Replies

1. 
   highfigh | Mar 03, 2006 06:36am | #1

   A magnetic switch is engaged when the button is pushed and the switch latches the way a relay latches, by way of a coil creating a magnetic field and attracting another contact. The benefit is that, if the power goes out or a breaker pops, the contact breaks and won't just start up again when power is re-established. Most, if not all, major machinery makers use these switches now.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
1. 
   gb93433 | Mar 03, 2006 09:17pm | #4

   Grainger sells things like that.

1. 
   Floss | Mar 03, 2006 11:13pm | #5

   I have tried to find magnetic starters on the Grainger website but couldn't. Would you happen to have a part number? Thanks.J.P.http://www.jpkfinefurniture.com

1. 
   gb93433 | Mar 04, 2006 05:06am | #10

   At http://www.grainger.com I just typed in magnetic starter and got several to pick from. It took me to http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/productIndex.shtml

2. 
   highfigh | Mar 03, 2006 11:25pm | #6

   They probably do, as well as Greybar, Boggis-Johnson, etc. I just hate getting my eyes gouged out. I think they have a thumb sharpener in the back room.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

2. 
   mudman | Mar 03, 2006 07:02am | #2

   To add to what Highfish said all the magnetic switches I have seen have built in over current protection. That is why they are sized by the motors HP or running amps.

   Grizzly has mag switches for $60, that is a great price.

   Mike

   
   

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   Edited 3/2/2006 11:09 pm ET by mudman

1. 
   mysticgoldtoy | Mar 03, 2006 06:31pm | #3

   $60 for a magnetic switch!  Thanks for the info.  Grizzly does it again.  I was about to pay Oneida multiples of that amount for the same thing.

3. 
   JerryPacMan | Mar 04, 2006 02:13am | #7

   Get a magnetic switch from Grizzly.  Get the correct rating, looks like you need one for a 3 horse mtr.  I like the magnetic starter switch on my Grizzly G0543.  It is a better quality switch than my Unisaw has and was easier to wire.

    

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .

4. 
   PeteBradley | Mar 04, 2006 03:43am | #8

   You should be able to get a high-quality used mag starter with overload protection for a fraction of the cost of comparable new. I've had good luck with Southland Electric (http://www.southlandelectric.com). Plaza machinery (http://www.plazamachinery.com) should also be able to help. Many mag starters use heaters for overload protection. The heaters must be matched to the amp draw of the motor. Southland should be a one-stop shop for starter and heaters. Make sure you ask for a starter with pushbuttons and enclosure (the box), as these can also be sold separately.

   Pete

   
   

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   Edited 3/3/2006 7:45 pm ET by PeteBradley

1. 
   deerchasellc | Mar 04, 2006 03:53am | #9

   Thanks for the info on mag starters.  You seem comfortable w/ used electrical equipment from these suppliers so I'll give it a try.  I have a 220V portable IR air compressor that my generator chokes on when I try to start it.  The switch on the A/C is a regular on/off switch.  Would a mag switch help start the A/C when I use my generator or is there another switch that would help w/ the initial start?  Thanks for your insight.

1. 
   tinkerer2 | Mar 04, 2006 10:16am | #11

        I don't think that any kind of switch is going to help with your generator/compressor situation.  What you need is a larger generator.  Some motors starting up use several times their rated requirement of elect. and there is no substitute for a generator or electric supply to provide it

1. 
   deerchasellc | Mar 04, 2006 06:15pm | #12

   I think you are right.  The generator and the receptacle exceed the rating on the motor label so I guess  there is enough juice to run the motor but not to start it.  I tried this compressor on a neighbors 6.5 KW w/ similar results - I have a 5 kw.

1. 
   tinkerer2 | Mar 05, 2006 06:09am | #13

        I have an extra 7.5 KW that I would like to get rid of but that is probably to small also.