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Automatic Switch for Dust Collector

20K views 11 replies 10 participants last post by  TopamaxSurvivor 
#1 ·
Automatic Switch for Dust Collector

One can buy a device that detects a drain on your electrical circuit (because you just started up the TS or whatever) and turns on the Dust Collector. However, all of the devices that I know of, power the DC from the same circuit that is powering your tool.

Does anyone know of a device that would detect a drain on circuit A and turn on the DC that is powered from circuit B?

I'm not very knowledgeable about electrical circuits but I wonder if one could made such a device. It is just what I want in my shop.
 
#2 ·
Yes I use that system now although it is manual. I have a pendent cord with a switch that I move all over the shop to turn on the DC which is on a seperate circuit. I used to use an RF hand held control rather than the pendent, but they didn't last too long. My pendent could ne replaced by the curent draw sensor to do the same thing.

My pendent switch controls a magnatic controler (relay) that connects the load circuit to the DC.
 
#3 ·
Electricly it is easy, you need to detect current in the main circuit and then energize a relay. The relay then energizes the other circuit. The biggest issue is you need to connect to two circuits.



If the tool vibrates the above circuit works, but it just an example.

http://www.ecogate.com/support/home-comercial.htm

The system above is a commercial version that proves exactly what you are looking for.
 
#4 ·
The system shown in the link below allows you to turn on the DC when you open the blast gate at each device, your dust collector can be plugged into a separate circuit than the WWing machines. My friend has one and it works great for him altho you have to turn on each machine at it's individual switch you do not have to walk to the DC every time to turn it on. http://www.pennstateind.com/store/LRMSET110.html
Customer reviews of the item in the following link. http://www.pennstateind.com/store/LRMSET110.html
 
#5 ·
Paul; I think that Rich is asking if he can keep his DC on it's dedicated circuit and still switch it on and off from a curent draw sence from another circuit. Yes he can.
 
#7 ·
I would think a remote switch would be better so you aren't starting your Dust collector every time you start and stop your table saw. The dust collector is starting under load and will require a higher service factor than one that just starts and runs until you are done.
 
#9 ·
Hi Rich - Like John mentioned above, I use a system that turns my D.C. on and off via a relay when I open the dust gate. My D.C. is 240 volt, but the same system is available for 110 volt. When I bought it, it was called the "Long Ranger" system. The 'starter' package came with one 4" gate with the micro switch already installed - a 220v relay - 100 feet of wire, and a few connectors. I likely got it on sale when I bought it several years ago, but I still have the starter package box, and the price I paid for it was $59.99. In my opinion it's worth a great deal more than that. At the same I bought four additional micro switches and attached them to the gates I already had. I like the system for several reasons. For one, while I can open more than one gate if I need to, the system won't shut down until the last gate is closed. You can also put standard toggle switches in the system if that works better for you. In the beginning I was worried about the small micro-switches, but thus far none have broken or mal-functioned.
 
#11 ·
Rich,

I don't know if you found what you were looking for, but I've been making a control that will work for any tool in your shop. It does not require any wiring out to blast gates, sensors or the shop tool. Let me know what you think. Below is a blurb on the unit:

You are reading about an automatic dust collector control unit, a very cool product that starts and stops your dust collector automatically whenever you start or stop any of your shop power tools. Yes, that's right, any of your shop power tools. The automatic dust collector control unit does not require a remote control or any wiring to your shop tools. Imagine no remote control to loose, forget or buy batteries for. No more walking across your shop to turn on and off your dust collector. No complicated sensors or wiring to install between your dust collector and your shop tools. No additional wiring required to add new shop tools. The automatic dust collector control can also receive remote switch input from other shop tools or dust collection equipment such as blast gates (we incorporated this feature for those folks who feel the need to run wiring around their shop). The unit does not require a separate power connection; it operates from your dust collector power circuit, and requires very little power to operate. The unit is easy to install.

DUST COLLECTOR COMPATIBILITY:
Dust Collector operating voltages 120 VAC 50/60 Hz or 240 VAC 50/60 Hz single phase
Maximum dust collector motor rating is 3HP or 30 amps (120/240V single phase)
(other configurations are available upon request)

The automatic dust collector control unit is an AC power controller that will automatically turn on power to your Dust Collector (up to 3HP or 30amps) whenever it senses that any shop power tool has been turned on. Once the automatic dust collector control unit senses that shop tool(s) have been turn off is will continue to operate your dust collector for a predetermined delay (from 1 - 180 seconds, set or specified by you) and then automatically shut off your dust collector. The automatic dust collector control unit also has a user selectable on-off-auto switch to allow you to manually control your dust collector.

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION:
The automatic dust collector control unit senses current flow in shop tool circuit wires. This signal is then used to control relays that control power to your Dust Collector. Once shop tool(s) are turned off the automatic dust collector control unit delays turning off your dust collector for an adjustable time period, designated by you, to allow all wood dust and chips to be evacuated from the system.

AUTOMATIC DUST COLLECTOR CONTROL UNIT SPECIFICATIONS:
Input voltage 120/240 volts 50/60 Hz
Maximum power tool(s) running current is up to 100 amps AC (higher tool current on request)
(Additional sensors can be added for unlimited tool power running current)
Minimum power tool current required to turn on dust collector is 350mA (0.350 amps)
(an adjustable sensor is also available)
Maximum dust collector motor rating is 3HP or 30 amps, 120/240V single phase
(three phase unit and higher HP units are available on request)
User selectable on-off-auto with three position control switch
Remote user input available
Dust collector off delay user selectable from 1 - 180 seconds (other configurations available on request).
The automatic dust collector control unit is housed in a NEMA 1 hinged control box that measures 8"wide x 10"high x 6"deep.

AUTOMATIC DUST COLLECTOR CONTROL UNIT INSTALLATION:
The automatic dust collector control unit is designed for installation close to and is wired into an electrical branch circuit panelboard (breaker box) containing the branch/load circuit breakers and circuits feeding your shop power tools and your dust collection system. We always recommend installation be performed per the National Electrical Code by a licensed electrician. However, installation is very simple and full installation instructions and details are included with the unit.

US PATENT PENDING, MADE IN USA
 
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