Festool CT 26 Line Cord

[Theshipstore]

I am wondering if anyone has changed to power cord on the CT 26 or any other for that matter with a more flexable cord. If so did you maintain the same the wire size and what did you choose to use,
I use my CT 26 daily but for me it is a daily setup and dismantle and the cord is some stiff it just is a pain, the length is awesome but its just to stiff to coil.
I have been thinking of using a more flexable extension cord ( 25' ) to relpace mine with.
Any Thoughts would be appreciated

Sal

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Sal,

Just get an assistant like Kreg has, to wrap the cord for you.  [wink]

 

[Theshipstore]

I should be so lucky, anyway Saturday I am gonna see what the Nut has for cords, if not I am gonna order a 12/3 25-Foot SJEOW TPE Cold Weather Extension Cord for 30 bucks and see how flexable it really is, as a 12/3 it is an easy replacement for the existing cord

Sal

 

[boblenz]

I should be so lucky, anyway Saturday I am gonna see what the Nut has for cords, if not I am gonna order a 12/3 25-Foot SJEOW TPE Cold Weather Extension Cord for 30 bucks and see how flexable it really is, as a 12/3 it is an easy replacement for the existing cord

Sal

Anything ever happen with this?  I just bought a Midi and love it except for trying to wrap the stiff cord.  Thinking of returning the Midi because this has to be one of the most frustrating things I deal with in my cleanup process.  I have to think twice before setting it up.

 

[Nick C]

The DC cord has to handle the current for both the DC and the connected tool. Evidently, up to 20A. If you're not using one of the bigger tools--say the big saw or the big router, and possibly the Kapex--you might do fine with a 14/3 cord. Do you routinely use a standard 15A circuit, or do you have to use a 20A circuit to keep from tripping a breaker? If you use a 15A, then 14 gage should be OK. If there is a risk of an overload, consider plugging the tool into a separate circuit, instead of the DC.

 

[boblenz]

I have not flipped the 15 amp breaker using the CT with my TS-55 yet.  Table Saw and refrigerator will trip it though.  I will most likely switch it over to 12/3 friendly cord, easy to coil in the cold and shorter, 6' - 8'.  Thanks for the help.

 

[woodie]

SJOOW 12/3 cable would be more flexible.

 

[Theshipstore]

I see this came back to life, sorry never did a follow-up on my original post. The cord I used to change is great, flexible in the cold, surprisingly easy to install, and a year later still working well
Sal

 

[sgt_rjp]

I have not flipped the 15 amp breaker using the CT with my TS-55 yet.  Table Saw and refrigerator will trip it though.  I will most likely switch it over to 12/3 friendly cord, easy to coil in the cold and shorter, 6' - 8'.  Thanks for the help.

I've been wondering about this for a while.  According to the specs, there's not much that you can actually plug into the CT.  The manual lists the "Max rating of connected tool" as 3.7amps.  Even the mfk700 has a 6amp motor.  So, according to the specs, the only festool I can plug in the CT may be my battery chargers.  I realize that these numbers are the max ratings, but how do you know where to draw the line?

 

[ccarrolladams]

While having the power cord of a CT as flexible in cold weather as possible is convenient, my questions are as follows:

Will using anything other than a Festool replacement part be permitted under the UL listing? That might not be as big a problem for the DIY user as for an employer.

Does using a power cord with less amp capacity and longer than the original void the warranty and violate the UL listing?

 

[semenza]

My CT Mini says 3.7  amps max on the outlet flapper door never noticed that before. But in the manual it says 1200 watts max.  I have run every Festool tool I own off it with no problems including Kapex on a regular basis.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don't put a longer or smaller gauge power cord on the CT.

Seth

 

[johninthecamper]

I have never tripped a breaker.I am going to switch out the plug for a 25amp twist lock,when my warranty falls off.that way for sure the 15amp tool&10 amp vac will have enough.I know ohms law is not negotiable, soft start and computer controlled,make it work, but something HAS to suffer using what is supposed to be 25 and getting only fifteen.a 15  amp breaker is really 18,but rated for 15 for safety,on stage I have seen a 15amp cable melt because that electrician just kept plugging stuff in all the outlets, ganging ,daisy chaining,wanting to use 45 amps,which it was, no circuit breaker to stop it at 15.how it was discovered was the insulation started to smell .first and last day for that guy

 

[woodie]

I haven't seen anyone suggest using a longer cord? I think all the CT's come with a 7.5 meter 12 gauge cord, which is 24.6ft. Using a a 25 ft 12 gauge cord shouldn't be an issue. Using a shorter 12 gauge cable would also not be an issue. I would definitely not change the gauge of cord used, DIY'er or not.

 

[sgt_rjp]

@johninthecamper:  That is not my understanding.  A 15amp breaker is only rated at 12 sustained amps.  Which is why the cts are rated at 12 total amps and call for only 3.7amp tool to be used.  I agree that the soft start is what makes it work but it sounds like every one of us are surpassing the manufacturing specs.

 

[sawdustaddict]

I know a guy who armor-alls his cords every so often and it keeps them pretty supple. 

 

[johninthecamper]

@johninthecamper:  That is not my understanding.  A 15amp breaker is only rated at 12 sustained amps.  Which is why the cts are rated at 12 total amps and call for only 3.7amp tool to be used.  I agree that the soft start is what makes it work but it sounds like every one of us are surpassing the manufacturing specs.
[/quote
according to n.e.c.,a fifteen amp circuit is going to used for more than 3 1/2 hours you must reduce the amperage by 20 % , making 15 into 12]

 

[woodie]

Just got some 12/3 SJOOW cable in for a different project. It's quite a bit more flexible than the SJTW cord that comes on the CT's. I ordered the cable from WesBell Electronics. It's sold by the foot and seems to be reasonably priced.

[attachthumb=#1]

 

[mastercabman]

Why not keep the CT cord roll up and tied and use a more flexible extention cord?