Ask the Expert: What’s the difference between single-stage and two-stage compressors?

Q: What’s the difference between single-stage and two-stage compressors?

A: Single-stage air compressors work by drawing air in and subsequently compressing the air to its final pressure in a single piston stroke. Single-stage compressors can attain pressures up to 150 psi.

Two-stage air compressors work in a very similar manner, except they compress air in two steps, or stages. During the first stage, air is drawn in and compressed to an intermediate pressure. After being compressed in the first stage, the air is piped, usually through an intercooler where the air is allowed to cool, to be compressed in the final, or second stage. Two-stage compressors are normally recommended for pressures up to 200 psi. Two-stage pumps are more efficient at higher pressures because the air is cooled between stages.

Information provided by: Daniel Leiss, president, Jenny Products, Inc.