.
WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT THE COMPRESSOR IS DISCONNECTED FROM
THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY BEFORE REPLACING THE DRIVE BELT.

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SPECIFICATIONS
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.
MODEL VE11C150 VE15C150 VE18C150
Part Number 2226000 2226005 2226015
Max Pressure 10 bar 10 bar 10 bar
Voltage 230V AC@50 Hz 230V AC@50 Hz 230V AC@50 Hz
Air Displacement 9 cfm 14 cfm 18 cfm
Receiver Capacity 150 L 150 L 150 L
Dimensions (L x W x H) 620x500x1610 mm 620x500x1630 mm 620x500x1630 mm
Weight 100 kg 110 kg 125 kg

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TROUBLESHOOTING
CAUTION: DO NOT TRY TO REPAIR OR ADJUST IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN. IF
YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES, CONTACT YOUR CLARKE DEALER.
PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE REMEDY
The compressor
has stopped and
does not start.
Bad electrical connections. 1. Check electrical connections.
2. Clean and tighten if necessary.
Thermal overload cutout
switch has tripped.
1. Switch off and wait approx 5
minutes.
2. Press the reset button and
switch on again.
Motor windings burnt out. 1. Contact your Clarke dealer for
a replacement motor.
The compressor
does not reach
the set pressure
and overheats
easily.
Compressor head gasket
blown or valve broken.
1. Return the machine to your
nearest service agent.
Compressor does
not start.
The reservoir has already fully
pressurised.
1. Open drain valve to expel air.
Compressor should start again
when pressure reduces.
Air leaking from
the non-return
valve when the
compressor is not
running.
Faulty non-return valve. 1. Drain receiver completely of
air.
2. Remove the valve end plug,
3. Carefully clean the valve seat
and the gasket.
4. Reassemble.
Air pressure from
the regulator will
not adjust.
The diaphragm within the
regulator body is broken.
1. Replace regulator.
The compressor is
very noisy and
makes a metallic
knocking sound.
Compressor damaged and
needs overhaul.
1. Return the machine to your
nearest service agent.

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DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

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DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

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ALSO AVAILABLE FROM CLARKE

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NOTES