Porter-Cable CPFAC2040P User manual

Pancake CompressorInstruction
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. D25136-0112-0
ESPAÑOL: PÁGINA 15
FRANÇAISE : PAGE 31
To learn more about Porter-Cable
visit our website at:
http://www.porter-cable.com
MODEL
CPFAC2040P
Copyright © 2000 Porter-Cable Corporation
PROFESSIONAL POWER TOOLS

2
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.
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

3
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
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
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
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
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
GLOSSARY
SCFM or CFM: Standard Cubic Feet per Minute; a unit of measurement of
air delivery.
PSIG or PSI: Pounds per square inch gauge.
CUT-IN PRESSURE: While the motor is off, air tank pressure drops as you
continue to use your accessory or air tool. 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 you turn on your air compressor and it 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.”
CODE CERTIFICATION: Products that bear one or more of the following
marks: UL, CUL, ETL, CETL, have been evaluated by OSHA certified
indepenent safety laboratories and meet the applicable Underwriters
Laboratories Standards for Safety.
DUTY CYCLE
Porter-Cable 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 misused, because the air compressor is undersized
for the required air demand. Maximum compressor pumping time per hour is
30 minutes.
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL NO. CPFAC2040P
Horsepower-Peak 2.0
SCFM @ 40 psig 3.7
SCFM @ 90 psig 2.6
Cut-In 110 PSI
Cut-Out 135 PSI
Bore 1.875"
Stroke 1.250"
Voltage/Hertz/Phase 120/60/1
Minimum Branch Circuit 15 Amp
* Fuse Type Time Delay
Amperage at Max. Load 10 Amps
Tank Size 6 Gallon
* 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
compressor is connected to a circuit protected by fuses, use only time
delay fuses. Time delay fuses should be marked “D” in Canada and “T” in
the US.

Air Compressor Pump: To compress air,
the piston moves up and down in the
cylinder. On the downstroke, air is drawn in
through the intake valves. The exhaust
valves remain closed. On the upstroke of
the piston, air is compressed. The intake
valves close and compressed air is forced
out through the exhaust valves.
Check Valve (B) Fig. 1: When the air
compressor is operating, the check valve
is “open”, allowing compressed air to
enter the air tank. When the air
compressor reaches “cut-out” pressure,
the check valve “closes”, allowing air
pressure to remain inside the air tank.
ON/AUTO-OFF Switch (C) Fig. 3: Turn
this switch ON to provide power to the
automatic pressure switch and OFF to
remove power at the end of each use.
Pressure Switch (D) Fig. 3: The
pressure switch automatically starts the
motor when the tank pressure drops
below the factory set “cut-in” pressure. It
stops the motor when the air tank
pressure reaches the factory set “cut-
out” pressure.
Regulator (E) Fig. 3: The air pressure coming
from the air tank is controlled by the regulator. Turn the regulator knob
clockwise to increase pressure and counterclockwise to decrease pressure. To
avoid minor readjustment after making a change in pressure setting, always
approach the desired pressure from a lower pressure. When reducing from a
higher to a lower setting, first reduce to pressure less than that desired, then
bring it up to the desired pressure. Depending on the air requirements of each
particular accessory, the outlet regulated air pressure may have to be adjusted
while operating the
accessory.
Outlet Pressure Gauge (F)
Fig. 3: The outlet pressure
gauge indicates the air
pressure available at the
outlet side of the regulator.
This pressure is controlled
by the regulator and is
always less than or equal to
the tank pressure. See
“Operating Procedures”.
Tank Pressure Gauge (G)
Fig. 3: The tank pressure gauge indicates the reserve air pressure in the tank.
9
E
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
K
J
F
C
B
G
D

10
Cooling System: This compressor contains an advanced design cooling
system. The cooling system is working when air is being expelled.
Air Intake Filter: This unit requires no air filter due to the unique design of
the air intake system.
Drain Valve (J) Fig. 2: The drain valve is located at the base of the air tank
and is used to drain condensation at the end of each use.
Motor Thermal Overload Protector: The electric motor has an automatic
thermal overload protector. If the motor overheats for any reason, the
thermal overload protector will shut off the motor. The motor must be
allowed to cool before restarting.
Pressure Release Valve: The pressure release valve located on the side of
the pressure switch, is designed to automatically release compressed air
from the compressor head and the outlet tube when the air compressor
reaches “cut-out” pressure or is shut off. The pressure release valve allows
the motor to restart freely. When the motor stops running, air will be heard
escaping from this valve for a few seconds. No air should be heard leaking
when the motor is running, or continuous leaking after unit reaches cut-out
pressure.
Safety Valve (K) Fig. 3: If the pressure switch does not shut off the air
compressor at its cutout pressure setting, the safety valve will protect
against high pressure by “popping out” at its factory set pressure (slightly
higher than the pressure switch cut-out setting).
If the safety valve does not work properly, over-
pressurization may occur, causing air tank rupture or an explosion.
Daily pull the ring on the safety valve to make sure that the safety
valve operates freely. If the valve is stuck or does not operate
smoothly, it must be replaced with the same type of valve.
INSTALLATION AND BREAK-IN PROCEDURES
LOCATION OF THE AIR COMPRESSOR
Your compressor comes to you completely assembled and ready for use.
Operate the air compressor in a dry, clean, cool, and well-ventilated area. The
air compressor pump and case are designed to allow for proper cooling.
Clean or blow off dust or dirt that collects on the air compressor. A clean air
compressor runs cooler and provides longer service. The ventilation openings
on your air compressor are necessary to maintain proper operating
temperature. Do not place rags or other containers on or near these openings.
VOLTAGE AND CIRCUIT PROTECTION
See SPECIFICATIONS Section of this manual.