Compressor bar, l/min, W and tank — what they mean
A compressor card almost always shows four big numbers: bar, l/min, W (or kW) and tank litres. People mash them into one pile: “bigger is better”. They are not the same measurement — and mixing them up is why people buy the wrong unit.
Choice basics: how to choose. Range: Compressors.
Bar — pressure, not “power”
Max bar is how far you may fill the tank. Tools run at working pressure, often below max. Extra bar without flow does not make a gun stronger.
l/min — air over time
- Intake — often the larger catalogue number.
- Delivery / FAD at a stated bar — what the tool actually breathes.
W / kW — motor power
Needed to drive the pump, but not a direct air-litre measure. Similar W can mean different delivery.
Tank: 6 / 24 / 50 / 100 L
Stores air between cycles. Bigger tank = fewer starts and better short pulses. It does not increase pump output.
- ~2–6 L — Aircase, HC06, Ecomax Silent 6L.
- ~24 L — HC26, HC30ox, HC25Si, Ecomax 24L.
- ~50 L — HC51V, HC51Si, HC53DC, Ecomax 50L.
- ~80–100 L — HC550TC.
Garage context: garage.
Three myths to drop
- Higher bar ≠ better compressor.
- Bigger tank ≠ higher output.
- Higher W ≠ automatically more delivery l/min.
How to read a card in 30 seconds
- Max bar.
- l/min — intake vs delivery?
- Tank litres.
- Oil type and dB if listed.
- Compare with the tool card, not with a feeling.
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