How to set up my air line correctly

There are 3 simple steps to make sure your air line installation is providing the right pressure and that your accessories selection is correct, so you can ultimately work productively. It does not take long and it is something you can easily do yourself using our self-diagnostic checklist.

3 steps to check that your air line is set up correctly: it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…

Step 1: Calculate if there is an air pressure drop between the FRL and the tool.

First, read the FRL gauge value
Secondly, measure the dynamic pressure at the tool’s inlet
Then, calculate the difference between the two values to see if there is a drop in air pressure between the FRL and the tool

Step 2: Identify where pressure is being lost by checking that your accessories have been selected and installed properly.

There are various points to inspect, the main ones being: at the tool inlet, the couplings/nipples and hose connections, as well as the FRL.
To avoid pressure drops you want to make sure that:

Accessories have the correct diameters and thread sizes/types
The hose is not longer than needed
Clamps are properly tightened

Step 3: Final measurements and adjustments.

Once you are confident that all accessories have been selected & installed correctly, measure once more the dynamic pressure at the tool’s inlet.
You can then adjust accordingly the FRL regulator to ensure you get a reading of 90 psi / 6.3 bars at the tool inlet.

We offer an extensive array of air compressor parts and services through our direct locations throughout New Zealand. Continued growth means our operations continue to operate on a national level.

In our effort to provide the best possible support, we offer the following remote monitoring, preventative maintenance, vacuum pump services and overhaul, compressor and pipework installations, hire fleet and leasing solutions, leak detection's and energy audits, and breakdown recovery and emergency air.

When considering new energy-efficient air compressors or an upgrade to more energy-efficient machinery, Ash Air can help you make the right choices for your business.

How to prevent hose whiplash

Providing a safe working environment for operators is essential, especially when using pneumatic tools and compressed air. If there is a failure in the air network and the hose is not adequately clamped, the resulting whiplash could be devastating. Failure to follow best practice can result in injuries, associated production downtime and decreased productivity.

In this video Annabelle Bray, CP's Accessories Product Manager, demonstrates how to fit an air fuse to an air line set-up in just a few seconds, and gives advice to increase safety in the workplace and protect workers from potential hose whiplash.

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