CMS with OF2200 How to?

[harry_]

Someone previously mentioned that the issue may be more related to UL reluctance to have such a powerful machine in a dismountable format.

That simply can't be it as the OF2200 router is UL listed as a stand-alone unit.

 

[Sparktrician]

I doubt that the lower amperage switch is the primary reason the OF2200 does not have UL listing for use in the CMS. I would bet that Festool put that switch in on purpose to show good faith to UL that they were not going to let people use the OF2200 in the CMS too easily. Someone previously mentioned that the issue may be more related to UL reluctance to have such a powerful machine in a dismountable format.

It all comes down to the rating of the switch (13.6 amps) and the Power Law P=EI where P represents power in watts, I represents current in amps, and E represents intensity in volts (expressed differently, I=P/E).  In most of Europe, the available power is 220 vac.  The OF 2200 is rated at 2200 watts.  Plug this into the formula - I=2200/220 and you get 10.0 amps, well within the limitations of the switch.  Move west to NA and re-run the numbers.  I=P/E, or I=2200/110 and you get 20 amps, well above the limitation of the switch.  That switch (which really is a contactor) is fine in Europe, but not in NA.  The issue does relate to UL not approving the use of this power-hungry a router on a switch that can't handle the power draw.  The router is just fine on a normal 20 amp circuit on 12 gauge copper wiring.

 

[Bohdan]

And that switch is the reason that the CMS is now discontinued.

It is too easy to bypass the switch and plug the router into somewhere else

This then breaches the new EU rules and so Festool can no longer offer the CMS.

 

[Cheese]

My question is what is done differently in UK when they pair a 110V OF 2200 router with a CMS?

The P=EI formula is still in effect.
https://www.festool.co.uk/products/routing/routers/574353---of-2200-eb-plus-gb-110v#Overview

 

[sancho57]

[member=44099]Cheese[/member]

Nothing really, they have 110v tools there so they would have a CMS set up for 110V which if memory serves me right only the switch on the CMS would be different.

I bought a second CMS while in the UK just for my 2200 that I bought in the US.

nothing was needed just plug an play other then changing the plugs from UK to US. I guess I could of just got a adapter or bought a US plug cut the cable and put the US one on,  but I decided to change out the switch

 

[Cheese]

I was thinking about the [member=7493]Sparktrician[/member] and [member=10147]jobsworth[/member] responses on this thread and decided to do a little investigation.

The crux of the issue has always been the OF 2200 amperage draw on 110/120 volts versus 230/240 volts.

My thought was if you purchase a 110 volt OF 2200 in the UK and install it in a MFS, why does that work in the UK but not work in the US? Obvious answer...Festool must offer a different magnetic contactor for the UK 110 volt version of the MFS.

Well that seems logical. So if you visit EKAT item #13 it is called a Switch Element Assembly and it's comprised of 6 basic items. A cord with a female connection, a cord with a male connection and 4 other pieces.

The 4 other pieces are:
Item 29...Pusher...496878
Item 30...Switching Housing...447703
Item 32...Contactor...455695
Item 37...Switch Cover...447704

Well, pulling up the EKAT parts lists for US 110 volt, GB 110 volt, EU 230 volt and GB 240 volt machines...all 4 of those parts are the same part number.

So, if there are no differences other than the cord ends...so much for the NAINA of the OF 2200 in a MFS experience being "over the top."

As Sparky notes, the P=EI formula still remains a given because it's like gravity...it's not going away anytime soon.

 

[sancho57]

I can tell you Ive never had a problem with mine in the UK I useds a 110v tranny here in the states were 110v no problems

 

[Rick Christopherson]

This has already been covered years ago, and the people misleading you in this thread already know that.  [sad] The problem is nothing more than the sticker on the inside of the switch. It's a 4-pole switch that is rated at 13 amps per pole, but the way it is configured in the table with all 4 poles in parallel, it will handle far more amperage.

The switch is one of the best I've encountered. It is a magnetic-connect with a mechanical-break. And because of that, you cannot fuse the contacts. The participants in this thread have been explicitly told this in the past, but do not want to listen. c'est la vie

 

[Cheese]

The problem is nothing more than the sticker on the inside of the switch. It's a 4-pole switch that is rated at 13 amps per pole, but the way it is configured in the table with all 4 poles in parallel, it will handle far more amperage.

The switch is one of the best I've encountered. It is a magnetic-connect with a mechanical-break. And because of that, you cannot fuse the contacts.
c'est la vie

[member=191]Rick Christopherson[/member]

Thanks for that Rick.  [not worthy]    That makes even more sense once you explain that the poles are configured in parallel. That was the missing element that I couldn't figure out. It just didn't make sense that Festool would just go ahead and use an under rated product on the CMS in the UK and just say "good enough".

Looks like I need to start looking for an OF 2200 on the Festool recon site.  [big grin]

 

[sancho57]

[member=191]Rick Christopherson[/member]

Rick its a old thread that goes back to 2014

 

[DynaGlide]

So if the router tried to pull too much current what happens? Trip the breaker at the panel, no harm done? CT and 2200 untouched?

 

[tjbnwi]

So if the router tried to pull too much current what happens? Trip the breaker at the panel, no harm done? CT and 2200 untouched?

Only issue I’ve ever had when the CT 36 with the CMS plugged into the onboard recpticale a 20 amp circuit breaker will trip if another load is added to the circuit while the CT & 2200 are running. Never hurt the anything, just needed to reset the breaker.

Tom

 

[HowardH]

I have a 2200 installed my CMS GE and it works like a champ.  No issues whatsoever.