This device, a crucial component in many industrial and commercial settings, serves as an intermediary between the power source and the motor driving compressed air production. It functions as an electromagnetic switch, allowing a low-voltage control circuit to energize a high-voltage motor. For instance, a small on/off switch activates the starter’s coil, which in turn closes contacts to supply power to the air compressor’s motor.
The benefits of employing this system are numerous. Primarily, it offers enhanced safety by isolating the operator from the high-voltage motor circuit. Furthermore, it provides overload protection, safeguarding the motor from damage due to excessive current draw. Historically, the development of such mechanisms has enabled the efficient and reliable operation of large air compressors, essential for various applications from manufacturing to construction.