power cord

[cfield60]

Why does Festool put the incorrect plug on the

ct22 vacuum  that requires the use of an adapter cord?

 

[Brice Burrell]

Festool's engineers mistakenly misinterpreted UL specifications for the power cord for the CT vacs when making the changes necessary to import them into the US. They believed a 20 amp plug needed to be on tools drawing up to 20 amps as the CT vacs can.  

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Actually, Festool wasn't incorrect about this. The NEMA 5-20 cord is required under UL. I was reading the UL regulations earlier this year and it makes it pretty clear that any tool capable of drawing that amount of power (specifically including vacs with power tool outlets) requires the cord. The vacs on the market that don't have this cord also don't have a UL listing (or the UL inspectors let it slide).

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Why does Festool put the incorrect plug on the ct22 vacuum  that requires the use of an adapter cord?

Actually, that is the correct cord, but you don't encounter it very often. That is the 20 amp version of the 120 volt cord. You are accustomed to seeing only the 15 amp version. If you look at the GFI outlets in your kitchen, there is a fairly good chance that these are 20 amp outlets, and you can see that the vac plug would fit these outlets.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Actually, Festool wasn't incorrect about this. The NEMA 5-20 cord is required under UL. I was reading the UL regulations earlier this year and it makes it pretty clear that any tool capable of drawing that amount of power (specifically including vacs with power tool outlets) requires the cord. The vacs on the market that don't have this cord also don't have a UL listing (or the UL inspectors let it slide).

Interesting Rick, I got my info from someone at Festool. I'm willing to take your word for it, it seems to make sense to me.

It's nice to see you posting here again, welcome back.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Interesting Rick, I got my info from someone at Festool. I'm willing to take your word for it, it seems to make sense to me.

That makes it kind of funny, because that person got their information (misinformation in this case) directly from me, because that is what I used to believe. It has been looked into at greater detail since then.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Interesting Rick, I got my info from someone at Festool. I'm willing to take your word for it, it seems to make sense to me.

That makes it kind of funny, because that person got their information (misinformation in this case) directly from me, because that is what I used to believe. It has been looked into at greater detail since then.

Well that certainly clears it up then, so it's your fault bad info is going around. 

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Well that certainly clears it up then, so it's your fault bad info is going around. 

Yup!! Why do you think it has been killing me to not make any postings to this forum for so long.  ;D I have a lot of pent up technical information.

Man, does this forum need better smileys.