Porter-Cable C5100 User manual

Single-Stage Oilfree
Compressor
Instruction
manual
The Model and Serial No. plate is located on the main
housing of the tool. Record these numbers in the
spaces below and retain for future reference.
Model No. ______________________________________
Type ___________________________________________
Serial No._______________________________________
IMPORTANT
Please make certain that the person who is
to use this equipment carefully reads and
understands these instructions before
starting operations.
Part No. D25955-022-0
ESPAÑOL: PÁGINA 21
FRANÇAISE : PAGE 41
To learn more about Porter-Cable
visit our website at:
http://www.porter-cable.com
MODEL
C5100
Copyright © 2002 Porter-Cable Corporation
PROFESSIONAL POWER TOOLS

2- ENG
D25955
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other
construction activities contains chemicals known (to the State of California) to
cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some example of these chemicals are:
●lead from lead-based paints
●crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products
●arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce
your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety
equipment, always wear MSHA/NIOSH approved, properly fitting face mask or respirator when using
such tools.
When using air tools, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of of
personal injury.
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
This tool was designed for certain applications. Porter-Cable strongly recommends that this tool NOT
be modified and/or used for any application other than for which it was designed. If you have any
questions relative to its application DO NOT use the tool until you have written Porter-Cable and we
have advised you.
Technical Service Manager
Porter-Cable Corporation
4825 Highway 45 North
P.O. Box 2468
Jackson, TN 38302-2468
SAFETY GUIDELINES - DEFINITIONS
Indicates an
imminently hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.
Used without the
safety alert symbol
indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, may
result in property damage.
This manual contains information that is important for you to know and understand. This information
relates to protecting YOUR SAFETY and PREVENTING EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS. To help you
recognize this information, we use the symbols below. Please read the manual and pay attention to
these sections.

3- ENG D25955
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
IMPROPER OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF THIS PRODUCT COULD RESULT IN
SERIOUS INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL
WARNINGS AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS EQUIPMENT.
RISK OF EXPLOSION OR FIRE
ALWAYS OPERATE THE COMPRESSOR IN A
WELL VENTILATED AREA FREE OF
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS, GASOLINE OR
SOLVENT VAPORS.
IF SPRAYING FLAMMABLE MATERIALS,
LOCATE COMPRESSOR AT LEAST 20 FEET
AWAY FROM SPRAY AREA. AN ADDITIONAL
LENGTH OF HOSE MAY BE REQUIRED.
STORE FLAMMABLE MATERIALS IN A
SECURE LOCATION AWAY FROM
COMPRESSOR.
NEVER PLACE OBJECTS AGAINST OR ON
TOP OF COMPRESSOR. OPERATE
COMPRESSOR IN AN OPEN AREA AT LEAST
12 INCHES AWAY FROM ANY WALL OR
OBSTRUCTION THAT WOULD RESTRICT THE
FLOW OF FRESH AIR TO THE VENTILATION
OPENINGS.
OPERATE COMPRESSOR IN A CLEAN, DRY,
WELL VENTILATED AREA. DO NOT OPERATE
UNIT INDOORS OR IN ANY CONFINED AREA.
ALWAYS REMAIN IN ATTENDANCE WITH THE
PRODUCT WHEN IT IS OPERATING.
ALWAYS DISCONNECT ELECTRICAL POWER
BY MOVING PRESSURE SWITCH LEVER TO
THE OFF POSITION AND DRAIN TANK DAILY
OR AFTER EACH USE.
HOW TO PREVENT IT
IT IS NORMAL FOR ELECTRICAL CONTACTS
WITHIN THE MOTOR AND PRESSURE SWITCH
TO SPARK.
IF ELECTRICAL SPARKS FROM
COMPRESSOR COME INTO CONTACT WITH
FLAMMABLE VAPORS, THEY MAY IGNITE,
CAUSING FIRE OR EXPLOSION.
RESTRICTING ANY OF THE COMPRESSOR
VENTILATION OPENINGS WILL CAUSE
SERIOUS OVERHEATING AND COULD CAUSE
FIRE.
UNATTENDED OPERATION OF THIS
PRODUCT COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL
INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. TO
REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, DO NOT ALLOW
THE COMPRESSOR TO OPERATE
UNATTENDED.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
HAZARD

4- ENG
D25955
HAZARD
RISK OF BURSTING
AIR TANK: THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS COULD LEAD TO A WEAKENING OF THE
TANK, AND RESULT IN A VIOLENT TANK EXPLOSION AND COULD CAUSE
PROPERTY DAMAGE OR SERIOUS INJURY.
HOW TO PREVENT IT
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
DRAIN TANK DAILY OR AFTER EACH USE. IF
TANK DEVELOPS A LEAK, REPLACE IT
IMMEDIATELY WITH A NEW TANK OR REPLACE
THE ENTIRE COMPRESSOR.
NEVER DRILL INTO, WELD, OR MAKE ANY
MODIFICATIONS TO THE TANK OR ITS
ATTACHMENTS.
THE TANK IS DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND
SPECIFIC OPERATING PRESSURES. NEVER
MAKE ADJUSTMENTS OR PARTS
SUBSTITUTIONS TO ALTER THE FACTORY
SET OPERATING PRESSURES.
FOR ESSENTIAL CONTROL OF AIR
PRESSURE,YOU MUST INSTALL A PRESSURE
REGULATOR AND PRESSURE GAUGE TO
THE AIR OUTLET (IF NOT EQUIPPED) OF
YOUR COMPRESSOR. FOLLOW THE
EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS
RECOMMENDATION AND NEVER EXCEED THE
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE PRESSURE RATING OF
ATTACHMENTS. NEVER USE COMPRESSOR
TO INFLATE SMALL LOW-PRESSURE
OBJECTS SUCH AS CHILDREN’S TOYS,
FOOTBALLS, BASKETBALLS, ETC.
1. FAILURE TO PROPERLY DRAIN
CONDENSED WATER FROM THE
TANK, CAUSING RUST AND THINNING
OF THE STEEL TANK.
2. MODIFICATIONS OR ATTEMPTED
REPAIRS TO THE TANK.
3. UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS TO
THE UNLOADER VALVE, SAFETY
VALVE, OR ANY OTHER COMPONENTS
WHICH CONTROL TANK PRESSURE.
4. EXCESSIVE VIBRATION CAN WEAKEN
THE AIR TANK AND CAUSE RUPTURE
OR EXPLOSION.
ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES:
EXCEEDING THE PRESSURE RATING OF AIR
TOOLS, SPRAY GUNS, AIR OPERATED
ACCESSORIES, TIRES AND OTHER
INFLATABLES CAN CAUSE THEM TO
EXPLODE OR FLY APART, AND COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
HAZARD
RISK FROM FLYING OBJECTS
HOW TO PREVENT IT
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
THE COMPRESSED AIR STREAM CAN
CAUSE SOFT TISSUE DAMAGE TO EXPOSED
SKIN AND CAN PROPEL DIRT, CHIPS, LOOSE
PARTICLES AND SMALL OBJECTS AT HIGH
SPEED, RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE
OR PERSONAL INJURY.
ALWAYS WEAR ANSI Z87.1 APPROVED
SAFETY GLASSES WITH SIDE SHIELDS WHEN
USING THE COMPRESSOR.
NEVER POINT ANY NOZZLE OR SPRAYER
TOWARD ANY PART OF THE BODY OR AT
OTHER PEOPLE OR ANIMALS.
ALWAYS TURN THE COMPRESSOR OFF AND
BLEED PRESSURE FROM THE AIR HOSE AND
TANK BEFORE ATTEMPTING MAINTENANCE,
ATTACHING TOOLS OR ACCESSORIES.

5- ENG D25955
HAZARD
HAZARD
HOW TO PREVENT IT
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
RISK TO BREATHING
AIR OBTAINED DIRECTLY FROM THE
COMPRESSOR SHOULD NEVER BE USED TO
SUPPLY AIR FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. IN
ORDER TO USE AIR PRODUCED BY THIS
COMPRESSOR FOR BREATHING, SUITABLE
FILTERS AND IN-LINE SAFETY EQUIPMENT
MUST BE PROPERLY INSTALLED. IN-LINE
FILTERS AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT USED IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE COMPRESSOR
MUST BE CAPABLE OF TREATING AIR TO
ALL APPLICABLE LOCAL AND FEDERAL
CODES PRIOR TO HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
WORK IN AN AREA WITH GOOD CROSS-
VENTILATION. READ AND FOLLOW THE
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED ON THE
LABEL OR SAFETY DATA SHEETS FOR THE
MATERIAL YOU ARE SPRAYING. USE A
NIOSH/MSHA APPROVED RESPIRATOR
DESIGNED FOR USE WITH YOUR SPECIFIC
APPLICATION.
THE COMPRESSED AIR DIRECTLY FROM
YOUR COMPRESSOR IS NOT SAFE FOR
BREATHING. THE AIR STREAM MAY
CONTAIN CARBON MONOXIDE, TOXIC
VAPORS, OR SOLID PARTICLES FROM THE
TANK. BREATHING THESE CONTAMINANTS
CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
SPRAYED MATERIALS SUCH AS PAINT, PAINT
SOLVENTS, PAINT REMOVER, INSECTICIDES,
WEED KILLERS, MAY CONTAIN HARMFUL
VAPORS AND POISONS.
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
HOW TO PREVENT IT
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR IS POWERED BY
ELECTRICITY. LIKE ANY OTHER
ELECTRICALLY POWERED DEVICE, IF IT IS
NOT USED PROPERLY IT MAY CAUSE
ELECTRIC SHOCK.
REPAIRS ATTEMPTED BY UNQUALIFIED
PERSONNEL CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH BY ELECTROCUTION.
ELECTRICAL GROUNDING: FAILURE TO
PROVIDE ADEQUATE GROUNDING TO THIS
PRODUCT COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH FROM ELECTROCUTION.
SEE GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS.
NEVER OPERATE THE COMPRESSOR
OUTDOORS WHEN IT IS RAINING OR IN WET
CONDITIONS.
NEVER OPERATE COMPRESSOR WITH
PROTECTIVE COVERS REMOVED OR
DAMAGED.
ANY ELECTRICAL WIRING OR REPAIRS
REQUIRED ON THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE
PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED SERVICE
CENTER PERSONNEL IN ACCORDANCE WITH
NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTRICAL CODES.
MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE ELECTRICAL
CIRCUIT TO WHICH THE COMPRESSOR IS
CONNECTED PROVIDES PROPER
ELECTRICAL GROUNDING, CORRECT
VOLTAGE AND ADEQUATE FUSE
PROTECTION.

6- ENG
D25955
HAZARD
HOW TO PREVENT IT
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
RISK OF BURNS
TOUCHING EXPOSED METAL SUCH AS THE
COMPRESSOR HEAD OR OUTLET TUBES,
CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS BURNS.
NEVER TOUCH ANY EXPOSED METAL
PARTS ON COMPRESSOR DURING OR
IMMEDIATELY AFTER OPERATION.
COMPRESSOR WILL REMAIN HOT FOR
SEVERAL MINUTES AFTER OPERATION.
DO NOT REACH AROUND PROTECTIVE
SHROUDS OR ATTEMPT MAINTENANCE
UNTIL UNIT HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO COOL.
HAZARD
HOW TO PREVENT IT
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
RISK FROM MOVING PARTS
NEVER OPERATE THE COMPRESSOR WITH
GUARDS OR COVERS WHICH ARE DAMAGED
OR REMOVED.
ANY REPAIRS REQUIRED ON THIS PRODUCT
SHOULD BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED
SERVICE CENTER PERSONNEL.
MOVING PARTS SUCH AS THE PULLEY,
FLYWHEEL AND BELT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS
INJURY IF THEY COME INTO CONTACT WITH
YOU OR YOUR CLOTHING.
ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE COMPRESSOR
WITH DAMAGED OR MISSING PARTS OR
ATTEMPTING TO REPAIR COMPRESSOR
WITH PROTECTIVE SHROUDS REMOVED CAN
EXPOSE YOU TO MOVING PARTS AND CAN
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
HAZARD
HOW TO PREVENT IT
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
HAZARD
HOW TO PREVENT IT
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
RISK OF FALLING
A PORTABLE COMPRESSOR CAN FALL
FROM A TABLE, WORKBENCH OR ROOF
CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE COMPRESSOR
AND COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH TO THE OPERATOR.
ALWAYS OPERATE COMPRESSOR IN A
STABLE SECURE POSITION TO PREVENT
ACCIDENTAL MOVEMENT OF THE UNIT.
NEVER OPERATE COMPRESSOR ON A ROOF
OR OTHER ELEVATED POSITION. USE
ADDITIONAL AIR HOSE TO REACH HIGH
LOCATIONS.
RISK OF PROPERTY DAMAGE WHEN TRANSPORTING COMPRESSOR
OIL CAN LEAK OR SPILL AND COULD
RESULT IN FIRE OR BREATHING HAZARD,
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAN RESULT.
OIL LEAKS WILL DAMAGE CARPET, PAINT OR
OTHER SURFACES IN VEHICLES OR
TRAILERS.
ALWAYS PLACE COMPRESSOR ON A
PROTECTIVE MAT WHEN TRANSPORTING TO
PROTECT AGAINST DAMAGE TO VEHICLE
FROM LEAKS. REMOVE COMPRESSOR FROM
VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY UPON ARRIVAL AT
YOUR DESTINATION.
(Fire, Inhalation, Damage to Vehicle Surfaces)

7- ENG D25955
HAZARD
HOW TO PREVENT IT
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
RISK OF UNSAFE OPERATION
REVIEW AND UNDERSTAND ALL
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS
MANUAL.
BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE OPERATION
AND CONTROLS OF THE AIR COMPRESSOR.
KEEP OPERATING AREA CLEAR OF ALL
PERSONS, PETS, AND OBSTACLES.
KEEP CHILDREN AWAY FROM THE AIR
COMPRESSOR AT ALL TIMES.
DO NOT OPERATE THE PRODUCT WHEN
FATIGUED OR UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF
ALCOHOL OR DRUGS. STAY ALERT AT ALL
TIMES.
NEVER DEFEAT THE SAFETY FEATURES OF
THIS PRODUCT.
EQUIP AREA OF OPERATION WITH A FIRE
EXTINGUISHER.
DO NOT OPERATE MACHINE WITH MISSING,
BROKEN, OR UNAUTHORIZED PARTS.
UNSAFE OPERATION OF YOUR AIR
COMPRESSOR COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS IN-
JURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS.

8- ENG
D25955
GLOSSARY
DUTY CYCLE
Air compressors should be operated on not more than a 50% duty cycle. This
means an air compressor that pumps air more than 50% of one hour is
considered misuse, because the air compressor is undersized for the required
air demand. Maximum compressor pumping time per hour is 30 minutes.
Become familiar with these terms before operating the unit.
CFM: Cubic feet per minute.
SCFM: Standard cubic feet per minute; a unit of measure of air delivery.
PSIG: Pounds per square inch gauge; a unit of measure of pressure.
Code Certification: Products that bear one or more of the following marks:
UL, CUL, ETL, CETL, have been evaluated by OSHA certified independent
safety laboratories and meet the applicable Underwriters Laboratories
Standards for Safety.
Cut-In Pressure: While the motor is off, air tank pressure drops as you
continue to use your accessory. When the tank pressure drops to a certain low
level the motor will restart automatically. The low pressure at which the motor
automatically restarts is called “cut-in” pressure.
Cut-Out Pressure: When an air compressor is turned on and begins to run,
air pressure in the air tank begins to build. It builds to a certain high pressure
before the motor automatically shuts off - protecting your air tank from
pressure higher than its capacity. The high pressure at which the motor shuts
off is called “cut-out” pressure.
Branch Circuit: Circuit carrying electricity from electrical panel to outlet.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model No. C5100
Horsepower Peak 4.5
Bore 2.375”
Stroke 1.35”
* Voltage-Single Phase 120
* * Minimum Branch Circuit Requirement 15 amps
* Fuse Type Time Delay
Air Tank Capacity (Gallon) 20
Approximate Cut-in Pressure 110 PSIG
Approximate Cut-out Pressure 135 PSIG
SCFM @ 40 PSIG 7.7
SCFM @ 90 PSIG 5.7
* This air compressor can be operated on a 15 amp circuit
if:
1. Voltage supply to circuit is normal.
2. Circuit is not used to supply any other electrical needs (lights, appliances, etc.)
3. Extension cords comply with specifications in owners manual.
4. Circuit is equipped with 15 amp circuit breaker or 15 amp time delay fuse.
If any of the above conditions cannot be met, or if operation of the air compressor
repeatedly causes interruption of the power it may be necessary to operate it from a
20 amp circuit. It is not necessary to change the cord set.
* * A circuit breaker is preferred. Use only a fuse or circuit breaker that is the same
rating as the branch circuit on which the air compressor is operated. If the air
compressor is connected to a circuit protected by fuses, use dual element time
delay fuses.

9- ENG D25955
Accessories for this unit are available at the store the unit was purchased.
ACCESSORIES
ASSEMBLY
Assemble Handle
1. To make installation easier,
submerge handle grip into
warm soapy water. Remove
handle grip from soapy water
and slide onto handle.
2. Insert the handle inside the
compressor saddle and line up
the two bolt holes on each
side.
3. Install the four screws, two on
each side.
4. Tighten securely.
Assemble Wheels
It will be necessary to brace or support one side of the
outfit when installing the wheels because the
compressor will have a tendency to tip.
1. Attach wheels with shoulder bolts and nuts as shown. NOTE: Place the
bolts in the bottom hole of the wheel bracket.
2. Tighten securely. NOTE: The outfit will sit level if the wheels are properly
installed.
The wheels and handle do not provide adequate
clearance, stability or support for pulling the unit up
and down stairs or steps. The unit must be lifted, or pushed up a ramp.
Assemble Rubber Feet
1. Attach rubber feet with the screws provided as shown in previous figure.
2. Tighten securely.
Rubber Feet
Screw
Nut
Wheel
Shoulder Bolt
Handle
Tools Required for Assembly
1 - 9/16”socket or open end wrench
1 - 3/8”socket or open end wrench
1 - 1/2”socket or open end wrench
Unpacking
1. Remove unit from carton and discard all packaging. NOTE: Save all parts
bags.
Screw
Handle Grip

10- ENG
D25955
INSTALLATION
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK. In the event of a short
circuit, grounding reduces the risk of shock by
providing an escape wire for the electric current. This air compressor
must be properly grounded.
The portable air compressor is equipped with a cord having a grounding wire
with an appropriate grounding plug (see following illustrations). The plug must
be used with an outlet that has been installed and grounded in accordance
with all local codes and ordinances.
1. The cord set and plug with this unit contains a grounding pin. This plug
MUST be used with a grounded outlet.
IMPORTANT: The outlet being used must be installed and grounded in
accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
2. Make sure the outlet being used has
the same configuration as the
grounded plug. DO NOT USE AN
ADAPTER. See illustration.
3. Inspect the plug and cord before each
use. Do not use if there are signs of
damage.
4. If these grounding instructions are not completely understood, or if in
doubt as to whether the compressor is properly grounded, have the
installation checked by a qualified electrician.
IMPROPER GROUNDING CAN RESULT IN ELECTRICAL
SHOCK.
Do not modify the plug provided. If it does not fit the available outlet, a
correct outlet should be installed by a qualified electrician.
Repairs to the cord set or plug MUST be made by a qualified electrician.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR UNIT
Location of the Air Compressor
Locate the air compressor in a clean, dry and well ventilated area. The air
compressor should be located at least 12" away from the wall or other
obstructions that will interfere with the flow of air. The air compressor pump
and shroud are designed to allow for proper cooling. The ventilation openings
on the compressor are necessary to maintain proper operating temperature. Do
not place rags or other containers on or near these openings.The air filter must
be kept clear of obstructions which could reduce air flow to the air compressor.
Grounding Pin
Grounded
Outlets
Plug