All plug its are not created equal?

[enderw88]

I noticed today the that plug-it for my RO-150 will not plug into my TS-75, there is an extra ridge on the male connector that prevents it, the TS-75 plugit can plug into the RO-150...That seems strange, the cords appear to be the same gauge so it doesn't seem to be a lighter duty cord...Any one know why this is so?

 

[Tim Sproul]

That seems strange, the cords appear to be the same gauge so it doesn't seem to be a lighter duty cord...Any one know why this is so?

There are 2 gauges of cords - 14 gauge wire used in the cord for heavier current draw tools (TS saws, routers, etc) and 16 gauge wire used in the cord for lighter current draw tools.  I too am kinda puzzled.....I would have thought at the price point of Festool, you'd swallow the difference in manufacturing cost of a 14 gauge cord over a 16 gauge cord by capturing economies of scale, reducing complexity in the manufacturing/design and packaging process, and the overall price point of the tools.  I also notice almost no difference in the flexibility or weight of the 14 gauge cord when used with a sander versus the 16 gauge cord so I don't think that was much of a factor in the decision to use both size cords.

 

[Bill in seattle]

festool has two differant  cords one is a 16 gauge and one is a 18 gauge. the difference is that the 18 gauge cord has a notch to prevent you from plugging in a cord that will not carry enough amperage that higher wattage /amperage tools needs to operate under a load. the 16 gauge cord will run all the tools with a plug it cord but not vice versa. there are plenty of math/ electrical calcs if you are interested but this is the basic reason.
hope this helps

 

[jonny round boy]

There are 2 gauges of cords - 14 gauge wire used in the cord for heavier current draw tools (TS saws, routers, etc) and 16 gauge wire used in the cord for lighter current draw tools.  I too am kinda puzzled.....I would have thought at the price point of Festool, you'd swallow the difference in manufacturing cost of a 14 gauge cord over a 16 gauge cord by capturing economies of scale, reducing complexity in the manufacturing/design and packaging process, and the overall price point of the tools.  I also notice almost no difference in the flexibility or weight of the 14 gauge cord when used with a sander versus the 16 gauge cord so I don't think that was much of a factor in the decision to use both size cords.

If Festool simply sold the larger gauge cord with an un-modified plug-it connector in the US (as you suggest), then no doubt some idiot would acquire a UK plug-it cord, cut the UK plug off it, fit a US plug, and then sue Festool when it melted!!!

 

[enderw88]

festool has two differant  cords one is a 16 gauge and one is a 18 gauge. the difference is that the 18 gauge cord has a notch to prevent you from plugging in a cord that will not carry enough amperage that higher wattage /amperage tools needs to operate under a load. the 16 gauge cord will run all the tools with a plug it cord but not vice versa. there are plenty of math/ electrical calcs if you are interested but this is the basic reason.
hope this helps

Got it, thanks.  I looked a bit more closely saw the gauge...

 

[Lou Miller]

There are 2 gauges of cords - 14 gauge wire used in the cord for heavier current draw tools (TS saws, routers, etc) and 16 gauge wire used in the cord for lighter current draw tools.  I too am kinda puzzled.....I would have thought at the price point of Festool, you'd swallow the difference in manufacturing cost of a 14 gauge cord over a 16 gauge cord by capturing economies of scale, reducing complexity in the manufacturing/design and packaging process, and the overall price point of the tools.  I also notice almost no difference in the flexibility or weight of the 14 gauge cord when used with a sander versus the 16 gauge cord so I don't think that was much of a factor in the decision to use both size cords.

If Festool simply sold the larger gauge cord with an un-modified plug-it connector in the US (as you suggest), then no doubt some idiot would acquire a UK plug-it cord, cut the UK plug off it, fit a US plug, and then sue Festool when it melted!!!

You know, I never did understand the reasoning for the two cords. Your explanation very well may be the  first one that really makes sense to me though. I can very easily see someone doing exactly as you say.

 

[rodwolfy]

That seems strange, the cords appear to be the same gauge so it doesn't seem to be a lighter duty cord...Any one know why this is so?

There are 2 gauges of cords - 14 gauge wire used in the cord for heavier current draw tools (TS saws, routers, etc) and 16 gauge wire used in the cord for lighter current draw tools.  I too am kinda puzzled.....I would have thought at the price point of Festool, you'd swallow the difference in manufacturing cost of a 14 gauge cord over a 16 gauge cord by capturing economies of scale, reducing complexity in the manufacturing/design and packaging process, and the overall price point of the tools.  I also notice almost no difference in the flexibility or weight of the 14 gauge cord when used with a sander versus the 16 gauge cord so I don't think that was much of a factor in the decision to use both size cords.

Tim,

What's more - the replacement/accessory plug-it cord 16 gauge connector is cheaper by $3 than the 18 gauge one($29 vs. $32) and it will plug into all of the 18 gauge tools, anyways. Why bother buying an additional 18 gauge replacement, when the 16 gauge one is more adaptable? The only things that I could think of, are that Festool can produce them for cheaper, which equals a lower price for them or more profit and/or that the 18 is slightly more flexible?

Rod