Final answer:
An air compressor is protected when the oil pressure drops or goes below 10 psi by an oil pressure switch. This switch triggers a shut-off mechanism to prevent damage to the compressor's internal components. It is a safety feature that ensures the compressor's safety and prevents costly repairs.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an air compressor, the oil pressure is crucial for lubrication and cooling of the compressor's moving parts. When the oil pressure drops or goes below 10 psi, the compressor is protected by a safety feature called an oil pressure switch.
The oil pressure switch is a device that detects the oil pressure level and triggers a shut-off mechanism to stop the compressor if the pressure is too low. This prevents damage to the compressor's internal components due to lack of lubrication.
The oil pressure switch is connected to a control circuit that can shut down the compressor motor or activate an alarm to alert the operator of low oil pressure. It ensures the compressor's safety and prevents costly repairs.