Thread: Changing motor in 15" Thicknesser

Just keep using it on the 10 amp GPO. The worst that will happen is you will blow the fuse or trip the circuit breaker.

Just keep using it.

I would be lying if I said that wasn't the answer i wanted, but it does seem contrary to every other thread where people have mentioned running something with a 15amp plug in a 10amp socket. I should also note that I run it with a 1.5hp dust extractor. I always turn the thicknesser on before the dust extractor so the capacity is as free as possible for the start up. Does any one know what sort amps these motors use post startup?
Thanks again

The only difference between a 15 amp outlet and a 10 amp one is the width of the earth pin, and the capacity of the circuit breaker in the circuit, the diameter and capacity for carrying current of the conductors in the cable is the same (2.5mmsq). If it doesn’t trip the circuit breaker, under load, then you’re not overloading it. Just keep using it, enjoy yourself.

Originally Posted by LDF

...Does any one know what sort amps these motors use post startup?...

That's up to you, not the motor. Without a load a motor only draws a moderate idling current. As the load is increased to the full rated load the current increases to the full load current. The load, of course, is determined by the operator. For the DC, the more airflow your ducting allows the more current the motor draws. The load presented by the thicknesser depends on knife sharpness, feed rate, cut depth, material width and toughness. All of these are under your control.

Welcome

One thing you can do to allay some of your concerns - work out what else i.e. other electrical loads, is on that circuit, and if or when they may demand power, so you can avoid temporarily overloading the circuit. Its the total load on the circuit you need to know, not just the load from one machine / appliance unless its a dedicated circuit of course.

If you are not using the thicknesser continuously for prolonged periods and there are no other concurrent electrical loads on the same circuit you should be OK, not ideal but OK. This must be qualified however by the age of the electrical installation, the switchboard itself, does it have the old ceramic & wire fuse holders? circuit breakers? Safety Switches / ELCB protection? IF it is "old" I would be very cautious. However being a rental property it should have Safety Switches / ELCB protection!

The major safety hazards occur when people come up with DIY "solutions" to avoid nuisance "tripping." Prolonged current overloads lead to fires.