Plug minor burn (so far)

[jmarkflesher]

Sanding today with my ETS 150/3 I noticed a electrical burn smell. I stopped ,located the smell at the plug-it connection. I untwisted the connection and saw minor burn marks on both the plug-it and the tool. Because of this topic on the forum I ALWAYS push the plug-it cord firmly into the tool socket and twist until it stops. I felt this would keep me immune from this problem. I took the plug-it cord out of service and went to a brand new one. No burn so far. My question is : Is it the cord or the socket causing the problem?  I had a coffee pot that had a similar plug-it cord and the arcing got so bad we had to throw it out. Without reading everything listed on the plug problem has Festool solved this or not? MARK

 

[dltflt]

I would cLl Festool service

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Using a different cord may actually damage the new cord. Once the Plug-it cord or receptacle are damaged, I would recommend discontinuing use of the tool and contacting our service department for instruction and assistance.

The tool may require repair to fix the receptacle.

Shane

 

[jmarkflesher]

I followed advise given and called Festool. My ETS 150/3 is almost 4 years old. Being this seems to be a continuing problem through North America I thought it would be covered but it was not. The burn is very minor on the top pin only. Five other Festools have two shiny pins. As I said I switched to a new HD plug-it cord. I was told not to use tool until I replaced socket.Option one exact same new socket. Option two replace with a standard plug. I love being able to just switch tools at the workbench so I ordered three new sockets AND a regular plug. I think if I go with the regular plug I have to change all my Festools to have the switch out convenience. Is this thinking correct? I now think I made a mistake ordering three sockets. Each tool must have different wire leads? I ALWAYS push plug into socket and twist until locked But was told again a loose connection was the cause?????????????????

 

[Sam Murdoch]

I learned today that I have the nearly exact same problem with the same tool.

I have had some difficulty keep the plug secure to the tool for a few weeks but always seemed locked up after a bit of effort.  Today I noticed that I was hearing the power to the tool surging. I would tighten the plug end continue working but it would loosen up. Finally I decided to stop and investigate.

I found on the end of the plug (the locking piece) that the inner section was no longer secure to the surround. It could be moved independent of the jacket. Additionally the interior is burnt. Then I looked into the end of the tool. One of the pins is no longer shiny and is in fact reduced in diameter - the shiny jacket all worn off. No wonder the plug was not secure.

I'll be calling Festool Repair. I am for the moment - very reluctantly - using my domino plug. I don't have any choice I need to continue working. I guess I will need to order 2 chords and a new end socket for the sander.

Just sharing as this appears to be not an uncommon problem with the ETS150/3 (also about 4 years old).

 

[Sam Murdoch]

Is the Festool USA Service phone number listed here somewhere on the FOG ? Sorry - I can't find it.

 

[wow]

Adding to this thread, I'm wondering if anyone has seen this issue on ANY tools when using the heavier gauge cord - like many of us do since we have it wrapped with the hose to our DE's?

All of these problems seem to have been when the owner was using the factory-supplied lighter gauge cord that comes with the tool. I am looking for ANY instance where this has occurred when using the heavier gauge cord?

Anyone?

 

[wow]

Is the Festool USA Service phone number listed here somewhere on the FOG ? Sorry - I can't find it.

Service: 800-554-8741

 

[Sam Murdoch]

Thanks for the phone number!

Living up to your sig line [big grin]

 

[John H]

...Being this seems to be a continuing problem through North America I thought it would be covered but it was not. ...

Perhaps you should report it:
https://www.saferproducts.gov/CPSRMSPublic/Incidents/ReportIncident.aspx

 

[Samo]

I do wish Festool would offer the "Repair Plug End 489685".

I wouldn't want to throw away a good heavy gauge cord just because the socket was bad.

 

[peter halle]

...Being this seems to be a continuing problem through North America I thought it would be covered but it was not. ...

Perhaps you should report it:
https://www.saferproducts.gov/CPSRMSPublic/Incidents/ReportIncident.aspx

Perhaps I missed something but this doesn't seem to be a safety issue that would fall under the Consumer Product Safety Commission's authority.

Peter

 

[Sam Murdoch]

Yup - $ 70 + for the parts and S&H. I did need to choose 2nd day UPS (really next Monday)  because I need this tool and that added $ 20.00. If this is a chronic problem you would think…

I own other Festools and am careful to tighten the plug and ensure that it is locked. In my case the interior of the plug broke from the jacket and so even as I thought I was locking it I very likely was not.

As for reporting the problem - Here we are reporting it to the only company that should be concerned.

 

[wow]

I do wish Festool would offer the "Repair Plug End 489685".

I wouldn't want to throw away a good heavy gauge cord just because the socket was bad.

Samo, are you saying that this problem occurred with the heavy-gauge cord and not the lighter one that comes with the sander? I'm just trying to verify for my own understanding.

BTW, I do happen to have one of the "Repair Plug End 489685" that I could send you, but I think with the cost of the end and what it cost me to get it here from the UK you'd be better off just buying a new heavy-gauge cord. Sorry!

I bought the end so that I could make a longer cord than what Festool offers...to go along with a longer hose on my CT36.

 

[John H]

Perhaps I missed something but this doesn't seem to be a safety issue that would fall under the Consumer Product Safety Commission's authority.
Peter

Original post: In the original post the words "electrical burn smell"  had me thinking that if he had not stopped using the tool when he did it sounds like there was certainly a potential for a fire or electrical shock hazard

Secondly, in the 4th post, he wrote "...this seems to be a continuing problem through North America..."

Personally, I have not experienced this problem myself, but if you go to the Consumer Product Safety Commission web page it simply states "Are you aware of a potentially hazardous product"?

Report it and let them decide if you think this problem is 'potentially hazardous'

 

[sae]

Perhaps I missed something but this doesn't seem to be a safety issue that would fall under the Consumer Product Safety Commission's authority.

Peter

Maybe I'm oversimplifying, but how is arcing electrical connections not a safety issue? Constant arcing leads erosion of the contacts, which can burn through insulation and cause a direct short. And then fires, etc etc (though with enough arcing, you can get major heat buildup even before shorting).

 

[r cash]

[huh] Hardwire the larger watt machines  500 watt and up since I have done this no plug its have been  smoked  $..... .... [cool]
Hardwire kit is cheap and only takes 10-15 min to do.
Have a great day
Rc

 

[jmarkflesher]

I started this post. Festool did send out requested parts promptly. I was using the black ended cord as that is what goes along my vac hose. I believe the plastic lock piece spins independently of the plug-in piece thus locking the cord on the tool. I am checking into a underwriters lab site to report burning smell. If the problem persists they will HAVE TO recall. I also ordered a pigtail replacement just in case. If it happens again I will replace all plug-its. MARK  PS: old socket wires were rated for 130 degrees. New replacement is rated for 90 degrees??????????????

 

[waho6o9]

That's why I don't unplug my tools.

Leave them corded up, works for me.

 

[Samo]

I do wish Festool would offer the "Repair Plug End 489685".

I wouldn't want to throw away a good heavy gauge cord just because the socket was bad.

Samo, are you saying that this problem occurred with the heavy-gauge cord and not the lighter one that comes with the sander? I'm just trying to verify for my own understanding.

BTW, I do happen to have one of the "Repair Plug End 489685" that I could send you, but I think with the cost of the end and what it cost me to get it here from the UK you'd be better off just buying a new heavy-gauge cord. Sorry!

I bought the end so that I could make a longer cord than what Festool offers...to go along with a longer hose on my CT36.

Wayne, all I mostly use are the heavier gauge cords.  My most used cord, actually a home made plug-it hose, was recently cut in half by a co-worker  [mad] The hose was undamaged. Still don't understand what the heck he did.

I read somewhere the Farrells in the repair kit may reduce the problem.  Yet to have a problem myself but I believe its in the twisting of the end plug that is the issue regardless of gauge.

On the Repair kits, three are on my list and I'll get them eventually through a friend, but thanks.  [smile]
One will be for a shorter CMS wip and the other two for my repair kit...  Happy Holidays [thanks]