Remote switch for shop vac?

Just go by amps/volts/watts. Shop vac HP is a made up number, they could easily say Kajillion Horsepower.

Personally, I like to de-rate by 50%, but it is darn cheap, so give it a shot.

The horsepower rating of a switch relates to the ability of the switch contacts to dissipate the stored energy of the motor’s magnetic field when the motor is shut off. Going over that rating will reduce the life of the contacts. It’s a cheap switch. If it fails in a week look for different one. If it fails in a year just replace it.

-- Dave, Tippecanoe County, IN --- Is there a corollary to Beranek.s Law that applies to dust collection?

The 5HP is imaginary number.
That vacuum is rated for 9A on paper, which is very similar to FLA for 1/2 HP induction motor.
Will need to find a switch rated for at min of 1/2HP, preferrably 3/4-1HP to ensure better long term reliability.

If you want to be ‘cheap’, This remote control might work, as the relay inside is rated for 1HP. By time you add plugs, receptacle, and box to keep things neat; might be able to buy remote made to dust collection for similar cost?

If you want unit ready to use with plug/receptacle designed for dust collection motors, check out the PSI Long Ranger or iVac remote switch

You can find reviews and discussion threads on these devices, and other solutions in forums too.

Best Luck.

-- If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all, - Albert King - Born Under a Bad Sign released 1967

I have used that sort of switch on a Harbor freight 2hp dust collector for years. Picked mine up at Home Depot.
After about two years I did have one quit working. And only costing about $12 at the time, I just bought another and kept going. This last black Friday I upgraded DC to a brand new Powermatic that has a built in remote. And have moved the old remote to my shop vac that is hooked up to my miter saw. Its been there since mid December, and so far working fine.
The version I use more resembles this one linked below, But I think they are basically the same. I like the corded version, keeps the rest of the outlet open.
https://www.amazon.ca/DEWENWILS-Extension-Weatherproof-Wireless-Controlled-dp-B07W53C4FQ/dp/B07W53C4FQ/ref=dp_ob_title_hi

-- John

I am using the I socket# auto switch which will turn the vac on when I turn on my ROS. It has been flawless for the past 3 years.

I bought an inexpensive remote and switch at Home Depot last year to use with my HF Dust Collector…. That DC kicks a bit of amperage when it starts and fried the switch within a few weeks. So, I bit the bullet and invested in an i-Vac remote. It’s been flawless since.

But, that’s a dust collector with a bit more powerful motor and a heavier kick, electronically, when it starts.

I’d say you’d be fine with a cheapo remote and switchable outlet for a shop vac.

-- John F. SoCal transplant, chewer uppper of good wood

Thanks for the information guys – if I am following correctly, it sounds like in a bad scenario, it’s this whichever-i-buy outlet that would fail, not the shop vac?

Or could an underpowered/cheap outlet actually damage my ridgid vacuum?

The vacuum should be immune to most anything electrical, but if you try a low-buck switch, keep it somewhere you can see it in case the smoke gets let out.

Thanks for the information guys – if I am following correctly, it sounds like in a bad scenario, it s this whichever-i-buy outlet that would fail, not the shop vac?

Or could an underpowered/cheap outlet actually damage my ridgid vacuum?

- kaitlyn2004

In my experience, the weakest link goes out first. If the switch is the weakest link, the contacts inside are going to arc and build up “carbon” that keeps from making a connection. I’ve seen this quite a lot and have even opened them up and filed/sanded the contacts clean to extend the life.

I bought one of the remotes for Christmas lights over five years ago. It was on clearance at Lowe’s for less than $2. It has worked with my Ridgid “5HP” shop vac ever since.

-- Joe | Spartanburg, SC | "To give anything less than your best is to sacrafice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine

I bought one of the remotes for Christmas lights over five years ago. It was on clearance at Lowe’s for less than $2. It has worked with my Ridgid “5HP” shop vac ever since.

- SuperCubber

Damn that price is nice!

You often find those switches on sale around Christmas, I keep several (of the same brand) in the shop in case the one I’m using fails.

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

You often find those switches on sale around Christmas, I keep several (of the same brand) in the shop in case the one I m using fails.

- Fred Hargis

Exactly! I bought every one they had. Have a few to family members and saved a few to use as spares.

-- Joe | Spartanburg, SC | "To give anything less than your best is to sacrafice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine