Hello again,
Quick question. Is it harmfull for the motors of a Dust Collector and a compressor to plug them into a switched outlet, and use that to turn them on and off?
Do I need a special switch for a 20/20 amp 220 feed?
Thanks again...
Caleb
Hello again,
Quick question. Is it harmfull for the motors of a Dust Collector and a compressor to plug them into a switched outlet, and use that to turn them on and off?
Do I need a special switch for a 20/20 amp 220 feed?
Thanks again...
Caleb
No and yes. You need a double-pole switch since you need to throw both hot leads. They are a special switch and wouldn't cause you any problem if wired correctly.
Edit: On second thought ... I'm not sure how magnetic switches would like that. If you're using machines with magnetic switches you may have issues. Hopefully someone with more knowledge than I will come along and clarify this.
Last edited by Jason Beam; 11-21-2007 at 7:00 PM. Reason: Magnetic switches
Jason Beam
Sacramento, CA
beamerweb.com
A "switched" outlet in this case is not necessarily harmful but in the case of the DC it's not alway best to turn them on and off "frequently". Further, it's probably a better idea to use a contactor to do the "switching" and control it from a 120v or low voltage switch or switches in the shop. Contactors are designed to handle the loads that these kind of tools can generate over time. (Contactors are a type of "relay"...the control side, when voltage is applied, causes a magnetic assembly to move the contacts closed for the load side and provide power to the device)
I use that method with my cyclone. My IR compressor has a built-in switch, but I very rarely turn it off.
--
The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
You need a double pole switch rated for the size of your motor, but other than that it is no problem. I used one on my 2hp DC; I think it was $10 at HD.
My new cyclone came with a magnetic switch which is obviously incompatible with the old switch. I am thinking of wiring around it because I liked the old switch.
If by "magnetic switch" you're talking about the type of switch that will not restart the machine after a power interruption, then there is a definite issue. The magnetic switch will see opening the "outlet switch" as a power loss. When the outlet switch is closed, the magnetic switch will have to be cycled to restart the machine.
Tom Veatch
Wichita, KS
USA
To be more specific, I have a 3hp Woodtec dust collector and a 26 gallon campbell hausfeld compressor.
I know the compressor does not "reset" when the power supply is cut. I'm not sure about the Dust collector.
The reason for adding a switch is because the are on the other side of a wall from the main shop area.