What does an air compressor's duty cycle indicate?

The duty cycle of an air compressor is a crucial parameter that indicates the ratio of the time the compressor is operating to the time it is not operating. This measurement helps users understand how long the compressor can run continuously before it needs to cool down or take a break. For instance, a duty cycle of 50% means that the compressor can run for half the time and needs to rest for the other half to prevent overheating or excessive wear.

Understanding the duty cycle is particularly important for planning the use of an air compressor in various applications, as it affects efficiency, performance, and longevity. It ensures that the compressor is not overworked, which could lead to mechanical failures or reduced performance.

The other options focus on different aspects of the compressor: maximum pressure pertains to the compressor's capability in terms of output, the average lifespan relates to its durability over time, and the size of the air tank affects the volume of compressed air available. However, none of these options relate to the operational time versus downtime aspect, which is the core of what the duty cycle measures.