Static damage to circuit board concern

[wetndry]

First, I do not use a dust deputy.  My concern is I work on older homes with tube and post wiring that have ungrounded outlets. Would using my CT midi in an this ungrounded condition be the same as using a dust deputy since there is no path for the static to be discharged and it will just buildup in the system with or without an antistatic hose?  Would using the ct with ungrounded outlets void the warranty?  Any thoughts on protecting the CT card under these conditions.  Could some of the failed cards be caused from ungrounded outlets. 

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

First, I'm not an electrician and can't offer advice from that standpoint. I would recommend that you consult with a qualified electrician.

Using our tools in a way other than prescribed in the owners manual could compromise your warranty. Your CT should have a 3-prong electrical plug for grounded outlets.

Here's what the manual says about it for your CT.

- Connect to a properly grounded outlet only. See Grounding instructions.

Per the manual, Grounding Instructions:

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

This appliance must be grounded. If it should malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This vacuum cleaner is equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and grounding plug. The plug must be inserted into a appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

WARNING - Improper connection of the equipment grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician or service person if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the dust extractor - if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.

Polarization Instructions - To reduce the risk of electric shock, this vacuum cleaner has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.

A warranty, regardless of whether it is Festool or another company, is generally to protect you against material defects. In other words, something that's wrong with the tool because of how it was made or the materials used to make it. It's doesn't cover using the product in a way other than prescribed by the manufacturer typically.

Shane

 

[wetndry]

Thanks Shane for your reply.  My concern is not electrical shock since the sander itself is only 2 prong and does not have a ground. The plastic housing of the sander is a good insulator and should protect me.  My concern is the static charge form sanding and the manual does not address this directly.

 

[rrmccabe]

I would say you are more likely to damage the unit if its ungrounded because of static since there is no place for it to be dissipated to.

I had my machine ungrounded recently and I could not get near it with all the static.

After seeing what normal static was like with an ungrounded machine I would be hesitant to use mine in that environment.  As Shane said I would talk to an electrician.  Even if it requires an extension cord into the power box with a ground at the water pipe.

 

[wetndry]

I have not yet experienced any large buildup of static and mild shocks don't bother me.  But I would not want to damage the circuit board.  I purchased the festool system because of all the new regulations on sanding lead paint in older homes and the new sealed HEPA system is approved for the sanding of lead paint.  These jobs cannot be done legally without the use of an approved extractor.  Unless there is another way to dissipate the static I will may be replacing circuit boards.  The very homes I need to use my festool Midi are the ones that will damage it.  Anyone else using the CT successfully under these conditions?

 

[AlexThePalex]

The very homes I need to use my festool Midi are the ones that will damage it.  Anyone else using the CT successfully under these conditions?

I have used my CTL 22,CTL 26 and CTL Mini many times with ungrounded outlets over the past 5 years. Sometimes I felt a shock when I touched the hose, but I never had any problem with the vacs.

But the nature of static electricity seems pretty chaotic to me. It's occurence depends on a number of variables. Under certain circumstances you might never have a problem with it, and under other all the time.

 

[johninthecamper]

$0.19 for a grey adapter for ground,two prong to three prong,run your own large wire from the eye to a suitable earth connection

 

[JuliMor]

Static issues aside, using a tool with a ground prong in an ungrounded system is the same as cutting the ground prong off.  Tools that are grounded need to be connected to a grounded system or the safety of the tool is lost.  I don't know the inner workings of the CT but I do know safety inspectors have thrown workers off the job for working with a tool where the ground prong is missing.  But usually they just cut the cord off the tool and take the cord, forcing you to buy a new cord.

I also know a few guys who have been hung up on a tool that wasn't grounded.  I had to knock the tool out of the hand of one.  Your muscles contract and you can't let go.  It's pretty scary.

What I would do is make yourself a grounded outlet box.  Take a 1900 box and install (2) 20A double duplex outlets mounted to a Garvin cover.  From the box you need one 2 wire extension cord and plug end, and one ground wire.  With the ground wire you can either connect it to a copper cold water pipe with a pipe clamp or drive a ground rod outside.  The cord gets plugged into a 2 wire outlet.  Then test the receptacles from hot to ground to make sure it's grounded.  Then plug your tools into your outlet box and you should be okay.

 

[wetndry]

I use a portable GFIC that I always carry especially for outdoor work and that would protect me even with ungrounded plugs. This however does not protect the CT from damage.  Making a plug box and connecting it to a ground like the plumbing is a good idea and that would protect the CT.
Thanks for your replies.