What can I connect to CT36 AC?

[Lazy]

I want to connect a 15amp saw with soft start to the dust extractor for auto on function. First I saw a 3.7 amp limit warning on the dust extractor receptical that didn't make sense because I know a lot of festools exceed that. So here are my questions:

1.) Does the curcuit(s) in the dust extractor have a replaceable fuse or breaker?

2.) What is the maximum amperage the extractor can handle?

Keep in mind that I am not limited to a 20amp input because I can use a 30 amp if necessary but in my experience this could cause the plug connection itself to over heat and soften the rubber or plastic housing. I see the advantage of European 220-240v. They can get more power with less amperage and reduce heat.

Thoughts?

 

[Lazy]

One more question.

3.) What is the maximum amp draw on the planex?

 

[tjbnwi]

I use my 36 AC with the Kapex and 2200, no issues with any of the tools in at least 3 years.

Tom

 

[Lazy]

Thanks for that information. I may need to call festool to get some specifics. The main thing I'm concerned about is protection circuitry in the dust extractor. Seems like there would be a reset button/breaker somewhere on this thing but I don't see one.

 

[tjbnwi]

Thanks for that information. I may need to call festool to get some specifics. The main thing I'm concerned about is protection circuitry in the dust extractor. Seems like there would be a reset button/breaker somewhere on this thing but I don't see one.

No reset on any of the 4 I own.

They do have self resetting internal thermal protection.

Tom

 

[Lazy]

That is a good thing because folks can just reset a breaker and continue to make the circuitry hotter otherwise. I just don't want to overload this unit. The soft start saw should be OK but my 15amp table saw would probabably be pushing the limits since it does not have soft start. I guess I could install a capacitor.

 

[waho6o9]

I fried a board on my 4100 table saw so I learned to have the table saw on a different outlet

and let the dust extractor run constantly. 

 

[Lazy]

How much does a circuit board replacement cost? Do they just send you one or do you have to send in the unit? A table saw can pull some serious amps especially if it gets bogged down or at startup without soft start. Just to be clear for others reading, a miter saw rated at 15 amps which is common can do the same thing if you are pushing it through the wood too fast and bind or bog down the blade. What is the listed output amperage of your table saw? I appreciate you sharing your experience. I'm sure it will help me and others.

I also found this while looking for an external auto switch. It turns out that most of them can't truly handle the amps that can be demanded by this equipment but I believe this one can: PSI Woodworking Long Ranger dust collector switch with 110-volt, 1-1/2-horspower engine and 20-amp relay receiver.

I have no association with the people who make these. Just trying to share what I found in research. It's not a perfect option because you have to hit the remote button but I figure I can put some Velcro on the remote and stick it on my table saw so I don't have to walk and manually wear out the switch on my CT.

 

[waho6o9]

IIRC it was around 45.00 USD and I did the work myself.  The saw requires 15 amps all the

time and I'm not sure about the output but the folks at Bosch tech support were knowledgable,

friendly, and spent as much time as necessary to resolve the issues.

Very professional.

 

[Lazy]

OK. I misunderstood. I thought it was a board in the extractor. Sorry for the confusion. I doubt the saw draws 15 amps all the time. I'm going to look for one of those in line digital readouts so I can tell what amperage my tools are actually drawing.

 

[Holmz]

... I'm going to look for one of those in line digital readouts so I can tell what amperage my tools are actually drawing.

I think that is a good idea.

I can understand "needs 15A available", but there is almost no current needed to keep it running, and generally one is not pushing through wood endlessly...

My CT fried some part with nothing plugged in, so I cannot see avoiding using the vacuum for how it was designed.

 

[Lazy]

I understand using it how it was designed but if we connect a table saw to our CT that has no capacitor connected to offset the current draw then I fear we are looking for trouble. I've been looking at the in line amp meters and all I can find is limited to 15amps which should be fine but I'm a little torn because I have a fluke 177 and want a reason to buy an amp clamp to go with it. They are not cheap. The engineer in me makes me want to spend too much money.

 

[Holmz]

You need to sample it, so unless the 177 records...
I have a used 88 which I know has a 10A fuse, because I checked a battery voltage once before I ordered some more fuses. ;(
The fuses are the big Buss jobs, and I got a few spares.

 

[Lazy]

You think the startup spike would pass to quickly for me to see it on the readout? Sounds about right. A lot of the dedicated units will hold the max reading but I dont know if my 177 does that.

 

[Lazy]

My fluke 177 does say that it holds min and Max readings. I may as well go ahead and buy the clamp because I'm tired of borrowing from my friends. I'll make a small electrical cord with no outer jacket so I can separate the hot wire. Shouldn't take but a few dollars and a few minutes to make the cord. A direct reading or a Hall effect clamp would be more accurate but I think this will tell me what I want to know and I can satisfy my curiosity. Might buy a cheap in line unit that is limited to 15 amps as well. It will tell me what I want to know even if I burn it up. Well, I'm off to spend more money....

 

[Holmz]

Also looking at the meter and pushing the wood seems like texting and driving.

A 1 ohm resister would allow you to measure voltage and hence current.

 

[Lazy]

Also looking at the meter and pushing the wood seems like texting and driving.

A 1 ohm resister would allow you to measure voltage and hence current.

Yea. I'll just get my 8 year old to work the saw while I drink beer.....I mean check the readings....I mean I'll figure something out that's safe.

 

[bkharman]

Get a kill-a-watt and plug it in. It will tell you exactly what's going on. I have 2 of them great for finding energy hogs.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Lazy]

Just ordered one for $17.49. Can you see the amps spike to nearly 15amps and then settle at a lower amperage when you turn on electric saw motor? I kind of doubt it will show that but it's worth having to show stable readings.

 

[bkharman]

It will do that and then some. YouTube has a number of videos showing it peak and drop to the "normal" usage. There are quite a few bells and whistles in it. Good investment.

One note, if it looks like your constant draw is near the 15amp limit, only leave it connected for about 20 seconds or so. I have heard of people frying or even melting the unit when the load stays at 15amps. I have never had this happen to me but worth not blowing 20 bucks in a single pop!

Cheers. Bryan.

PS: we expect pictures!