It’s frustrating—you fire up your air compressor, but within minutes the reset button trips. You press it, restart, and it happens again. This is usually a sign of overheating, electrical overload, or failing parts inside the compressor.
In this guide, we’ll explain why the reset button keeps tripping, how to troubleshoot the issue, and the best replacement parts or upgrades to solve it permanently.
Quick Picks: Best Fixes & Upgrades
- Best Overall Replacement: Quincy QT-54 60-Gallon Two-Stage Compressor – Reliable long-term replacement if your compressor is beyond repair.
- Best Budget Fix: Capacitor Replacement Kit for Air Compressors – Solves most startup and overload issues for underpowered motors.
- Best Premium Tool: Fluke 376 FC Clamp Meter – Diagnose motor amperage draw to pinpoint overload problems.
Buyer’s Guide: Why the Reset Button Keeps Tripping
The reset button is a thermal overload protector. It trips when the motor overheats or draws too much current. Common causes include:
- Blocked Ventilation: Dust, dirt, or poor airflow cause overheating.
- Bad Capacitor: A weak start or run capacitor prevents the motor from reaching speed, causing overload.
- Undersized Power Supply: Extension cords, weak breakers, or low voltage force the motor to draw more current.
- Worn Pump or Bearings: Extra mechanical load overheats the motor.
- Faulty Pressure Switch: If it doesn’t cut out properly, the compressor may overrun until it trips.
- Bad Reset/Overload Switch: Sometimes the reset switch itself fails and trips too easily.
Tip: Always check your power supply first. Compressors should run on a dedicated circuit, never with a long extension cord.
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Quincy QT-54 60-Gallon Two-Stage Compressor
Who it’s for: Buyers with aging compressors that trip constantly despite repairs.
- Key Benefits: 5 HP, 15.2 CFM @ 175 PSI, built for continuous duty.
- Pros: Reliable, professional-grade, long service life.
- Cons: Requires 240V, heavy installation.
Final Verdict: Best replacement for worn-out compressors. Check Price
2. Air Compressor Capacitor Replacement Kit
Who it’s for: Owners whose reset trips at startup or under light load.
- Key Benefits: Universal capacitor kit fits most compressors.
- Pros: Affordable, easy swap, restores motor torque.
- Cons: Requires electrical safety awareness.
Final Verdict: Best budget repair for startup-related tripping. See Price
3. Fluke 376 FC Clamp Meter
Who it’s for: Technicians and advanced DIYers troubleshooting electrical overload.
- Key Benefits: Measures current draw, voltage, and harmonics.
- Pros: Professional accuracy, wireless logging, versatile.
- Cons: Higher price than standard testers.
Final Verdict: The best tool for pinpointing overload causes. Check Price
4. Lefoo LF10-4H Pressure Switch
Who it’s for: Users with compressors that overrun until they trip.
- Key Benefits: Adjustable cut-in/cut-out, unloader valve included.
- Pros: Universal fit, affordable, reliable cycling.
- Cons: Requires wiring knowledge.
Final Verdict: A simple fix when bad switching causes trips. View Price
5. Campbell Hausfeld Universal Check Valve
Who it’s for: Owners whose compressors struggle against tank back pressure.
- Key Benefits: Replaces worn tank check valves.
- Pros: Prevents backflow, smooth startup, inexpensive.
- Cons: Must match threads and tank size.
Final Verdict: An overlooked cause of resets—this part fixes startup overload. Check Price
6. Ingersoll Rand 2340L5-V 60-Gallon Compressor
Who it’s for: Professional shops needing a reliable replacement for old tripping units.
- Key Benefits: 5 HP, 14 CFM @ 175 PSI, cast-iron pump.
- Pros: Durable, long-lasting, shop-grade.
- Cons: Large footprint, requires 240V.
Final Verdict: A proven replacement compressor for long-term reliability. Check Price
Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Fixes | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quincy QT-54 | Compressor | Replacement | Shops, garages | Check Price |
| Capacitor Kit | Electrical Part | Startup overload | DIY repair | See Price |
| Fluke 376 FC | Clamp Meter | Electrical diagnosis | Techs, advanced DIYers | Check Price |
| Lefoo LF10-4H | Pressure Switch | Runaway cycling | General users | View Price |
| Campbell Check Valve | Valve | Backflow issues | Startup problems | Check Price |
| Ingersoll Rand 2340 | Compressor | Replacement | Professional shops | Check Price |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my compressor reset button keep tripping?
Most commonly due to overheating, bad capacitors, weak power supply, or pump overload.
Can I bypass the reset button?
No. The reset protects your motor from overheating. Bypassing it risks fire and motor failure.
How do I know if the capacitor is bad?
If the compressor hums, struggles to start, or immediately trips reset, the capacitor may be faulty.
Do I need to replace my compressor?
If the tank is rusty or the motor constantly overheats despite new parts, replacement is often safer and more cost-effective.
Conclusion
If your compressor reset button always trips, start with the simple fixes: check ventilation, power supply, and replace capacitors or check valves. If those don’t solve it, a new pressure switch or even a replacement compressor may be the long-term answer.
The Capacitor Kit is the best budget fix, the Fluke Clamp Meter is the best diagnostic tool, and the Quincy QT-54 is the best full replacement option.
Check today’s best repair kits, switches, and replacement compressors here