plug it, adapting a tool?

[Programmergeek]

I know the female plug it adapter is not sold in the US.  My question is, I have seen several people suggest you get a 490282 Socket housing 120V 1 3.71 USD and use that.  I thought that was made to be mounted in a housing of a tool?  If not can I attach a cord to it?  Or splice it to my rs2 or plainer? 

If anyone has done this please let me know and please post a pic if you can. 

 

[wrightwoodwork]

www.neutrik.us/en-us/industrial/powercon/powercon-true1/ across at the mafell users forum someone has used this system as an alternative also some have converted their non mafell tools to plug it systems. 

 

[woodguy7]

I converted my Fein Multimaster to a Festool plug it cord or "pigtail" as everyone calls them.  The socket comes with a short length of cable attached.

 

[woodie]

I used Neutrik's PowerCON True 1 connectors. Even if the Plug-It pigtails were available in the US, I still would've needed the added current handling this connector provides. I've even made a couple of Plug-It to PowerCON adapters so that I can get by using one feed cable. Here are a couple of pics.

[attachthumb=#1]

[attachthumb=#2]

These are some advantages to the PowerCON True 1.
- IP65 water and dust resistant
- UL rated for 20 amps at 120 volts (accomodates up to 12 gauge cable)
- Connectors lock together with about an 1/8th rotation
- And most importantly they're available in the US

 

[Corwin]

I don't understand how the above post remains when a recent thread that illustrated a similar solution was taken down.  Sorry, but this just doesn't seem equal treatment to me. 

 

[woodie]

I don't understand how the above post remains when a recent thread that illustrated a similar solution was taken down.  Sorry, but this just doesn't seem equal treatment to me. 

I don't get it... how's it any different than your suggestion in an alternate thread?

Years back I had the thought of dealing with my non-plugit tools in a different way…  My thought was to run a standard cord down the hose, instead of the plug it cord.  Then you could shorten all corded tools such that their cords were nothing more than pigtails.  Also make up a pigtail for you plugit tools from a 16 gauge plugit cord.  Haven't actually done this, but it may prove easier than trying to install these plugit sockets into your tools.  Just a thought...

 

[Corwin]

I don't understand how the above post remains when a recent thread that illustrated a similar solution was taken down.  Sorry, but this just doesn't seem equal treatment to me.  

I don't get it... how's it any different than your suggestion in an alternate thread?

Years back I had the thought of dealing with my non-plugit tools in a different way…  My thought was to run a standard cord down the hose, instead of the plug it cord.  Then you could shorten all corded tools such that their cords were nothing more than pigtails.  Also make up a pigtail for you plugit tools from a 16 gauge plugit cord.  Haven't actually done this, but it may prove easier than trying to install these plugit sockets into your tools.  Just a thought...

Exactly!  Shortly after my post in another thread we had a new member over at talkFestool post his plugit cord solution.  I commented on his thread there, and linked to my post here.  He then joined this forum and posted a thread on his plugit cord solution.  It was taken down that same day.  Yet these posts remain.  Thus, my concern.

 

[fritter63]

Exactly!  Shortly after my post in another thread we had a new member over at talkFestool post his plugit cord solution.  I commented on his thread there, and linked to my post here.  He then joined this forum and posted a thread on his plugit cord solution.  It was taken down that same day.  Yet these posts remain.  Thus, my concern.

Maybe they're busy... it's the holidays...

 

[semenza]

Hi,

OK so here's the basic deal. Don't show or describe  modifications to Festool tools in posts.

Today is the first day that there have been any replies to the OPs questions. We don't always catch everything. If something is missed it doesn't mean we are trying to be biased on removing posts. We try to allow as much as possible to remain.

Most likely some posts will be removed from this thread.

Seth

 

[festoolviking]

Regarding modification.

I can't see any modification to a Festool tool in this post. I don't consider the "plug-it"-cord a tool. We all got different plugs in the socket end of the cord around the world. Just my  [2cents]  [wink]

Festoolviking

 

[AlexThePalex]

I can't see any modification to a Festool tool in this post. I don't consider the "plug-it"-cord a tool. We all got different plugs in the socket end of the cord around the world. Just my  [2cents]  [wink]

The cord is PART of the tool. Try running it without it. [wink] Oh yeah, it's the part with the deadly voltage going through it. It comes out of the factory all molded together, so a non-user servicable part.

I agree moderation on this board towards modifications is a bit overzealous, but what do you want, it's America, a dog eat dog society. Make a slip up, cost you a million dollar.  [huh]

 

[festoolviking]

Well

I'm pretty sure the plugs on the cords are changed by a certified electrician. So there shouldn't be an issue.

[wink]  [wink]

Festoolviking

 

[peter halle]

Sorry guys for causing a stir by not reading this thread earlier.  Yes, I was the one who moderated that other post as mentioned.  As Seth said, we don't ever try to be biased, and it is difficult if not impossible to read every post in very thread in real time while having a life away from the forum.  If there is ever a case of questionable moderation all the poster needs to do is ask one or all of us to reconsider or why?  We are human the last time I checked.

When I moderated before it was because of a Festool tool modification - not because of a cord modification - if I recall correctly.  Maybe by the truest definition the cords are part of the tools and therefore there should be more moderation but I'm not going to be the one who makes that call, after all that part is UL listed and a modification of a UL listed part voids the certification.

Yes we are safety conscious here.  I have never taken a Festool apart except for my CT-22 but assume that the color coding on the wires are different than what we normally see here in NA based on what I experienced.    When I took my CT-22 receptacle out and serviced it because it had become loose, it was an easy thing to service it based on my abilities.  I did a tutorial so that others could safely do it.  I was asked not to post that tutorial here because of the potential risks involved with viewers of different abilities trying to do what I found easy to do.  So I guess you can say that even I got moderated in a way.

Peter

 

[wrightwoodwork]

I have to admit I'm not into moderation of tools I know plug its are handy but to me there not something important I don't change from one tool the next every 2 minutes. It's not a big deal to take a couple steps unplug and plug a new tool in. I'm not going to tell people not do. Everybody is responsible for there own safety not the manufacturer or someone else. The manufacturer has made it safe so we can use unless you got a fault and are competent then I think don't touch let someone who is. If it ain't broke don't fix it

 

[squarecut]

Sorry guys for causing a stir by not reading this thread earlier.  Yes, I was the one who moderated that other post as mentioned.  As Seth said, we don't ever try to be biased, and it is difficult if not impossible to read every post in very thread in real time while having a life away from the forum.  If there is ever a case of questionable moderation all the poster needs to do is ask one or all of us to reconsider or why?  We are human the last time I checked.

When I moderated before it was because of a Festool tool modification - not because of a cord modification - if I recall correctly.  Maybe by the truest definition the cords are part of the tools and therefore there should be more moderation but I'm not going to be the one who makes that call, after all that part is UL listed and a modification of a UL listed part voids the certification.

Yes we are safety conscious here.  I have never taken a Festool apart except for my CT-22 but assume that the color coding on the wires are different than what we normally see here in NA based on what I experienced.    When I took my CT-22 receptacle out and serviced it because it had become loose, it was an easy thing to service it based on my abilities.  I did a tutorial so that others could safely do it.  I was asked not to post that tutorial here because of the potential risks involved with viewers of different abilities trying to do what I found easy to do.  So I guess you can say that even I got moderated in a way.

Peter

Peter
I am the OP of the plug-it cord modification that was taken down by you. For the record, the tool was not modified only the cord. I can understand Festool being overly cautious regarding tool modification, but do not agree with the stand taken on cord modification. Of course that may be due to the fact that I am a retired electrician with 45+ years of experience in the NYC construction industry. Be rest assured that I know how to modify a power cord using UL approved cord connectors. My modification to the Festool power cord most definitely would pass underwriters as well as NYC electrical codes. I most certainly would not pass on information regarding power cord modifications that was contrary to current electrical codes.

 

[Stephen B]

[size=11pt]

Whilst the OP might have been a qualified electrician, others who follow may not. Also in some non US countries and states there are very strict regulations in relation to WorkCover and Work Safe codes. In Australia, I very much doubt that any electrically modified tool would be passed by the site safety inspector/electrician for use on any individual industrial or commercial work site.

Our FOG moderators do a great job in protecting Festoool from litigation, inexperienced Members from perusing potentially dangerous modifications, and in acknowledging that while the majority of members reside in N A there are also many  international members, (And yes, I too once had a post removed).   [smile]

 

[GhostFist]

With all due respect, I don't think you need to be a licensed electrician to change the end on a plug. Just like you don't need to be a licensed carpenter to use a table saw. Components for doing so are readily and legally available at any big box outlet. Festool sells pigtails for their system at retail in the EU for the specific purpose of converting other tools. I don't see what the problem is.

 

[Stephen B]

With all due respect, I don't think you need to be a licensed electrician to change the end on a plug. Just like you don't need to be a licensed carpenter to use a table saw. Components for doing so are readily and legally available at any big box outlet. Festool sells pigtails for their system at retail in the EU for the specific purpose of converting other tools. I don't see what the problem is.

My point is that some countries have very different standards to US and Canada. Yes in Australia I can buy the components to make change/adapt a lead. But if I take it onto a commercial/industrial worksite it must have been 'tagged' by an authorised electrician ot inspector within the last  3-6 months.  Unsealed plugs do not pass. This is because we have a higher voltage and I suspect amperage  than NA.

For another viewpoint look at -
http://www.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/135974/electrical_testing_tagging_frequently_asked_questions_4861.pdf

http://festoolownersgroup.com/general-friendly-chat/need-help-from-the-australia-foggers-)/

 

[AlexThePalex]

With all due respect, I don't think you need to be a licensed electrician to change the end on a plug. Just like you don't need to be a licensed carpenter to use a table saw. Components for doing so are readily and legally available at any big box outlet. Festool sells pigtails for their system at retail in the EU for the specific purpose of converting other tools. I don't see what the problem is.

You're right, you don't need to be. As long as using the modified/serviced tool is for you only and not used professionally. And that's why such parts are readily available.

But when other people's safety is affected, or other people's money, there might be some conditions that have to be met first. Say a tool with a modified cord causes a fire, and burns the shop down, wether or not the cord was the issue or something else entirely, then the insurance company might have cause not to pay if they find out that modification was done by an unlicensed person. It is as simple as that.  

As long as you as a repairman are not certified by any recognised organisation, there is no way to be legally sure you have the skill needed to perform the repair/modification. And that's the area where insurance companies will strike might the need rise for them. Or criminal courts, if an accidents' consequences got out of hand.

Only thing that doesn't work in most countries is blaming someone else for your own mistake. You generally can't do something stupid and then say it's their fault because you've read it on a forum somewhere. Apparently that seems to be permitted in the USA, so I guess that's why moderators here do what they do.

 

[sancho57]

Also remember, this is a multinational, multi-continent forum.

Festool is liable in each and every country they sell their products in.

Laws vary from country to country, continent to continent.

I think it wise to delete the post to error on the side of caution as we say in the states.