What's the Difference Between a backup, standby, and redundant air compressor.

A backup compressor is just that – a unit that is a back-up to your existing compressor. It’s there as a safety net and is available for immediate use if your existing compressor decides to stop working. It’s better to be proactive and have a second compressor on hand for these “just in case” scenarios than to be left without a working compressor – which could bring your production to a screeching halt.

A standby compressor is similar to a backup compressor, but unlike the latter, it doesn’t only sit around your facility as an insurance policy. Instead, a standby compressor is connected to your compressed air system and will turn on when the need arises. Keep in mind that this need isn’t only when a compressor failure happens; it also means that the standby compressor will be brought online during periods of peak demand/increased production.

Redundancy in air compressors is simple: two (or more) air compressors operate in parallel, alternating to meet demand – but either compressor is fully capable of handling the entire demand for compressed air on its own. This means that if one of the units shuts down, the second unit then takes on the full demand and production continues. The benefits of this are obvious: no downtime, no impact to the bottom line, and no spoiled products. It’s also beneficial when scheduling service, given that maintenance can be performed whenever is necessary – which eliminates the need to wait for after hours, weekends, or holidays.

So now it’s time for you to decide: can your business afford the downtime in the case of compressor failure? In most cases, the answer is no, which makes the above options so important to implement! At least one of the three possibilities described above is sure to be an ideal fit for your facility. Reach out to our air experts to discuss which option would work best for your business!

Article written By Mike Robinson.