Kapex and CT26

[JCLP]

My Festool dealer just received stock on the Kapex and before I go out and pay him a visit I would like to know if the Kapex plugged into the CT26 will run on a 15amp circuit without tripping the breaker.

 

[sancho57]

I can only tell you, It doesnt on mine.

But it depends how much of a lad you got on that circuit.

 

[squarecut]

My Festool dealer just received stock on the Kapex and before I go out and pay him a visit I would like to know if the Kapex plugged into the CT26 will run on a 15amp circuit without tripping the breaker.

I do not own either unit, however the Kapex is rated at 1600 watts & the CT26 at 350-1200 watts which at 120 volts will draw between 15.9 amps to a max of 23 amps when operated on the same circuit. So, it will trip a 15amp circuit breaker. You would need a 20amp circuit. Jobsworth hails from the UK and I believe they operate on 240volts which would cut the ampere load in half - at minimum load 8 amps & at max load 11.5 amps. That is most likely why he can operate both units on a 15 amp circuit.

 

[Brice Burrell]

My Festool dealer just received stock on the Kapex and before I go out and pay him a visit I would like to know if the Kapex plugged into the CT26 will run on a 15amp circuit without tripping the breaker.

I do not own either unit, however the Kapex is rated at 1600 watts & the CT26 at 350-1200 watts which at 120 volts will draw between 15.9 amps to a max of 23 amps when operated on the same circuit. So, it will trip a 15amp circuit breaker. You would need a 20amp circuit. Jobsworth hails from the UK and I believe they operate on 240volts which would cut the ampere load in half - at minimum load 8 amps & at max load 11.5 amps. That is most likely why he can operate both units on a 15 amp circuit.

I have run the Kapex and CT vacs on 15 amp circuits, YMMV.  Don't take my word for it, check out Tom's video. EDITED to add: pay attention to the last few seconds of Tom's video, he says something like, the sac and CT will work on a 15 amp circuit but not for long, once they heat up you will trip the breaker.  My experience is I rarely run the saw for long enough to trip the breaker.  I'm a one man gig so I'll cut some trim, go install and then go back to the saw in enough time for things to stay cool and not trip the breaker.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Just a note that the CT's suction can be reduced to lower amp draw, if needed.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Just a note that the CT's suction can be reduced to lower amp draw, if needed.

Agreed, but that isn't a everyday use solution that I believe the op is asking about.

 

[JCLP]

Thanks to everyone for the info.
Just came back from my Festool dealer with a brand new Kapex. Can't wait to open the box and place it on my stand. I need to find room for my old Ridgid first.
Also, would like to thank Shawn from Atlas, a dealer in Toronto, for lending Jeff at Markham Industrial a Kapex so I would not have to drive 1 hour to downtown Toronto. It's great when everyone works together instead of against each other. Off to the shop to open the box.
Cheers,

 

[Brice Burrell]

Thanks to everyone for the info.
Just came back from my Festool dealer with a brand new Kapex. Can't wait to open the box and place it on my stand. I need to find room for my old Ridgid first.
Also, would like to thank Shawn from Atlas, a dealer in Toronto, for lending Jeff at Markham Industrial a Kapex so I would not have to drive 1 hour to downtown Toronto. It's great when everyone works together instead of against each other. Off to the shop to open the box.
Cheers,

I'd stop by the Depot and pick up a 20 amp breaker, outlet and 12 ga. wire and run a new circuit, just to be sure. [tongue]   I think you'll be okay with the 15 amps but do let us know how it works out for you.

 

[tiralie]

My Festool dealer just received stock on the Kapex and before I go out and pay him a visit I would like to know if the Kapex plugged into the CT26 will run on a 15amp circuit without tripping the breaker.

Yes as long as there is nothing else tied into the circuit that is either on or running.
Tim

 

[ccarrolladams]

Do Not Change the Breaker to 20 amp unless you are sure 12 ga wire connects the breaker to the outlet! Feeding 14 ga wire, typical for 15 amp circuits, with a 20 amp breaker not only is unsafe, it violates all electrical codes.

The good news is that most of the time neither the CT nor the Kapex uses their maximum draw, so most of the time a 15 amp circuit works swell.

In my shop I have many 20 amp circuits and outlets, I use CT22 with the Kapex nearly always except on site.

More good news is that the Kapex works fine with the CT going continuously. If your 15 amp circuits are loaded, plug the CT26 into one and use Manual. Run the Kapex on a different circuit.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Do Not Change the Breaker to 20 amp unless you are sure 12 ga wire connects the breaker to the outlet! Feeding 14 ga wire, typical for 15 amp circuits, with a 20 amp breaker not only is unsafe, it violates all electrical codes.

The good news is that most of the time neither the CT nor the Kapex uses their maximum draw, so most of the time a 15 amp circuit works swell.

In my shop I have many 20 amp circuits and outlets, I use CT22 with the Kapex nearly always except on site.

More good news is that the Kapex works fine with the CT going continuously. If your 15 amp circuits are loaded, plug the CT26 into one and use Manual. Run the Kapex on a different circuit.

Of course you are right.  I assumed that was a given.  I was suggesting (although I didn't make it clear) running a whole new circuit, not swapping out the out/breaking.  I'll go back and edit my post.

 

[JCLP]

Do Not Change the Breaker to 20 amp unless you are sure 12 ga wire connects the breaker to the outlet! Feeding 14 ga wire, typical for 15 amp circuits, with a 20 amp breaker not only is unsafe, it violates all electrical codes.

The good news is that most of the time neither the CT nor the Kapex uses their maximum draw, so most of the time a 15 amp circuit works swell.

In my shop I have many 20 amp circuits and outlets, I use CT22 with the Kapex nearly always except on site.

More good news is that the Kapex works fine with the CT going continuously. If your 15 amp circuits are loaded, plug the CT26 into one and use Manual. Run the Kapex on a different circuit.

Of course you are right.  I assumed that was a given.  I was suggesting (although I didn't make it clear) running a whole new circuit, not swapping out the out/breaking.  I'll go back and edit my post.

No need to Brice. I understood clearly.

 

[JCLP]

Thanks to everyone for the info.
Just came back from my Festool dealer with a brand new Kapex. Can't wait to open the box and place it on my stand. I need to find room for my old Ridgid first.
Also, would like to thank Shawn from Atlas, a dealer in Toronto, for lending Jeff at Markham Industrial a Kapex so I would not have to drive 1 hour to downtown Toronto. It's great when everyone works together instead of against each other. Off to the shop to open the box.
Cheers,

I'd stop by the Depot and pick up a 20 amp breaker, outlet and 12 ga. wire and run a new circuit, just to be sure. [tongue]   I think you'll be okay with the 15 amps but do let us know how it works out for you.

Hey Brice. Just tried the Kapex plugged into the CT26, full suction, on a 15amp circuit and everything worked well. I cut some MDF and was really surprised on how much dust is sucked up. The only thing wrong was the crown stop that I purchase was missing a nob to anchor the stop to the extended plate. I'll have to make sure to leave the credit cards at home when I go back to my dealer in the morning. Thanks a bunch for your input.

 

[leakyroof]

Thanks to everyone for the info.
Just came back from my Festool dealer with a brand new Kapex. Can't wait to open the box and place it on my stand. I need to find room for my old Ridgid first.
Also, would like to thank Shawn from Atlas, a dealer in Toronto, for lending Jeff at Markham Industrial a Kapex so I would not have to drive 1 hour to downtown Toronto. It's great when everyone works together instead of against each other. Off to the shop to open the box.
Cheers,

I'd stop by the Depot and pick up a 20 amp breaker, outlet and 12 ga. wire and run a new circuit, just to be sure. [tongue]   I think you'll be okay with the 15 amps but do let us know how it works out for you.

I'll have to make sure to leave the credit cards at home when I go back to my dealer in the morning. Thanks a bunch for your input.

That whole 'resisting another purchase and I'll just leave my Card at home" usually doesn't go well for FOG members... [wink]
But hey, you COULD be the one who says no while at your local dealer and actually mean it... [embarassed]

 

[skids]

Do Not Change the Breaker to 20 amp unless you are sure 12 ga wire connects the breaker to the outlet! Feeding 14 ga wire, typical for 15 amp circuits, with a 20 amp breaker not only is unsafe, it violates all electrical codes.

The good news is that most of the time neither the CT nor the Kapex uses their maximum draw, so most of the time a 15 amp circuit works swell.

In my shop I have many 20 amp circuits and outlets, I use CT22 with the Kapex nearly always except on site.

More good news is that the Kapex works fine with the CT going continuously. If your 15 amp circuits are loaded, plug the CT26 into one and use Manual. Run the Kapex on a different circuit.

Of course you are right.  I assumed that was a given.  I was suggesting (although I didn't make it clear) running a whole new circuit, not swapping out the out/breaking.  I'll go back and edit my post.

Why? I understood EXACTLY what you meant the first time.  [wink]