I just picked up the same model the other day and here are the power specs on its first run as measured with a P3 Kill a watt EZ.
A couple of general notes: Appliances and tools with DC motors will almost always show an amp draw that is the "Peak" amps that the motor uses on startup to get the motor running from a dead start. The peak start up amps are usually significantly higher (sometimes double) than what the "continuous running" amp draw is as you can see below. Also the peak startup amp draw only lasts for about half a second, which is why some of the switches that plug into your table saw and dust collector gives a slight delay so you don't pop a circuit breaker.
As far as the 2 hp rating that is about as subjective as mega pixels or miles per gallon and is really being used as more a marketing figure. If the manufactures used the peak amp draw to calculate HP then what do you really get when the actual runtime amp is half. Kind of like a car manufacture calculating MPG with a car in neutral going downhill with a 50mph tailwind.
***Harbor Freight "Central Machinery" 2HP Dust Collector Model #97869
***New unit measured alone on its initial run without being hooked up to any ducting system or tool stations
- Startup amps = 23.67
- Continuous running amps with both caps open = 11.58amp - 11.60amp
- Continuous running amps with one cap closed = 10.93amp - 10.96amp
- Continuous draw Watts
- Both caps open= 859watt - 868watt
- One cap closed = 952watt - 958watt
Note the increase in amps with both caps open as the motor works harder probably due to increased drag on the fan blades from the extra volume of air. I'll also measure the power draw once I get it fully hooked up to my ducting and with it digesting debris from a table saw.
Here are the estimated cost of the units "continuous" operation based on its Kilowatt hour consumption and my estimated local utility rate per Kilowatt hour (your consumption will differ based on your local rates but should be pretty close)
- Yearly $708
- Monthly $58.60
- Weekly $13.72
- Daily $1.96
- Hourly $0.08
One thing I’m interested in seeing is how the amp draw changes over time as the brushes in this motor starts to wear out. As those brushes wear out I’m sure you will gradually see those amps creep up as the motor become increasingly inefficient. If anyone has a unit that is a few years old and has a lot of runtime on the motor and picks up a kill a watt device I’d be interested to see the numbers. Even if it was another manufactures setup.
Also to all the people who like to argue about numbers for the sake of arguing. Take this for what it is and what its worth. I only just signed onto this particular forum because I was looking for the same info before I bought my unit and could not find it. You guys had some other good info on this model and Bob G. had already asked the same question so I’m just trying to be a sport and post the info I got from mine.
In reality you could probably pull two identical motors off the same assembly line and they would have separate figures but should be close enough for general comparison.
Thanks Much,
John