California Air Tools 4620AC review
A 2.0 HP twin-tank compressor with 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI and a 70 dB rating. You get more than twice the airflow of the 60 dB models at about the volume of a busy office. At 70 dB it is about as loud as a busy office or a running dishwasher.
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How loud is it?
- California Air Tools 4620AC70 dB
Manufacturer rating, measuring distance not stated. Brands measure at different distances, so treat 1–2 dB differences as a tie. Why dB ratings vary.
Full specifications
| Noise rating | 70 dB |
|---|---|
| Noise source | Manufacturer rating, measuring distance not stated |
| CFM at 90 PSI | 5.3 |
| CFM at 40 PSI | 6.4 |
| Max PSI | 125 |
| Tank | 4.6 gal |
| Horsepower | 2 HP |
| Pump | Oil-free |
| Stages | — |
| Power | 120V outlet |
| Duty cycle | — |
| Weight | 64 lb |
| Price band | $300–$600 (checked October 18, 2026) |
A dash means the manufacturer doesn't publish that figure. We never estimate one.
Our take
The 4620AC is the step up for people who outgrow 2 CFM. Its 2.0 HP motor and twin 4.6-gallon aluminum tanks deliver 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI and 6.4 CFM at 40 PSI, enough for framing nailers on a fast pace, roofing nailers, small HVLP guns and occasional air ratchets.
The noise rating rises to 70 dB, which is still quiet next to a typical 80–85 dB contractor compressor. In a garage you can talk over it without shouting.
It is a 64 lb two-hand carry, and retailer listings disagree on the current draw (between 14 and 15 A), so plan on a dedicated 20 A circuit or a short, heavy extension cord.
Pros
- 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI from a carryable unit
- Twin aluminum tanks
- Oil-free
Cons
- 64 lb
- Draws around 14–15 A, so it wants its own 20 A circuit
What it can run
With a 30% safety margin, 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI comfortably covers these tools from our list (nailers assumed at 30 shots a minute):
- Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge Brad Nailer (0.025 cu ft per shot)
- Metabo HPT NR90AES1 Framing Nailer (0.09 cu ft per shot)
- Ingersoll Rand 170G 3/8" Air Ratchet (3 CFM average)
- Ingersoll Rand 3101G 1/4" Die Grinder (3 CFM average)
- Ingersoll Rand 119MAXK Air Hammer Kit (2.9 CFM average)
- AEROPRO R500 LVLP Spray Gun (3.9 CFM average)
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Best for: Portable twin-tank power for framing and light spraying.
Buy it if: you want noticeably less noise than a typical 80 dB compressor; you run impact wrenches, ratchets or spray guns in bursts; you want a pump with no oil to change.
Skip it if: you carry it up and down stairs often.
How it compares in its class
- Ranked #8 of 12 in best quiet air compressors.
- Quieter than 1 of the 11 other rated models in that list.
- 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI against a class median of 2.3 CFM, so above average airflow for the class.
- Price band $300–$600; see every spec side by side in the comparison table.
Ownership tips
- Drain the tank after each use (daily on a shop compressor) to stop rust from the inside.
- The pump is oil-free, so there's no oil to change; keep the intake filter clean instead.
- Plug it straight into a wall outlet and use a longer air hose instead of a long, thin extension cord.
- Test the safety relief valve now and then by pulling its ring briefly, and never adjust or plug it.
General guidance; always follow the owner's manual. More in our maintenance checklist.
California Air Tools 4620AC: quick answers
How loud is the California Air Tools 4620AC?
It is rated at 70 dB (manufacturer rating, measuring distance not stated), which is about as loud as a busy office or a running dishwasher.
What can the California Air Tools 4620AC run?
With a 30% safety margin it covers Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge Brad Nailer, Metabo HPT NR90AES1 Framing Nailer, Ingersoll Rand 170G 3/8" Air Ratchet, Ingersoll Rand 3101G 1/4" Die Grinder, Ingersoll Rand 119MAXK Air Hammer Kit, AEROPRO R500 LVLP Spray Gun from our tool list, based on 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI.
Is the California Air Tools 4620AC oil-free?
Yes. The pump is oil-free, so there's no oil to check or change.
What power does the California Air Tools 4620AC need?
It runs from a standard 120V household outlet. For larger units, a dedicated 20A circuit is best; avoid long, thin extension cords.
Spec sources
Where each figure on this page comes from (checked October 18, 2026). We don't present manufacturer figures as our own measurements.
- Amazon product listing: noise, tank, horsepower, pump type
- californiaairtools.com: CFM @ 90 PSI, CFM @ 40 PSI
- aircompressorstore.com: max PSI
- zoro.com: weight
Alternatives to consider
California Air Tools 8010A
60 dB · 2.2 CFM @ 90 PSI · $150–$300
Quiet home garage with more stored air
Makita MAC320Q Quiet Series
60 dB · 2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI · $300–$600
The most airflow you can get at 60 dB
Appears in: Best quiet air compressors · Oil-free · Portable