Depending on which province you're in, the air buildup time or compressor test has somewhat different paramenters. Still, all require that the diesel motor be at a fast idle. A fast idle on a diesel engine is between 900 &1200 rpm.
Provincial Compressor Build-up test parameters:
Province |
Pressure Build-Up |
Time |
RPM |
Ontario |
85psi - 100psi ((586 kPa - 690 kPa) | 2 min | 600-900 |
Quebec |
No compressor test | ||
British Columbia |
50psi - 90psi (345 kPa - 620 kPa) | 3 min | 1000-1200 |
Alberta |
50psi - 90psi (345 kPa - 620 kPa) | 3 min | 1000-1200 |
Manitoba |
50psi - 90psi (345 kPa - 620 kPa) | 3 min | 1000-1200 |
Saskatchewan |
50psi - 90psi (345 kPa - 620 kPa) | 3 min | 1000-1200 |
Nova Scotia |
50psi - 90psi (345 kPa - 620 kPa) | 3 min | 1000-1200 |
New Brunswick |
50psi - 90psi (345 kPa - 620 kPa) | 3 min | 1000-1200 |
Newfoundland & Labradour |
50psi - 90psi (345 kPa - 620 kPa) | 5 min | 1000-1200 |
Prince Edward Island |
?? | ||
Northwest Territories |
50psi - 90psi (345 kPa - 620 kPa) | 3 min | 1000-1200 |
Yukon |
50psi - 90psi (345 kPa - 620 kPa) | 3 min | 1000-1200 |
Nunavut |
50psi - 90psi (345 kPa - 620 kPa) | 5 min | 1000-1200 |
The reason for the build-up or compressor test is to ensure that sufficient air is available to operate the air brakes and air accessories safely.
Most trucks build sufficient air in 1/3 of the time allocated for minimum standard.
