150/5 Sander Burning Smell, Melting Socket

[Steve Williams]

Hello all

I have a 150/5 sander about one year old. The other day I noticed a burning electrical plasticky smell. Stopped my sander, pulled out the cord and saw that it was melting at the connections.
I had the appropriate cord in at the time. Any ideas, I have two other festool sanders that have never given me trouble and I have not been gentle.

Thanks for your help

Steve

 

[Brice Burrell]

Hello all

I have a 150/5 sander about one year old. The other day I noticed a burning electrical plasticky smell. Stopped my sander, pulled out the cord and saw that it was melting at the connections.
I had the appropriate cord in at the time. Any ideas, I have two other festool sanders that have never given me trouble and I have not been gentle.

Thanks for your help

Steve

Welcome to the FOG Steve. The Plug-It might not have been fully locked and poor connection caused arcing between the contacts in the tool and the cord. This can melt the contact pins on one or both ends (the tool and plug end) and the plastic in the Plug-It. You may need to send your sander in for repair. Call Festool's service center and they will let you know what to do. Making matters worse, this isn't covered by the 3 year warranty. Sorry, I wish your first post was under better circumstances.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Well, Steve, the principle behind this problem is simple.

How does the plastic start to melt?

- Because the metal inside becomes too hot.

How does the metal become too hot?

- Because the current that runs through it is too big.

How can the current be too big?

- Because there is no good (full) contact between the male and the female plug.

How to solve this?

- Take a screwdriver or other pointy object and bend the male contacts just a tiny little bit.

If this doesn't work it's time to replace the cord.

If that doesn't work it's time to call Festool's service department.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I assumed he was referring to the plug-it, that may not be correct. Steve, is your problem at the wall plug or plug-it?

 

[Steve Williams]

Thanks guys
How do I find a festool repair center.
I am in CT

 

[Steve Williams]

Plug it

 

[Brice Burrell]

Thanks guys
How do I find a festool repair center.
I am in CT

If I had to guess, our man Shane probably PMed you with the info you'll need, if not, call the 800 service number (it's on the tool) 1-800-554-8741 for Festool USA's service dept.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Thanks guys
How do I find a festool repair center.
I am in CT

If I had to guess, our man Shane probably PMed you with the info you'll need, if not, call the 800 service number (it's on the tool) 1-800-554-8741 for Festool USA's service dept.

Sorry, I was away for a minute and the thread developed very quickly... I'm slacking  ;D

Edit: Service department is open from 8a - 5p EST M-F.

 

[Steve Williams]

Thanks guys
That was quick service

 

[AlexThePalex]

I assumed he was referring to the plug-it, that may not be correct. Steve, is your problem at the wall plug or plug-it?

I assumed the same thing Brice.