Modifying switch on a dust collector?

Where is your power panel, perhaps install switch on line coming out of the panel or in line?

-- Lifting one end of the plank.

Something like this might be the easiest solution for you.

Where is your power panel, perhaps install switch on line coming out of the panel or in line?

- Andre

I thought about that but the problem is that the line that I run my dust collector off of also powers my air compressor. Of course I only run one at a time but it’s a good distance from my breaker box so when I need my compressor I just unplug one and plug in the other. So I would prefer not to place the switch in line or use the breaker to power on the unit. Would my idea of just taking a 12/2 wire and putting a 20a 220v receptical on one end and a switch on the other, then have a line going from the switch to the main line not work?

Have ya thought about a remote switch?

-- [email protected]

Hi I have easy solve for you as I had this same issue. For like 12 bucks you can get one of those remote controllers and 3 outlet receptacles to control. You don’t plug the DC directly into these bc it will blow the fuse in it but you plug a contactor into it and then plug the DC to the contactor. All the contactor is is a trip switch that interrupts the electricity or not which you will now control with the remote. You leave the DC on but you trip the contactor if that makes sense.

Also you can then control 2 other things like shop lights or a shop vac etc.

What he said^^^. The contactor will be an industrial piece of equipment that won’t fail. Just wire the coil to a switch and the switch will then activate the contactor. If you want a detailed explanation on how to do one with a remote check this. Just substitute a switch for the remote and you’re in business.

-- Our village hasn't lost it's idiot, he was elected to congress.

The switch for my dust collector was in an inconvenient spot so I simply took the switch & box off the DC and relocated it to a spot on the wall where it was much easier to access. I then ran wire to a receptacle on the wall adjacent to the DC. I installed a junction box at the original switch location on the DC and simply joined the wires for the plug and the motor together and plugged it in.

I have a 15 amp breaker at the breaker box (which in plenty for my 2hp Grizzly DC) but ran 12 gauge wire from the breaker box to the switch so there wouldn’t be any concern about power drop through the 60 +/- feet of wire, then used 14 gauge wire for the 10’ between the switch and receptacle. The power cord that came with the DC is only 14 or so gauge. You should be fine with using 12 gauge, which is what I have on all of my other equipment (3hp bandsaw, planer, etc.).

I only have a couple bucks invested in the conversion which was for the junction box. Also, I like having the switch permanently affixed in an easy to access spot and while there may be some advantages to a portable remote switch, I always know where my switch is and don’t have to worry about misplacing it or dead batteries. Then again, while I have a 30’ x 40’ x 10’h shop, I keep my actual woodworking space relatively compact so it works well in my individual set-up.

Battleridge’s solution is probably the cheapest to implement. Just need some wire and a junction box.

The remotes are easiest and depending on how you cost your time, might be cheaper as well in the long run.

The switch to contactor strategy will work as well and it’s what I use in my home brew dust bin shut off. But once again, the cost of the parts plus the time probably puts you in pre-built remote range anyway.

Let us know what you decide.
Mike

-- No honey, that's not new, I've had that forever......

Where is your power panel, perhaps install switch on line coming out of the panel or in line?

- Andre

I thought about that but the problem is that the line that I run my dust collector off of also powers my air compressor. Of course I only run one at a time but it’s a good distance from my breaker box so when I need my compressor I just unplug one and plug in the other. So I would prefer not to place the switch in line or use the breaker to power on the unit. Would my idea of just taking a 12/2 wire and putting a 20a 220v receptical on one end and a switch on the other, then have a line going from the switch to the main line not work?

- SweetTea

In a word, yes, a switched receptacle will work.

-- there's a solution to every problem.......you just have to be willing to find it.