Thread: Standby power switch for switching shop vac on with tools?

Reading thru the manuals on their web site there are two types of Embertec devices - an AV and a PC model.

According to the AV device's specs it should easily handle the load of a vac but there is no information on the capacity of the PC unit but I would expect them to be the same.

However the AV unit is designed to activate the controlled power not when the fixed power is used but when it senses the AV IR remote being used.

That is if you plug the saw into the fixed power and the vac into the controlled power the saw will operate normally but the vac will only switch on if you "flash" it with an IR remote. Any remote will do as it only detects the presence of IR radiation.

The problem is that it wont turn off for a minimum of one hour, or more if you program it.

Could be used to control a dust extractor which then runs for an hour after you turn it on but a simple timer would be more controllable.

The PC model activates the controlled power (within 5 secs) as the PC is woken up and shuts it off approx 1 min after it goes to sleep.

So it appears that the PC model may do what you require as long as your total load doesn't exceed 10 amps.

Originally Posted by Bohdan

Reading thru the manuals on their web site there are two types of Embertec devices - an AV and a PC model.

According to the AV device's specs it should easily handle the load of a vac but there is no information on the capacity of the PC unit but I would expect them to be the same.

However the AV unit is designed to activate the controlled power not when the fixed power is used but when it senses the AV IR remote being used.

That is if you plug the saw into the fixed power and the vac into the controlled power the saw will operate normally but the vac will only switch on if you "flash" it with an IR remote. Any remote will do as it only detects the presence of IR radiation.

The problem is that it wont turn off for a minimum of one hour, or more if you program it.

Could be used to control a dust extractor which then runs for an hour after you turn it on but a simple timer would be more controllable.

The PC model activates the controlled power (within 5 secs) as the PC is woken up and shuts it off approx 1 min after it goes to sleep.

So it appears that the PC model may do what you require as long as your total load doesn't exceed 10 amps.

Sorry, shoudl have said that the PC model is what we were spammed with in Victoria. More thinking about startup load, and whether 1min is going to be too long?

For what it is worth, no. Finally found my one from the giveawayand tested it. It takes far too long to activate, in the realm of 20s and then stays on for 60+ seconds afterwards.

Sadly this is a no go.

If it's helpful in any way some shop vacs come with this feature built in. You just plug your tool into the vac and run it in a secondary mode where it will turn on when you activate the tool and mine runs for about 10 seconds after the tool is turned on. Haven't had any issues with power limitations yet using a TS-75 or large router. My shop vac is just a Ryobi unit from Bunnings. Happy with it so far!

Originally Posted by hurcorh

If it's helpful in any way some shop vacs come with this feature built in. You just plug your tool into the vac and run it in a secondary mode where it will turn on when you activate the tool and mine runs for about 10 seconds after the tool is turned on. Haven't had any issues with power limitations yet using a TS-75 or large router. My shop vac is just a Ryobi unit from Bunnings. Happy with it so far!

Not so useful when you have a perfectly good shop vac that is superior to the units that have it integrated. No point in spending money to replace the existing unit.

You could always cannabalise a cheap vac for it's auto on/delay off switching device. Wiring of same would be fairly straightforward. The advantage of using a preexisting hardwired example is that the wiring is a bit of a doddle to trace, even if you're unfamiliar with basic electrics.

Connections can be crimped or soldered, and adequately double insulated with electrical tape &/or heatshrink, provided you keep the device discreetly remote and safe within the vac's insulated housing. Otherwise there's the possibility of housing the same in a robust grommeted plastic housing. I've seen these vacs for as little as $200; they may even be cheaper.

There's also plug-in Master/Slave switch devices available:

https://www.wagneronline.com.au/mast...ing/974155/fl/

also on flea-bay & via search engines on the interweb.

Then there's also the Jaycar device you've already mentioned. I'm sure adequate instructions are provided for safe installation. If in doubt, perhaps you could find a friendly teenager who could do it for you...

You'll probably require an master outlet of course:

Splash Proof 240V 10A Power Point Socket Outlet Outdoor Auto Close Lid S230E-7-3 | eBay

and an on/off switch to enable/disable the switching device to be fitted safely to the vac itself.

Safe fitting of any master/slave device within any appliance is predicated on the provision of a contiguous earth to the device itself and/or to the activation socket. Many devices do not have direct earth continuity. These will be clearly marked "Double Insulated" and have a double concentric square symbol on their type/voltage decal or plate.

I repeat again: DOUBLE INSULATED DEVICES ARE WHOLLY UNSUITED TO INTERNAL INSTALLATION OF MASTER/SLAVE DEVICES, & MUST UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES BE RETRO-FITTED WITH ANY FORM OF EARTH CONTINUITY.