FDNY A-35 ACTUAL QUESTION AND ANSWERS
/2026 UPDATE
Air compressors power...
(1) industrial equipment and (2) construc on tools
Examples of equipment powered by air compressor
pneuma c wrenches, li s in auto service sta ons, paint spray booths
Air compressors enable...
(1) efficient repair of all types of vehicles; and (2) facilitate their safe opera on on public
thoroughfares
Permit is required for air compressor
that compresses air above 100 PSI
Types of air compressors
(1) reciproca ng;
(2) centrifugal;
(3) solar; and
(4) rotary
*Difference is the way in which they compress air
How do air compressors work
take the air in a room and force it into a container UNDER PRESSURE. The more air forced
into the container, the greater the pressure. Compressed air can be discharged from the
container at a controlled rate.
Most common air compressor
Reciproca ng
Air compressors are some mes called
air pumps
Air compressors can be powered by:
, (1) electric motors;
(2) internal combus on engines; or
(3) steam turbines
Explosions & air compressors
If there is a build up of flammable gases (ex: in service sta ons and workshops), those gases
are heavier than air and fall to the floor before spreading outward. These gases are easily
ignited by sparks and high temperatures--which INCLUDES the heat generated by an air
compressor.
To avoid explosions w/ air compressors
Raise air compressor at LEAST 5 feet above ground level so that no flammable gases are
drawn into the compressor. To meet the height requirement you can place compressor on a
shelf or bench OR the air receiver tank may be turned and stood on end w/ the air
compressor bolted to the top of the tank.
Power to air compressor
en re unit is driven by an electric motor. Motor ac vates a series of drive belts. Belts power
the moving parts of the unit--like w/ power steering and alternator in automobile
Compression Chamber opera on
Air is compressed in compression chamber which consists of a PISTON inside a CYLINDER.
Piston moves up and down.
When piston moves down -->draws air into cylinder, through INTAKE VALVE (valve
automa cally opens when piston moves down).
When piston moves up-->air is compressed (intake vale automa cally closes to avoid air
escaping from cylinder).
Air Reciever Opera on
When air pressure reaches a certain level, it forces open a DISCHARGE VALVE (which is spring
loaded). This releases compressed air into air reciever (aka air tank), which is what supplies
compressed air when needed.
Single Stage Air Compressor
with one cylinder and one piston
Mul Stage Air Compressor
with more than one piston and cylinder.
/2026 UPDATE
Air compressors power...
(1) industrial equipment and (2) construc on tools
Examples of equipment powered by air compressor
pneuma c wrenches, li s in auto service sta ons, paint spray booths
Air compressors enable...
(1) efficient repair of all types of vehicles; and (2) facilitate their safe opera on on public
thoroughfares
Permit is required for air compressor
that compresses air above 100 PSI
Types of air compressors
(1) reciproca ng;
(2) centrifugal;
(3) solar; and
(4) rotary
*Difference is the way in which they compress air
How do air compressors work
take the air in a room and force it into a container UNDER PRESSURE. The more air forced
into the container, the greater the pressure. Compressed air can be discharged from the
container at a controlled rate.
Most common air compressor
Reciproca ng
Air compressors are some mes called
air pumps
Air compressors can be powered by:
, (1) electric motors;
(2) internal combus on engines; or
(3) steam turbines
Explosions & air compressors
If there is a build up of flammable gases (ex: in service sta ons and workshops), those gases
are heavier than air and fall to the floor before spreading outward. These gases are easily
ignited by sparks and high temperatures--which INCLUDES the heat generated by an air
compressor.
To avoid explosions w/ air compressors
Raise air compressor at LEAST 5 feet above ground level so that no flammable gases are
drawn into the compressor. To meet the height requirement you can place compressor on a
shelf or bench OR the air receiver tank may be turned and stood on end w/ the air
compressor bolted to the top of the tank.
Power to air compressor
en re unit is driven by an electric motor. Motor ac vates a series of drive belts. Belts power
the moving parts of the unit--like w/ power steering and alternator in automobile
Compression Chamber opera on
Air is compressed in compression chamber which consists of a PISTON inside a CYLINDER.
Piston moves up and down.
When piston moves down -->draws air into cylinder, through INTAKE VALVE (valve
automa cally opens when piston moves down).
When piston moves up-->air is compressed (intake vale automa cally closes to avoid air
escaping from cylinder).
Air Reciever Opera on
When air pressure reaches a certain level, it forces open a DISCHARGE VALVE (which is spring
loaded). This releases compressed air into air reciever (aka air tank), which is what supplies
compressed air when needed.
Single Stage Air Compressor
with one cylinder and one piston
Mul Stage Air Compressor
with more than one piston and cylinder.
