Clarke VE15C150 Instruction Manual

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
LS0715
VERTICAL AIR COMPRESSORS
MODEL NO: VE15C150, VE18C150, VE25C150
PART NO: 2226010, 2226020, 2226025

2
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
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.

3
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
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.

4
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
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.

5
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
This machine MUST be connected to a 400 Volt, 3 phase 50Hz supply through a
suitably fused isolator switch. It cannot be operated from a single phase
supply.
A trailing socket is provided and should be wired as follows.
• Connect the GREEN or GREEN & YELLOW
coloured wire to the terminal marked with
the letter “E” or the Earth symbol “ “
• Connect the BLACK wire to the “N” or
Neutral terminal.
• Connect the remaining wires to the
termainals marked “L1”, “L2” and “L3”
Due to these high currents, the product must only be connected to a 3 phase
supply capable of supporting these loads (plus an acceptable degree of
headroom). This supply must be protected by a suitably rated circuit breaker
(or breakers) and isolator.
If in any doubt, consult a qualified electrician. DO NOT attempt any electrical
repairs yourself.
WARNING: THE INSTALLATION OF THIS APPLIANCE SHOULD BE CARRIED
OUT BY A COMPETENT ELECTRICIAN AND BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
CURRENT IEE WIRING REGULATIONS (BS7671-2:2008).

6
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
BEFORE USE
Before connecting your compressor to the power supply, check the following:-
• Push down the OFF button
• 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.

7
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
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.
• Alway get help when moving the compressor.
• 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.

8
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
TURNING THE COMPRESSOR ON
1. Plug the compressor into the power supply.
2. Push down the ON 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.

9
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
REMOVING TOOLS FROM THE AIR HOSE
1. Push down the 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.

10
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
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.
CAUTION: YOU MUST DRAIN THE RESERVOIR AFTER EACH DAYS USE AND
BEFORE YOU PUT YOUR COMPRESSOR INTO STORAGE.

11
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
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

12
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
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.

13
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
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.

14
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL VE15C150 VE18C150 VE25C150
Part Number 2226010 2226020 2226025
Max Pressure 10 bar 10 bar 10 bar
Voltage 3 Phase
400V AC
50 Hz
3 Phase
400V AC
50 Hz
3 Phase
400V AC
50 Hz
Air Displacement 14 cfm 18 cfm 23 cfm
Receiver Capacity 150 L 150 L 150 L
Dimensions (L x W x H) 620x500x1630 mm 620x500x1630 mm 620x500x1700 mm
Weight 110 kg 120 kg 139 kg
3 PHASE UNITS

15
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
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.
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.

16
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

17
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

18
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM CLARKE

19
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
NOTES