Max. pressure
The maximum pressure provided by the pump or compressor — in other words, the highest tyre pressure that can be achieved using this unit.
In most models, this figure is
from 2.5 to 10 atm, and in mechanical pumps (manual and foot, see "Type") pressure of more than 10 atm is practically not found at all. This is due to the fact that even for heavy trucks, the optimal tyre pressure is usually about 5 – 9 atm (depending on a number of parameters — there are special formulas and tables for calculations); and in passenger car tyres, a pressure of more than 2.5 atm is extremely rarely used. However, there are compressors with higher pressure parameters —
11 – 15 atm,
16 – 20 atm and even
higher. The meaning of such characteristics is mainly in the "power reserve": a higher working pressure contributes to faster pumping. However, be careful not to over-inflate the tyre and damage it.
Current consumption
The amount of current drawn by the compressor during operation. For most models intended for use with passenger cars, this indicator is at the level of 12-14 A. A small current consumption is preferable from the point of view of energy saving, but the performance of the device largely depends on this indicator (see "Performance").
Power
Rated power consumed by the compressor during operation.
This parameter primarily affects the features of connecting the unit to the on-board network through the cigarette lighter socket. Such a socket has restrictions on load power, and these restrictions are different for different cars; and even in the same car, different connectors — the cigarette lighter itself and a separate socket of the same format — can differ in allowable power. However, most of these connectors can easily cope with units with a power of up to 100 – 120 W; but if you get a more powerful compressor, you should clarify the possibility of using it with a specific cigarette lighter (the easiest way to do this is according to the documentation for the car). If the device is planned to be powered through "crocodiles" or from a 230 V socket (see "Connection"), you can not pay much attention to the power consumption.
Also, more powerful compressors, usually, have a greater capacity and/or maximum pressure, but there is no strict relationship here.
