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Date:         Fri, 16 May 2014 07:59:29 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Off topic Friday question on switches...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

I have an induction-motored thickness planer, running on 220 single phase power...It came with a magnetic switch that has broken now 3 times and costs over $50 to replace...Hate that. I found a normal power tool switch in my box, rated for a bigger motor than this tool I am working on now...but it is a "normal" heavy duty push button power tool switch, made for 120/230 single phase or 208/230/480 three phase... This switch has four terminals on the back, two labeled "Load" and two labeled "Line"...

So the questions:

Can I try to wire up this less expensive (and already owned) switch to make the 220 induction motor work? Right now I am using this tool, when I have to, with my power panel breaker box as the only switch....very un-safe and not at all convenient. I do need the use of this tool, but $50 a switch is now (in this tradesmen-unfriendly economic climate) not very feasible.

Second question: If I decide to try this hack-job, wiring for the wrong switch, how should I connect the wires? Do I take the black and white wires to the two terminals labeled "LIne" and continue on after the switch with the same colors out to the tool from the "Load" posts of the switch? Or do I just break one of the "Line" wires and use just one of the 'Line and Load" terminals, like on a house wiring switch?

I know this is sketchy stuff but it's really tough for a working man in the building trades now a days so I can't afford to do it right always when it comes to my own tools and expenses..I tried Goggling "induction motor wiring" etc etc...but I can't understand the wiring diagrams I get back...

Respond off the list if you think you may be able to advise, and thanks Don Hanson


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