Replies

1. 
   Rich14 | Jan 01, 2005 04:27am | #1

   Rus,

   Fuses are not meant to protect machinery. They are meant to keep the wires in your walls from carrying more current then they can handle. If you overload the wires due to a fault or short in the machinery the danger is fire from overheated house wiring.

   So use fuses that will allow no more current than the rating of the lines from your circuit breaker box to the machine. That information may be at the box, you can calculate it from the wire guage and the run (length) as those values pertain to your local electrical codes or you may need an electrician to help you.

   What is your wire guage? I assume this is a 240 V. installation? In all probability, 30 amp breakers will be protective.

   Rich

2. 
   Stuart | Jan 01, 2005 05:03am | #2

   At 5hp, 25 amps I assume it's a 240 volt motor. 

   I just went to the Powermatic website and looked at the manual for their 20" planer, and they really wimp out when it comes to the electrical connection information...all it says is "Consult a qualified electrician."

   The manual did include a schematic, which indicates the planer comes with a motor starter, an on-off switch and a power cord with no plug on the end.  So, you can hard wire it, or attach a plug on the end of the cord.

   A 30 amp, 240 volt circuit breaker should do the job.  The plug and receptacle don't need to be the locking style but it's not a bad idea; make sure whatever you get is rated for 240 volts at 30 amps, so someone doesn't come along and accidentally plug a 120 volt device.  Also make sure you use a grounded receptacle (specifically, ask for a three wire, two pole grounded plug and receptacle.)  10 gauge wire from the receptacle to the circuit breaker will be appropriate, assuming the breaker is relatively close by (less than 100 feet.)  You'll need the two hot wires and the ground, a neutral wire is not needed.

1. 
   RobertS | Jan 01, 2005 06:32pm | #3

   thanks for your help.  I will be going to Home Depot shortly to pick up my supplies.  I am anxious to get this new planer running and see how it works.

   I am upgrading from a Dewalt 12", (my father-in-law got my old one).

3. 
   JohnWW | Jan 02, 2005 01:10am | #4

   The starter switch that came on the planer contains components that will take care of protecting the motor. 

   The circuit breaker is there to protect the wiring between the breaker panel and the outlet.  The circuit breaker's amp rating is matched to the size of the wiring in the wall, larger wires allow you to install a larger breaker.  You can use a 30, 40, or a 50 amp breaker if the wiring is large enough.  The match between the breaker size and the wire size is specified in the electrical codes. 

   Both standard and locking plugs are rated for the voltage and amperage they are designed for, you will find the rating molded right into the plug.

   John W.

1. 
   JeffHeath | Jan 02, 2005 03:47am | #5

   JohnW

   I'm delighted to see you back in action here.

   Jeff

    

1. 
   JohnWW | Jan 02, 2005 03:53am | #6

   Jeff,

   Never really left, although, in the spirit of holiday brotherhood, I did abstain from responding to a certain posting.

   Happy Holidays One and All,

   John W.

1. 
   JeffHeath | Jan 02, 2005 04:39am | #7

   John

   I was weak, and couldn't help myself.  Happy New Year!!

   Jeff