Kapex KS 120 vs KSC 60

[COBill]

Of note is that Festool actually sell a power module to add an extra auto-start power socket for the CT26/36/48's, and explicitly describe it as giving you the ability to run two tools off the CT simultaneously!

Festool Electrical outlet module Modul-SD E/A CT 26/36/48 online

www.festool.com

This alone infers to me that within reason, the specified socket rating isn't as critical as thought.

Those outlets were EU-only and had a specified power limit of 1800W.

EU Secondary Power Outlet Installation

 

[luvmytoolz]

Those outlets were EU-only and had a specified power limit of 1800W.

EU Secondary Power Outlet Installation

I noted that, but also that they did had the UK version, but not for the US which was suspected because of UL/Legislation issues.

But if a socket was overloaded, the MOV in the control circuitry should kick in and cut power, but as you say earlier, depending on how the load was drawn, you could still end up with some burnt cabling.

 

[woodferret]

Of note is that Festool actually sell a power module to add an extra auto-start power socket for the CT26/36/48's, and explicitly describe it as giving you the ability to run two tools off the CT simultaneously!

Festool Electrical outlet module Modul-SD E/A CT 26/36/48 online

www.festool.com

This alone infers to me that within reason, the specified socket rating isn't as critical as thought.

The tools they list are sander and jigsaw though. (edit: at least the NA ones I was looking at before you even posted it). From the Modul-SD E/A version (the one with automatic switching). The Modul-SD (manual switching) has a more generic 'tool'. Clue?

 

[tjbnwi]

The weakest part of the CT’s auto tool system are the wipes in the receptacle itself. There was a time when the U.S. CT’s had single wipes in the receptacle.

I own 11 CT’s of various sizes, I have changed the receptacle at least once on each one, most more than once. I keep spare receptacles on the shelf. Have yet to find a wire issue witrh any of them going all the way back to my original CT 22.

Again, the receptacles amperage limit is a simple math function based on the NEC.

Tom

 

[COBill]

I noted that, but also that they did had the UK version, but not for the US which was suspected because of UL/Legislation issues.

But if a socket was overloaded, the MOV in the control circuitry should kick in and cut power, but as you say earlier, depending on how the load was drawn, you could still end up with some burnt cabling.

If you look at what those sockets were, they were to add a second power outlet to a CT, and were available in two forms, one that was a straight power pass through, and one that was switched with the vac power.

They did not offer them in a form that would turn the vac off and on when it detected a power draw like the current outlets do, so that strongly hints the current limitation is in the smart circuitry, but it may also be in the wiring of the "primary" power socket.

 

[ChuckS]

I didn't check if it's still the case, but during the time I bought my Kapex 120 EB, Festool vendors offered package deals, such as "Festool Kapex KS 120 EB Sliding Compound Miter Saw & CT Dust Extractor Packages." I bought the CT26 before I landed on the Kapex and used them together subsequently.

It bordered either negligence or technical incompetence on the German manufacturer if Festool allowed such package sales while knowing its CTs wouldn't support the Kapex or ran the risk of CT malfunctioning. But that's a very very big if.

 

[COBill]

I didn't check if it's still the case, but during the time I bought my Kapex 120 EB, Festool vendors offered package deals, such as "Festool Kapex KS 120 EB Sliding Compound Miter Saw & CT Dust Extractor Packages." I bought the CT26 before I landed on the Kapex and used them together subsequently.

It bordered either negligence or technical incompetence on the German manufacturer if Festool allowed such package sales while knowing its CTs wouldn't support the Kapex or ran the risk of CT malfunctioning. But that's a very very big if.

Why? The fact that they’re sold together in no way endorses plugging the KAPEX into the CT.

You can buy them together and plug them both into the same outlet, though really they should be plugged into different circuits.

 

[Cheese]

There was a time when I was gainfully employed as a design engineer and this type of discussion would surface periodically in design reviews because it was always pertinent to everything that was currently under a new design/discussion. It usually devolved into a discussion of what's theoretical vs what's reality. These long-winded discussions were usually boring as hell because it was easier to just go into the lab and prove that the theoretical aspect was a bit off.

So let's start with reality:
From the owners manual of the CT 15 E & CT 25 E...the max is 240watts.
From the owners manual of the CT 26 E & CT 36 E...the max is 1440 watts.
From the owners manual of the CT 36 E AC...the max is 1440 watts.
From the owners manual of the CT MINI & CT MIDI...,the max is 1200 watts.
From the owners manual of the CT 22 & CT 33...the max is 1200 watts.
From the supplemental issue of the owners manual for the current CT dust collectors...the max is 1200 watts.
From the owners manual of the CT 36 E AC HEPA...the max is 444 wats.

From this...folks are free to come to their own conclusions and after running a Kapex plugged into MIDI for the last 5 years, I have no issues with the Festool vac and consider the low amperage ratings as BS.

From a common sense standpoint does it make sense that the most inexpensive vacuums and also the most expensive vacuums would have the lowest amperage ratings while the bunch in the middle would be perfect for the job?

 

[ChuckS]

Why? The fact that they’re sold together in no way endorses plugging the KAPEX into the CT.

You can buy them together and plug them both into the same outlet, though really they should be plugged into different circuits.

Your statement is tantamount to saying it was fine for a car dealership to sell a new car with a new set of winter tires as a package deal that the winter tires were meant for a different model.