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
of 7
 
MOTOR OVERLOAD PROTECTOR
The motor has a thermal overload protector. If the motor overheats for any reason, the
overload protector will shut off the motor. The motor must be allowed to cool down before
restarting. To restart:
1. Set the Auto/Off lever to Off and unplug unit.
2. Allow the motor to cool.
3. Plug the power cord into the correct branch circuit receptacle.
4. Set the Auto/Off lever to AUTO position.


INSTALLING HOSES
WARNING: Risk of unsafe operation. Firmly grasp hose in hand when installing or discon-
necting to prevent hose whip.
1. Ensure regulated pressure gauge reads 0 psi.
2. Grasp the hose at the quick connect plug and push the plug into the quick connect
body (E). Coupler will snap into place.
3. Grasp the hose and pull to ensure coupler is seated.
DISCONNECTING HOSES
WARNING: Risk of unsafe operation. Firmly grasp hose in hand when installing or discon-
necting to prevent hose whip.
1. Ensure regulated pressure gauge reads 0 psi.
2. Pull coupler on quick connect body back to release Quick Connect plug on hose.

WARNING: 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 appro-
priate grounding plug.
1. The cord set and plug (M) with this unit contains a grounding pin (L). This plug MUST be
usedwithagroundedoutlet(K).
IMPORTANT: The outlet being used must be installed and grounded in accordance with all
local codes and ordinances.
2. Ensure the outlet being used has the same configuration as the grounded plug. DO NOT
USE AN ADAPTER.
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 quali-
fied electrician.
DANGER: Risk of Electrical Shock. 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.

If an extension cord must be used, be sure it is:
• a3wireextensioncordthathasa3bladegroundingplug,anda3slotreceptaclethat
will accept the plug on the product
• ingoodcondition
• nolongerthan50feet(15.2m)
• 12gauge(AWG)orlarger.(Wiresizeincreasesasgaugenumberdecreases.10AWGand
8AWGmayalsobeused.DONOTUSE14OR16AWG.)
NOTICE: Risk of Property Damage. The use of an undersized extension cord will cause volt-
age to drop resulting in power loss to the motor and overheating. Instead of using an exten-
sion cord, increase the working reach of the air hose by attaching another length of hose to
its end. Attach additional lengths of hose as needed.

Refer to the Voltage and Minimum Branch Circuit Requirements under Pump/Motor
Specifications.
CAUTION: Risk of Overheating. Certain air compressors can be operated on a 15 amp
circuit if the following conditions are met.
• VoltagesupplytocircuitmustcomplywiththeNationalElectricalCode.
• Circuitisnotusedtosupplyanyotherelectricalneeds.
• Extensioncordscomplywithspecifications.
• Circuit is equipped with a 15 amp circuit breaker or 15 amp time delay fuse.
NOTE: 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.
If any of the above conditions cannot be met, or if operation of the 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.

NOTE: Always use an air line filter to remove moisture and oil vapor when spraying paint.

Place the air compressor in a clean, dry and well ventilated area at least 12" (30.5 cm) away
fromthewallorotherobstructionsthatwillinterferewiththeflowofair.Keepthecompressor
away from areas that have dirt and/or volatile fumes in the atmosphere. These impurities may
clog the intake filter and valves, causing inefficient operation.
WARNING: The air compressor pump and shroud are designed to allow for proper cool-
ing. 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.
Place the air compressor on a flat surface resting on the rubber feet and wheels.
ELECTRICAL
Refer to all safety instructions before using unit. Observe extension cord safety instructions
if necessary. Always move the Auto/Off switch (A) to the OFF position before removing the
plug from the outlet.
TRANSPORTING (FIG. 3)
Whentransportingthecompressorinavehicle,trailer,etc.,makesurethetankisdrainedand
the unit is secured with straps to prevent tipping. Use care when driving to prevent tipping
the unit over in the vehicle. Damage can occur to the compressor or surrounding items if the
compressor is tipped.
LIFTING
Always use two people when lifting and lift from the recommended lift points (N). DO NOT
lift by wheels or shroud.
MOVING
CAUTION: 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.
1. Grasp handle of compressor and tilt compressor back to rest on wheels.
WARNING: Risk of Unsafe Operation. Ensure proper footing and use caution when rolling
compressor so that unit does not tip or cause loss of balance.
2.Whenlocationisreachedslowlylowercompressortoground.Always store compres-
sor in a vertical position resting on the rubber bumpers and wheels.

WARNING: Do not operate this unit until you read this instruction manual for safety,
operation and maintenance instructions.

1. Ensure the Auto/Off switch (A) is in the OFF position.
2. Plug the power cord into the correct branch circuit receptacle. See Voltage and Circuit
Protection under Installation.
3. Ensure air tank is drained, see Draining Air Tank under Maintenance.
4. Ensure the drain valve (H) is closed.
5. Ensure safety valve (G) is functioning properly, see Checking Safety Valve under
Maintenance.
6. Pull the regulator knob (D) out and turn counterclockwise until fully closed. Ensure regu-
lated pressure gauge reads 0 psi. Push knob in to lock in place.
7. Attach hose and accessories. NOTE: Always use a minimum 3/8" (9.5 mm) or greater air
hose rated at 300 psi.
WARNING: Risk of unsafe operation. Firmly grasp air hose in hand when installing or dis-
connecting to prevent hose whip.
WARNING: Risk of unsafe operation. Do not use damaged or worn accessories.
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.


1. Follow Pre-Start Checklist under Preparation for Use.
2. Move the Auto/Off switch to the AUTO position and allow tank pressure to build. Motor
will stop when tank pressure reaches cut-out pressure.
NOTICE: Risk of Property Damage. Compressed air from the unit may contain wa ter conden-
sation and oil mist. Do not spray un fil tered air at an item that could be damaged by moisture.
Some air op er ated tools or de vic es may require filtered air. Read the in struc tions for the air
tool or device.
3.Adjustregulator(D)todesiredsetting.SeeRegulator under Features.
SHUT-DOWN (FIG. 1)
1. Move Auto/Off switch (A) to the OFF position.
NOTE: If finished using compressor, follow Steps 2–6.
NOTE: Whentheunithasbeenturnedoff,itisnormaltohearashorthissofairbeing
released.
NOTE: Unplug unit when not in use.
2. Pull the regulator knob (D) out and turn counterclockwise until fully closed. Ensure regu-
lated pressure gauge reads 0 psi. Push knob in to lock in place.
3. Remove hose and accessory.
WARNING: Risk of unsafe operation. Firmly grasp air hose in hand when installing or dis-
connecting to prevent hose whip.
4. Drain the air tank, see Draining Air Tank under Maintenance. Ensure air tank pressure
gauge reads 0 psi.
WARNING: Risk of bursting. Drain air tank daily. Water will condense in air tank. If not
drained, water will corrode and weaken the air tank causing a risk of air tank rupture.
5. Allow the compressor to cool down.
6.Wipeaircompressorcleanandstoreinasafe,nonfreezingarea.

The following procedures must be followed when maintenance or service is performed on
the air compressor.
1. Ensure Auto/Off switch is in the OFF position.
2. Remove air compressor plug from outlet.
3. Drain air tank.
4. Allow air compressor to cool down before starting service.
NOTE: All compressed air systems contain maintenance parts (e.g., oil, filters, separators)
that are periodically replaced. These used parts may contain substances that are regulated
and must be disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
NOTE: Take note of the positions and locations of parts during disassembly to make reas-
sembly easier.
NOTE: Any service operations not included in this section should be performed by a
DeWALT
factory service center or a
DeWALT authorized service center.

Procedure Daily Weekly See tank
warning label
Check safety valve X
Inspect air filter X
Drain air tank X
Check for unusual noise/vibration X
Check for air leaks X
1
Clean compressor exterior X
Remove tank from service X
2
1Tocheckforairleaksapplyasolutionofsoapywateraroundjoints.Whilecompressor
is pumping to pressure and after pressure cuts out, look for air bubbles to form.
2 - For more information, call 1-800-4-
DeWALT (1-800-433-9258)

WARNING: Risk of bursting. If the safety valve does not work properly, over-pressurization
may occur, causing air tank rupture or an explosion.
WARNING: Risk from flying objects. Always wear certified safety equipment: ANSI Z87.1
eye protection (CAN/CSA Z94.3) with side shields when using the compressor.
Before starting compressor, pull the ring on the safety valve to make sure that the safety
valve operates freely. NOTE: Ring may be difficult to pull when air tank pressure is at 0 psi.
If the valve is stuck or does not operate smoothly, it must be replaced with the same type
of valve.

WARNING: Risk of unsafe operation. Risk from noise. Air tanks contain high pres-
sure air. Keep face and other body parts away from outlet of drain. Use eye protection
[ANSI Z87.1 (CAN/CSA Z94.3)] when draining as debris can be kicked up into face.
WARNING: Risk from noise. Always wear proper hearing protection during use. Under
some conditions and duration of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.
NOTE: All compressed air systems generate condensate that accumulates in any drain point
(e.g. tanks, filter, aftercoolers, dryers). This condensate contains lubricating oil and/or sub-
stances which may be regulated and must be disposed of in accordance with local, state,
and federal laws and regulations.
WARNING: Risk of bursting. Drain air tank daily. Water will condense in air tank. If not
drained, water will corrode and weaken the air tank causing a risk of air tank rupture.
NOTICE: Risk of Property Damage. Drain water from air tank may contain oil and rust, which
can cause stains.
1. Ensure Auto/Off switch is in the OFF position.
2. Place a suitable container under the drain valve (H) to catch discharge.
3. Grasp lever on drain valve.
4. Slowly rotate lever to gradually bleed air from air tank.
5.Whenairtankpressuregaugereads10psi,rotatevalvetothefullyopenposition.
6. Close drain valve when finished.

WARNING: Hot surfaces. Risk of burn. Outlet tube, pump head, and surrounding parts are
very hot, do not touch. Allow compressor to cool prior to servicing.
1. Ensure Auto/Off switch (A) is in the OFF Position.
2. Allow unit to cool.
3. Remove filter cover (J) from base.
4. Remove element from filter base.
5. Place new element back in filter base. Purchase replacement parts from your local dealer
or authorized service center. Always use identical replacement parts.
6. Snap filter cover to filter base.
NOTICE: Risk of unsafe operation. Do not operate without air inlet filter

WARNING: The use of any other accessory not recommended for use with this tool
could be hazardous. Use only accessories rated equal to or higher than the rating of the air
compressor.
Recommended accessories for use with your tool are available for purchase from your local
dealer or authorized service center. If you need assistance in locating any accessory for your
tool, please contact D
e
WALT Industrial Tool Co., 701 East Joppa Road, Baltimore, MD 21286,
call 1-800-4-D
e
WALT (1-800-433-9258) or visit our website www.dewalt.com.

Please have the following information available for all service calls:
Model Number _____________________ Serial Number ________________________________
Date and Place of Purchase _______________________________________________________

ToassureproductSAFETYandRELIABILITY,repairs,maintenanceandadjustmentshould
be performed by a D
e
WALT factory service center, a D
e
WALT authorized service center or
other qualified service personnel. Always use identical replacement parts.

DeWALT heavydutyindustrialtoolsarewarrantedforoneyearfromdateofpurchase.We
will repair, without charge, any defects due to faulty materials or workmanship. For warranty
repair information, call 1-800-4-D
e
WALT (1-800-433-9258). This warranty does not apply to
accessories or damage caused where repairs have been made or attempted by others. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary in certain
states or provinces.
LATIN AMERICA: This warranty does not apply to products sold in Latin America. For
products sold in Latin America, see country specific warranty information contained either in
the packaging, call the local company or see website for warranty information.
FREE WARNING LABEL REPLACEMENT (Fig. 4): If your warning labels become illegible or
are missing, call 1-800-4-D
e
WALT (1-800-433-9258) for a free replacement.

CFM: Cubic feet per minute.
SCFM: Standard cubic feet per minute; a unit of measure of air delivery.
PSI: Pounds per square inch; a unit of measure of pressure.
kPa (kilopascal): Metric pressure measurement. 1 kilopascal equal 1000 pascals.
Code Certification: Products that bear one or more of the following marks: UL
®
, CUL,
CULUS, ETL
®
, CETL, CETLUS, have been evaluated by OSHA certified independent safety
laboratories and meet the applicable Standards for Safety.
*UL
®
is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories and ETL
®
is a registered
trademark of Electrical Testing Laboratories.
Cut-In Pressure:Whilethemotorisoff,airtankpressuredropswhenaccessoryisused.
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: The circuit carrying electricity from electrical panel to outlet.
Duty Cycle: This air compressor pump is capable of running continuously. However,
to prolong the life of your air compressor, it is recommended that a 50%-75% average
duty cycle be maintained; that is, the air compressor pump should not run more than
30-45 minutes in any given hour.
FIG. 1
L
M
K
FIG. 2
FIG. 3
FIG. 4
DRAIN TANK DAILY
H
N
N
J
D
C
B
E
F
I
A
H
G
WARNING HOT SURFACES
ADVERTENCIA SUPERFICIES CALIENTES
AVERTISSEMENT
SURFACES CHAUDES
DO NOT ADJUST FACTORY SETTINGS.
TO REDUCE RISK OF ELEC TRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
Pressure controls set at factory for
maximum sa fe operation.
NO HAGA CAMBIOS EN LOS AJUSTES
DE FÁBRICA. NO RETIRE LA TAPA PARA
REDUCIR EL RIESGO DE CHOQUE ELÉ CTRICO.
Los controles de presión se ajustan en la
fábrica para máxima seguridad en la operación.
ADVERTENCIA
WARNING
AVERTISSEMENT