TS 55, Current Draw??

[ed]

I have just received the TS-55 and CT-22.
The CT-22 has an adapter cable/plug to change from 20amp to a 15amp outlet. The TS-55 states to use a 16amp fuse for 120volts, now that is just the load of the saw. My question is this, how can the CT-22 be plugged into an outlet (15amp) with the saw plugged into the CT-22 and both of them drawing current through one cable on a 15amp outlet?
What size of breaker are you using this combination with?
What's the chances of this tripping the breaker?

thanks,

Ed

 

[Dan Lyke]

I haven't measured actual current draws (I think I've got a meter which'll do it if I assembled the right wires, I should do taht), but...

I've had the CT22 dust collector plugged into a cheapy power strip (such as you'd use for a computer or what-not), plugged into a 15 amp circuit, on which there's at least a two strip flourescent light turned on (and, although I haven't mapped the circuits totally, probably a few other lights with compact flourescents in 'me).

So, 15 amp circuit with probably 150 watts of lighting, into which is plugged power strip, into which is plugged CT22 and a tool.

I've tripped the power strip breaker with the OF1010 router under load, but never with the TS55, and I've never tripped the 15 amp breaker on the circuit into which all of this is plugged. At least not with my Festools.

Maybe things would be different if you were cutting huge swaths of 2" thick white oak or ebony, but for basic cuts of red oak and poplar and birch ply the TS55 and CT22 combo isn't drawing all that much current.

 

[Corwin]

My shop is also electrically challenged.  Thus far my Festool usage has not tripped the 15 amp circuit that also powers the lights.  But my 12" benchtop planer and ShopVac used to shut things down in the middle of a board -- next time I'll be able to try it with my CT22 now that I have some larger hose.

Whatever they have done seems to work rather well -- at least it does for me.

 

[Tinker]

"Ignorance is bliss," my grandmother used to say used to say.  I have been running my CT 33 and whatever runs off of it for several years.  My radio and i don't know how many lites are drawing off of the same power source.  I have used the ATF 55 on 2" hard maple.  I did have to ease off a little as it was a little tough on the saw, but i did not even notice that tyhere was any dimming of lights and I did not flip any breakers.  i have recently, since installing the boom, reached across the shop to tie my DW 625 (3hp>>> how many amps is that) to the CTwith no problem.  i am running the OF 1000 with no problem and altho I have only used it a couple of times, I found no problem running my new OF 1400.  On the other side of the shop, on a different line with same 15 amp fused at the box, i have flipped the switch upon ocassion.  Actually, i think with the table saw, i have never had a kickback.  Perhaps the fact the circuit is a little less than necessary to run the saw might have something to do with that. In any case, i have the same amps to power my CT 33 AND AFT or OF with no problem.  I almost forgot, I also have run the HL 800 thru the CT.  i do plan to get the electrician in this summer to do a bit of power rearrangement.
Tinker 

 

[ejantny]

Hi Ed, I'm trying to get my workshop set up in my new home (new to me). I have electrical work to do and in the room where my workshop is progressing there is one light and one outlet. You guessed it, on the same circuit.

I have the CT-33 and when using it in conjunction with the TS-55 the light does dim. When the saw is started the light dims and then the DS kicks in and there is no further dimming of the light. Haven't tripped a breaker yet.

 

[Ted Miller]

Looks like the CT 22 pulls from 3-10 amps and the TS 55 can pull from 4-12 amps depending on speed being used, lock rotor and how hard you made be pushing through your stock. When lights dim in your shop its due to lock rotor when starting any heavy draw electrical motor. I feel that when I am using the TS 75 and the CT 22 together with both speeds at full power I am using maybe 10 amps. I will check the draw when I get home tonight and chime back in with what I find. A 15 amp recep will be just fine for these tools and I have rewired my shop for all 110v to 20 amp breakers and my 220v are 30 amp double pulls. My shop is not large but I run only 70 amps total...

 

[JimRay]

Ed:

I have been plugging a CT33 and ATF55 into 15 amp outlets (on 20 amp breakers and 12ga wire) all over the house while doing some remodeling work, and have never had a problem. Most of the cuts have been in red oak flooring, (crosscuts as well as long rips). Interestingly, the tool that has caused me most trouble is a DeWalt 12" chop saw (not the compound style). It will trip breakers regularly on start up. That just confirms that Festool has done a great job with current management on start-up.

Jim Ray, President
McFeely's

 

[ed]

Thanks for the reply's, it works great, best cutting saw I have every seen.

 

[bill-e]

A "feature" of the CT is its ability to dial down the amount of current it draws.  If you ever happen to be in a position where your saw/sander/whatever and vac are tripping a breaker (I have) you can simply dial back the vacuum suction.  This will reduce the amount of current the vac draws by as much as 7 amps.