CT22 current sensor?

[RobWoodCutter]

Hello.

Since half of my Festools tools can't be plugged into to the CT22, because the current draw is two high, I want to rig up a remote switch on the end of the hose to switch the CT22 on.

When I use the Kapex, I just have a portable clamp-on lamp mounted to Kapex that plugs into the CT22, so I just switch on the light and the CT22 comes on. The light adds local lighting and remotely turns on/off the CT22. 

My question is: What is the minimum load (in watts or amps) that is needed to trigger the CT22 to come on?

Thanks. Rob

 

[nickao]

You know I have hooked up so many tools over the so called rating and never had an issue, no melting heating or funny operation. I really think those are underrated for safety. It probably has been talked about here before somewhere.

I did what you do with the light for a long time and a switch at the end of the hose is something I would love.

 

[RobWoodCutter]

I thinking of the Kapex, the OT2200, etc. drawing excess current when CT22 running full speed and the tool at full speed.

I just wondering if a simple LED/switch, just enough for the current sensor to pick up the load. Then with only a few watts being used, really small conductor could be used and tie-wrapped to hose.

Actually, Festool could just run a two conductor with switch/light on the end of the hose from the factory. Considering how much the hoses cost already, whats a few hundred more for one with an integral remote switch on the hose... [unsure]

Rob

 

[Brice Burrell]

I've not have any problems running the Kapex/vac and only tripped the breaker with a large bit in the 2200, smaller bits, no problem.  Another option is the Billy pedal foot switch.  It's on my list.  Oh, and thank Nick for the idea, I got it from him.

 

[RobWoodCutter]

I had considered the a foot switch but it would just be another cord/cable hose to manuever around.

Just did some quick amp readings ( at 120 volts).

OF2200

Setting   Peak(at startup)    Running (no load)
1                  13                        4.9
3                 14.2                      6.1
6                 17.6                      7.6

Kapex

Setting   Peak(at startup)    Running (no load)
1                  9.2                       6.6
3                 13.2                      7.5
6                 15.3                      8.9

CT22 (nothing connected)

Setting   Peak(at startup)    Running (no load)
Low               8.2                      5.7
Medium         10.7                      7.0
High              14.7                     10.8

So:
Kapex at 1, CT22 at Low settings comes to 12.3 amps at 120Volts
Kapex at 3, CT22 at High settings comes to 18.3 amps at 120Volts
Kapex at 6, CT22 at High settings comes to 19.7 amps at 120 Volts

Which is why seems to work for intermitted use. But  running it continuously would create a hazard.

I was thinking more along the lines of using a low voltage "wall wart" transformer and low voltage wire running the length of the hose so if it got damaged, it wouldn't hurt anybody as it would only be 8-12Volts DC. Assuming it would be able to sense that low of a amp draw. Will have to experiment tomorrow.

Rob

 

[Pete Pedisich]

What is the possibility of getting a dedicated 20amp circuit wired up?

 

[RobWoodCutter]

I currently have the CT22 on a dedicated 20amp outlet with a twist lock plug/receptacle.  I have a separate dedicated 20amp outlet for the "power tool" side.

Rob

 

[mikeneron]

Would be nice if the vacs came with a remote that allowed you to control the auto/manual mode as well as the variable suction power.  So many times after I make a cut with my TS55, I like to switch to the brush attachment to clean off the piece I just cut.  So I have to go to the vac and switch to manual and then back to Auto for my next cut.  It's a lot of back and forth.

I would be curious as well as to what the minimum load that is needed to trigger the CT22.  I have tried a small light, but it didn't trigger it.

Sorry to hijack a bit here, but what I would like to do is be able to connect the power for my TS55 and miter saw at the same time to the CT22 and then just connect the vac hose to each as I need it.  Then have something like a light trigger the vac when I want to do some manual cleanup so I don't have to constantly switch between auto/manual mode.  I would need a 3-way power splitter to connect to the vac, but would want this to be overhead so that cords are out of the way.  Is it safe to just run an extension cord from the vac and then plug in the 3-way splitter to that?  I have a safety switch that I could use instead of an extension cord if that would be a better choice.

 

[RobWoodCutter]

I have tried a small light, but it didn't trigger it.

I trigger the Kapex by a portable lamp mounted by the kapex (13w compact fluorescent lamp).
Still haven't had a chance to see what the minimum load it would take to trigger the Auto-mode on the CT22.

Rob

 

[Pete Pedisich]

Hey guys, does this do what you want?
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=63013&cat=1,240,41065&ap=1

splits it between two circuits. My shop does have two separate circuits about 10' apart.

 

[RobWoodCutter]

Pete, I saw that at Woodcraft. It won't quite work for my application. Thanks..Rob

 

[Jesse Cloud]

I use the Lee Valley product that Pete mentioned to connect a shop vac and my Kapex to separate circuits.  Works great.  I have used it so long that I had forgotten about it.  Started to read this thread and I was trying to remember how I handle this, then saw Pete's pic and remembered.  That's about the best compliment you can give a tool - it works so well you forget you are using it.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I use the Lee Valley product that Pete mentioned to connect a shop vac and my Kapex to separate circuits.  Works great.  I have used it so long that I had forgotten about it.  Started to read this thread and I was trying to remember how I handle this, then saw Pete's pic and remembered.  That's about the best compliment you can give a tool - it works so well you forget you are using it.

Must suck getting old. [tongue]

 

[mikeneron]

What I ended up doing was buying an extension cord with a T block on one end that has 3 plugs.  It's made by Husky and I found it at Home Depot.  So I have that run from the vac where I then have my TS55 and miter saw plugged in.  I then needed a 3rd thing to use to trigger the vac whenever I wanted to do some cleanup without having to switch the vac to Manual.  I found a small heater that actually has a remote.  So now I can click the remote to turn on the heater and then the vac turns on. 

I tried things like a small light, and old DVD player, and an old VCR, but I either couldn't get the vac to come on at all or it would come on and wouldn't turn off (VCR).  I wanted something that turned on with a remote for convenience.