4.0

Out of 19 Ratings

Owner's of the DeWalt Air Compressor 15 gal. emg gave it a score of 4.0 out of 5. Here's how the scores stacked up:
  • Reliability

    3.95 out of 5
  • Durability

    3.88 out of 5
  • Maintenance

    3.95 out of 5
  • Performance

    3.89 out of 5
  • Ease of Use

    4.21 out of 5
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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
GUIDE D'UTILISATION
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES
D55168
Oil Free Portable Air Compressor
Compresseur d’air portatif sans huile
Compresor de aire sin aceite portátil
INSTRUCTIVO DE OPERACIÓN, CENTROS DE SERVICIO
Y PÓLIZA DE GARANTÍA. ADVERTENCIA: LÉASE ESTE
INSTRUCTIVO ANTES DE USAR EL PRODUCTO.
DeWALT Industrial Tool Co., 701 East Joppa Road, Baltimore, MD 21286
(AUG10) Part No. N087149 D55168 Copyright © 2007, 2008, 2009 2010
DeWALT
The following are trademarks for one or more DeWALT power tools: the yellow and black color scheme; the “D”
shaped air intake grill; the array of pyramids on the handgrip; the kit box configuration; and the array of lozenge-
shaped humps on the surface of the tool.
If you have questions or comments, contact us.
Pour toute question ou tout commentaire, nous contacter.
Si tiene dudas o comentarios, contáctenos.
1-800-4-DeWALT

The definitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word. Please read
the manual and pay attention to these symbols.
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE: Indicates a practice not related to personal injury which, if not avoided,
may result in property damage.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS OR ANY D
e
WALT TOOL,
CALL US TOLL FREE AT: 1-800-4-D
e
WALT (1-800-433-9258)

WARNING: Do not operate this unit until you read this instruction manual for safety,
operation and maintenance instructions.
WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
WARNING: Some dust contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm such as asbestos and lead in lead based
paint.

DANGER: RISK OF EXPLOSION OR FIRE
WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
• Itisnormalforelectricalcontactswith-
in the motor and pressure switch to
spark.
• Always operate the compressor in a well
ventilated area free of combustible materi-
als, gasoline, or solvent vapors.
• If electrical sparks from compressor
come into contact with flammable
vapors, they may ignite, causing fire or
explosion.
• Ifsprayingflammablematerials,locatecom-
pressor at least 20' (6.1 m) away from spray
area. An additional length of hose may be
required.
• Storeflammablematerialsinasecureloca-
tion away from compressor.
• Restrictinganyofthecompressorven-
tilation openings will cause serious
overheating and could cause fire.
• Never place objects against or on top of
compressor pump.
• Operatecompressorinanopenareaatleast
12" (30.5 cm) away from any wall or obstruc-
tion that would restrict the flow of fresh air to
the ventilation openings.
• Operatecompressorinaclean,drywellven-
tilated area. Do not operate unit indoors or in
any confined area.
• Unattended operation of this product
couldresultinpersonalinjuryorprop-
erty damage. To reduce the risk of fire,
do not allow the compressor to operate
unattended.
• Alwaysremaininattendancewiththeprod-
uct when it is operating.
• Alwaysturnoffandunplugunitwhennotin
use.
DANGER: RISK TO BREATHING (ASPHYXIATION)
WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
• Thecompressed airdirectly fromyour
compressor is not safe for breathing.
The air stream may contain carbon mon-
oxide, toxic vapors, or solid particles
from the air tank. Breathing these con-
taminants can cause serious injury or
death.
• Neveruseairobtaineddirectlyfromthecom-
pressor to supply air for human consumption.
The compressor is not equipped with suitable
filters and in-line safety equipment for human
consumption.
• Exposuretochemicalsindustcreated
by power sanding, sawing, grinding,
drilling, and other construction activi-
ties may be harmful.
• Sprayedmaterialssuchaspaint,paint
solvents, paint remover, insecticides,
weed killers, may contain harmful
vapors and poisons.
• Workinanareawithgoodcrossventilation.
Read and follow the safety instructions pro-
vided on the label or safety data sheets for
the materials you are spraying. Always use
certified safety equipment: NIOSH/OSHA
respiratory protection or properly fit ting face
mask designed for use with your specific
application.
WARNING: RISK OF BURSTING
Air Tank: On February 26, 2002, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission published
Release # 02-108 concerning air compressor tank safety:
Air compressor receiver tanks do not have an infinite life. Tank life is dependent upon several
factors, some of which include operating conditions, ambient conditions, proper installa-
tions, field modifications, and the level of maintenance. The exact effect of these factors on
air receiver life is difficult to predict.
If proper maintenance procedures are not followed, internal corrosion to the inner wall of the
air receiver tank can cause the air tank to unexpectedly rupture allowing pressurized air to
suddenlyandforcefullyescape,posingriskofinjurytoconsumers.
Your compressor air tank must be removed from service by the end of the year shown on
your tank warning label.
The following conditions could lead to a weakening of the air tank, and result in a violent air
tank explosion:
WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
• Failure to properly drain condensed
water from air tank, causing rust and
thinning of the steel air tank.
• Drainairtankdailyoraftereachuse.Ifairtank
develops a leak, replace it immediately with a
new air tank or replace the entire compressor.
• Modificationsorattemptedrepairstothe
air tank.
• Neverdrillinto,weld,ormakeanymodifications
to the air tank or its attachments. Never
attempt to repair a damaged or leaking air
tank. Replace with a new air tank.
• Unauthorizedmodificationstothesafety
valve or any other components which
control air tank pressure.
• Theairtankisdesignedtowithstandspecific
operatingpressures.Nevermakeadjustments
or parts substitutions to alter the factory set
operating pressures.
Attachments & accessories:
• Exceeding the pressure rating of air
tools, spray guns, air operated acces-
sories, tires, and other inflatables can
cause them to explode or fly apart, and
couldresultinseriousinjury.
• 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.
Tires:
• Over inflation of tires could result in
seriousinjuryandpropertydamage.
• Useatirepressuregaugetocheckthetires
pressure before each use and while inflating
tires; see the tire sidewall for the correct tire
pressure.
NOTE: Air tanks, compressors and similar
equipment used to inflate tires can fill small
tiresveryrapidly.Adjustpressureregulatoron
air supply to no more than the rating of the
tire pressure. Add air in small increments and
frequently use the tire gauge to prevent over
inflation.
WARNING: RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
• Your air compressor is powered by
electricity. Like any other electrically
powered device, If it is not used properly
it may cause electric shock.
• Neveroperatethecompressoroutdoorswhen
it is raining or in wet conditions.
• Never operate compressor with protective
covers removed or damaged.
• Repairs attempted by unqualified
personnelcanresultinseriousinjuryor
death by electrocution.
• Anyelectricalwiringorrepairsrequiredonthis
product should be performed by a
DeWALT
factory service center or a
DeWALT authorized
service center in accordance with national
and local electrical codes.
• Electrical Grounding: Failure to provide
adequate grounding to this product
could result in serious injury or death
from electrocution. See Grounding
Instructions under Installation.
• Make certain that the electrical circuit to
which the compressor is connected provides
proper electrical grounding, correct voltage
and adequate fuse protection.
WARNING: RISK FROM FLYING OBJECTS
WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
• Thecompressedairstreamcancause
soft tissue damage to exposed skin
and can propel dirt, chips, loose par-
ticles,andsmallobjectsathighspeed,
resulting in property damage or personal
injury.
• Always wear certified safety equipment: ANSI
Z87.1 eye protection (CAN/CSA Z94.3) 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 air tank before
attempting maintenance, attaching tools or
accessories.
WARNING: RISK OF HOT SURFACES
WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
• Touching exposed metal such as the
compressor head, engine head, engine
exhaust 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.
WARNING: RISK FROM MOVING PARTS
WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
• Moving parts such as the pulley, fly-
wheel,andbeltcancauseseriousinjury
if they come into contact with you or
your clothing.
• Neveroperatethecompressorwithguardsor
covers which are damaged or removed.
• Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away
frommovingparts.Looseclothes,jewelry,or
long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• Airventsmaycovermovingpartsandshould
be avoided as well.
• Attemptingtooperatecompressorwith
damaged or missing parts or attempt-
ing to repair compressor with protective
shrouds removed can expose you to
moving parts and can result in serious
injury.
• Anyrepairsrequiredonthisproductshould
be performed by a
DeWALT factory service
center or a
DeWALT authorized service center.
WARNING: RISK OF UNSAFE OPERATION
WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
• Unsafeoperationofyouraircompres-
sorcouldleadtoseriousinjuryordeath
to you or others.
• Reviewandunderstandallinstructionsand
warnings in this manual.
• Becomefamiliarwiththeoperationandcon
trols of the air compressor.
• Keep operating area clear of all persons,
pets, and obstacles.
• Keepchildren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featuresofthisprod
uct.
• Equip area of operation with a fire extin-
guisher.
• Donotoperatemachinewithmissing,bro-
ken, or un au tho rized parts.
WARNING: RISK OF FALLING
WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
• 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 move-
ment of the unit. Never operate compressor
on a roof or other elevated position. Use
additional air hose to reach high locations.
WARNING: RISK OF
INJURY FROM LIFTING
WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
• Seriousinjurycanresultfromattempting
tolifttooheavyanobject.
•Thecompressoristooheavytobeliftedby
one person. Obtain assistance from others
before lifting.
WARNING: RISK FROM NOISE
WHAT CAN HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
• Undersomeconditionsanddurationof
use, noise from this product may con-
tribute to hearing loss.
• Alwayswearproperhearingprotectionduring
use.


A. Auto(I)/Off(O) Switch F. Check Valve
B. Air Tank Pressure Gauge G. Safety Valve
C. Regulated Pressure Gauge H. Air Tank Drain Valve
D. Pressure Regulator I. Pressure Switch
E. Quick Connect J. Air Intake Filter

AUTO/OFF SWITCH
Place this switch (A) in the AUTO (I) position to provide automatic power to the pressure
switch and OFF (O) to remove power at the end of each use.
PRESSURE SWITCH
The pressure switch (I) automatically starts the motor when the air 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.
SAFETY VALVE
If the pressure switch does not shut off the air compressor at its cut-out pressure setting, the
safety valve (G) will protect against high pressure by popping out at its factory set pressure
(slightly higher than the pressure switch cut-out setting).
CHECK VALVE
Whentheaircompressorisoperating,thecheckvalve(F)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.
TANK PRESSURE GAUGE
The tank pressure gauge (B) indicates the reserve air pressure in the tank.
REGULATED PRESSURE GAUGE
The outlet pressure gauge (C) indicates the air pressure available at the outlet side of the
regulator. This pressure is controlled by the regulator.
REGULATOR
The regulator (D) controls the air pressure shown on the regulated pressure gauge. Pull the
knob out and turn clockwise to increase pressure and counterclockwise to decrease pres-
sure.Whenthedesiredpressureisreachedpushknobintolockinplace.Theregulated
pressure range is 7–150 psi.
WARNING: Risk of Bursting. Too much air pressure causes a hazardous risk of bursting.
Check the manufacturer’s maximum pressure rating for air tools and accessories. The regula-
tor outlet pressure must never exceed the maximum pressure rating.
UNIVERSAL QUICK CONNECT BODY
The universal quick connect body (E) accepts the three most popular styles of quick connect
plugs: Industrial, automotive, and ARO. One hand push-to-connect operation makes con-
nections simple and easy.
DRAIN VALVE
The drain valve (H) is located at the base of the air tank and is used to drain condensation at
the end of each use. See Draining Air Tank under Maintenance.
COOLING SYSTEM
This compressor contains an advanced design cooling system. It is normal for this fan to
blow air through the vent holes in large amounts. The cooling system is working when air is
expelled.
AIR COMPRESSOR PUMP
Thepumpcompressesairintotheairtank.Workingairisnotavailableuntilthecompressor
has raised the air tank pressure above that required at the air outlet.
AIR INTAKE FILTER
The filter (J) is designed to clean air entering the pump. To ensure the pump continually
receives a clean, cool, and dry air supply the filter must always be clean and the filter intake
must be free from obstructions.