{"product_id":"castair-c218t50u","title":"Castair C218T50U","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Castair C218T50U is a commercial air compressor unit in the C2 pump family, configured with a 50-gallon tank. Based on the SKU structure, this unit likely features a 2HP or similar motor, a T-frame motor configuration, 50-gallon tank, and an unloader valve (U suffix). Manufacturer product page data was not available at time of writing — contact us for complete specifications including HP, CFM output, voltage, and dimensions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe unloader valve (U designation) is a meaningful feature: it relieves head pressure when the compressor reaches cutout, allowing the motor to restart under no-load conditions. Without an unloader, a single-phase motor has to restart against residual head pressure in the cylinder — that's a harder start, more current draw, and more motor stress. With an unloader, the motor restarts freely and the valve closes once the compressor is running. This extends motor life and reduces nuisance tripping on undersized electrical circuits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCast Air C2 Series Pump:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cast iron reciprocating pump in the C2 family for commercial duty service\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e50-Gallon Tank:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adequate air storage reserve for intermittent to moderate demand applications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnloader Valve (U):\u003c\/strong\u003e Head pressure unloader allows easy motor restart — extends motor life and reduces starting current demand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommercial-Grade Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cast Air quality throughout for shop and light industrial use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComplete Compressor Unit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pump, motor, tank, and controls assembled — connect power and an air line to operate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e C218T50U\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePump Family:\u003c\/strong\u003e C2 series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Capacity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50 gallons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Feature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unloader valve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cast Air\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eHP, CFM, max PSI, voltage, tank orientation, dimensions, weight — contact us for complete specifications and pricing. Manufacturer data was not available at time of writing.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the Unloader Valve Matters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a compressor without an unloader, when the pressure switch cuts the motor out, there's still compressed air trapped above the piston. When the pressure switch calls for the motor to restart, it has to push against that trapped pressure. On single-phase motors especially, this is a hard start — higher starting current, more heat, more wear over time. The unloader valve bleeds off that trapped pressure when the compressor stops, so the next start is against atmospheric pressure. It's a small component that has a real impact on motor longevity and starting reliability, especially on circuits where the breaker or wire is sized tight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eApplications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShop air supply for auto service bays and tire operations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLight commercial applications with moderate air demand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFacilities where electrical circuit capacity is a consideration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApplications where motor restart reliability is important\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Buy From OEM Diagnostic Tools?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCast Air compressors and components for commercial shops and industrial facilities — specialist supplier since 2016. Free shipping on qualifying orders. We can pull complete specifications for the C218T50U before you order — call us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCall 866-217-0063 for pricing, availability, and complete specifications!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cast Air","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53342527193301,"sku":"C218T50U","price":1935.46,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8466\/0949\/files\/C218T50U_202.jpg?v=1772674999","url":"https:\/\/aircompressorfactorydirect.com\/products\/castair-c218t50u","provider":"Air Compressor Factory Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}