Thread: DC pipe layout - problems & learnings

For those of you planning out the piping for your DC system, something I’ve learnt from mine (see my web page http://www.dai-sensei.com/).

I have been using my router a fair bit lately which is connected to the DC system at the end of the line. When I went to use my bandsaw yesterday, second outlet from the end, I found it was totally clogged with shavings. My table saw outlet was also partially blocked, although simply switching it on was enough to clear it. There was no real problem as I could get to the pipes easily and clear them (all my joints are done with just duct tape).

The main reason for the blockage is because my wyes are facing downwards to the main line and the gates are down even lower. The shavings had fallen down into the angled vertical pipes. I admit my system is only a 1hp unit, which is part of the cause, but the problem may also exist for those of you with a large unit but have long runs.

I will not change mine as I can just run my bandsaw & table saw outlets more often (whilst using the router for long periods) to clear the lines. The learning however for those of you planning a layout, is to make sure your wyes are placed horizontally, or facing up not down. If they have to face down like mine, place your gates immediately after the wye.

Cheers