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A pancake compressor is a small, portable air compressor used for home and commercial jobs where less air volume is needed. It is oil-free, requires little maintenance, and can run on household electrical circuits. It is important to check the air requirements for tools before purchasing and to ensure the unit has a water drain. Safety precautions should be taken when using the compressor outdoors.
A pancake compressor is a small, portable air compressor used for home and commercial jobs where less air volume is needed. The term “pancake” refers to the flat, oval-shaped tank used to store compressed air, similar to a pancake served for breakfast. These compressors are small, portable, and can run on ordinary household electrical circuits, making them useful for homeowners and small businesses that require the occasional compressed air.
Most small air compressors are oil-free, meaning that oil doesn’t leave the compressor with the air, requiring an oil separator. The compressor oil is sealed inside the unit and other than an occasional cleaning, there is typically no maintenance required on a pancake compressor. A user can plug the unit into an electrical outlet, attach a compressed air hose, and connect to many small compressed air tools.
Air tools are normally rated by the volume of air required to operate them at a stated pressure. Pancake compressors can provide adequate air capacity for smaller tools, but may be too small for commercial or industrial applications. Air volume decreases as operating pressure increases, so users should check the air requirements for their tools before purchasing a pancake compressor.
Small size and portability are key attributes for a pancake compressor, with many units weighing less than 65 pounds (30 kilograms). Designs vary, but most have the pancake air tank at the bottom with the compressor installed on top, which minimizes the amount of space needed. A carrying handle is common and most units will have rubber feet to reduce vibration and floor damage.
It is important when purchasing a pancake compressor to check that the unit has a water drain at the bottom of the tank. Water condenses into a liquid in an air compressor during operation and collects at the bottom of the air tank. If not removed regularly, water can cause corrosion of the tank and eventually damage it.
By the same token, any auxiliary tank used to store compressed air should be designed for that purpose and not a propane or other compressed gas cylinder. Many gas cylinders are unpainted on the inside and, when used for compressed air, will rust and can fail, resulting in property damage or injury. The compressed air cylinders are painted or epoxy coated on the inside to minimize rusting caused by water.
If you are using a pancake compressor outdoors, a few simple safety precautions can reduce the chance of injury. Always connect the unit to a circuit protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which will sense any current flowing to ground and shut off the circuit to prevent electric shock. Inspect compressor, hose and all tools for damage or air leaks and repair or replace before use. Do not place any compressor on a ladder or roof above people working below, as the compressor’s vibrations may cause it to fall and injure someone.
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