Festool CTM Max. appliance socket connected load

[Stoker]

The specs for Festool CTMs quotes a Max. appliance socket connected load of 2400 Watt.

I have a table saw which is rated at 2200watts which I run off a 16amp supply. If I fit a 13amp socket it just blows the fuse when I start the saw.

I have been thinking of upgrading my dust collection and would like it to automatically start whatever tool I'm using and was considering a CTM but it seems that it would not work with this particular table saw.

I would appreciate any advice or guidance that members might have.

Many Thanks

 

[AlexThePalex]

I run my Festool CS70 saw of 2200 watts with Festool vacs (Mini and CTL26) without problem on a 16 amp fuse. But it has to be 16 amp, any lower and the fuse blows.

 

[Stoker]

Thanks Alex for your quick reply.

It's good to know that. I see you are from the Netherlands so you would be using one with a Euro spec.

I'm in the UK and the max plug size is 13amp. Perhaps I should be looking at one with a Euro spec rather than a GB spec but I don't know if it would be possible to buy one here in the UK.

 

[GarryMartin]

Tread carefully.

Nominally, 2200W @ 230V = 9.5A, so all things being equal, it wouldn't pose a problem for a 13A fuse.

The issue is something called "inrush current" - seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inrush_current

The problem you face is that not all 2200W devices will have the same inrush current, so whilst Alex might be fine using his CS70 through his extractors, that doesn't mean your table saw will operate without issue, or that your CT electronics won't be affected.

Perhaps one of the new Bluetooth modules for the CT extractors could be the answer? You could still run your table saw off your 16A supply, and your CT off a normal 13A plug, but use the Bluetooth remote, fixed to your tablesaw, to conveniently start the extractor?

 

[AlexThePalex]

It is true what Garry says about the inrush current, but to counter that most modern tools have a soft start, especially those that draw high currents. My saw has it, and the Festool vacs have a few seconds start up delay so you don't have two machines spiking at the same time. Your saw does sound like a heavy drawing machine though. The bluetooth idea doesn't sound bad at all.

Best thing to be sure of course is to try it out first. Maybe you can call Festool and make an appointment to have a representative come by with a vac to try it out. They do that sometimes.

Maybe [member=41214]Phil Beckley[/member] can chime in.

Another thing to think about is if a Festool vac is actually suited for your saw. It depends on how big your table saw is, because Festool vacs are generally too small for the bigger stationary tools, and you'd be better off with a cyclone. What type of saw do you have and what size are the dust collection connections?

 

[Bob D.]

Tread carefully.

Nominally, 2200W @ 230V = 9.5A, so all things being equal, it wouldn't pose a problem for a 13A fuse.

The issue is something called "inrush current" - seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inrush_current

The problem you face is that not all 2200W devices will have the same inrush current, so whilst Alex might be fine using his CS70 through his extractors, that doesn't mean your table saw will operate without issue, or that your CT electronics won't be affected.

Perhaps one of the new Bluetooth modules for the CT extractors could be the answer? You could still run your table saw off your 16A supply, and your CT off a normal 13A plug, but use the Bluetooth remote, fixed to your tablesaw, to conveniently start the extractor?

I know the BT option for the CTs is new and just getting off the ground, but I was just thinking as I read through this thread that alongside the BT remote that is made to mount on the hose it would be nice to have a clamp-on module that could auto start/stop the CT by sensing current in the power cord leading to a mains powered tool. It would work by sensing current flow in the cord and send a signal to the CT. The spring-loaded clamp would allow the device to be easily moved from one tool to the next, but if the price was right I suspect people would buy multiple devices to save time.

This could also be made as a stand-alone switch that could operate any vac. The receiver being installed in line with the vac power cord and the vac power switch left in the on position. When the remote senses power in the tool power cord it sends a signal to the receiver which then turns the vac on/off. This stand alone switch could have a user selectable off delay.

 

[Stoker]

Many Thanks for replies Garry and Alex

I have a stationery 10" cast iron table saw with a 100mm dust port although I have it reduced down to 50mm.

I'm quite sure that it is the inrush current that is causing the problem. Pity I hadn't discovered Festool before I bought.

I'm also sure that the CS70 GB version is designed so that it will run off a 13amp plug.

My current set up relies on a manually operated remote control and various blast gates. I was hoping to eliminate the remote control so that I only needed to worry about the blast gates. I had looked at the iVac switch but that's when I discovered that my saw isn't compatible with a 13amp plug.

Again Many thanks for all your help.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I have a stationery 10" cast iron table saw with a 100mm dust port although I have it reduced down to 50mm.

A Festool vac is not going to be of much use to you with your saw, it's too big. A Festool vac just won't generate enough air flow to get effective dust collection.