There is probably not a lot of interest in this subject, but I decided to go down the rabbit hole and research this while I was working on a Powr-Panl. When I first saw these being used, I figured why would I need that? I can just use a surge protector and accomplish the same thing; however, if I wanted to maintain a period correct look to my tools, then I needed these power adapters for my tools.
What exactly is a Powr-Panl or Power-Pak?
Craftsman has offered on/off switches to be wired into motors for who knows how long. These are often toggle switches, but some are rocker switches and even the more industrial push button switches. The problem with a switch on a motor is that not every tool has the motor in an easy to access location. Often you would need to reach near running v-belts, across moving blades, or around the back of the tool. This obviously presented several safety issues.
Starting in 1952 Craftsman develop a solution that is really innovative. The Powr-Panl model 9-2120 is a ~ 3.5” x 3.5” x 1.5” rectangular metal box with an on/ off toggle switch on the face.
Craftsman Powr-Panl 9-2120 (1952-1957)
On the back of the box there is one male 2-prong plug and two 2-prong receptacles. One of the receptacles is constantly hot and is marked light or lamp. The other receptacle is only hot when the toggle switch is in the “on” position and is marked motor.
The Powr-Panl is a UL approved 1-HP rated switch designed to work with 125-210 volts AC or DC. The way this thing worked was that you plugged the male end of an extension cord into a wall receptacle. Then plug the female end of the extension onto the male plug on the Powr-Panl. Next, plug the power tool motor into the motor receptacle on the Powr-Panl, then plug the lamp into the lamp receptacle on the Powr-Panl. Most Craftsman brand tool lamps had on/ off switches on the lamp.
In 1958, the Powr-Panl design was changed to a vertical box design.
Craftsman Power-Pak 9-2120 (1958-1961)
This new Power-Pak was a vertical metal box ~ 6.5” x 2.5” x 1.5” with a toggle switch on the face and the same type of plug and receptacle (although vertical) set up that was on the original version. This vertical design was renamed the Power-Pak and had the same voltage and HP rating as the original.
In 1962 Craftsman again changed the design.
Craftsman Power-Pak 9-2134 (1962-1966)
The new Power-Pak model 9-2134, was similar to the previous vertical design; however, this new design incorporated grounded plugs. The box was constructed from extruded aluminum rather than steel. The toggle switch was changed to a rocker switch and there was a grounded safety light indicator on the face. Also, the grounded male plug and two grounded receptacles were moved to the face.
The specifications also changed and this new design was rated for 1HP, 110-120v 15 ampere AC and was UL listed.
Lastly, in 1967 Craftsman changed to their final design but kept the same model number and name.
Craftsman Power-Pak 9-2134 (1967-1971)
This final design was almost exactly the same as the previous version; however, the switch and grounded indicator light were moved from the face to the top of the box. 1971 was the last year Craftsman offered the Power-Pak and most power tools after that included motors and had hard wired on/off switches.
And thus, concludes the history lesson.
I hope someone finds this information useful.
Thanks for the interest.
What exactly is a Powr-Panl or Power-Pak?
Craftsman has offered on/off switches to be wired into motors for who knows how long. These are often toggle switches, but some are rocker switches and even the more industrial push button switches. The problem with a switch on a motor is that not every tool has the motor in an easy to access location. Often you would need to reach near running v-belts, across moving blades, or around the back of the tool. This obviously presented several safety issues.
Starting in 1952 Craftsman develop a solution that is really innovative. The Powr-Panl model 9-2120 is a ~ 3.5” x 3.5” x 1.5” rectangular metal box with an on/ off toggle switch on the face.
Craftsman Powr-Panl 9-2120 (1952-1957)
On the back of the box there is one male 2-prong plug and two 2-prong receptacles. One of the receptacles is constantly hot and is marked light or lamp. The other receptacle is only hot when the toggle switch is in the “on” position and is marked motor.
The Powr-Panl is a UL approved 1-HP rated switch designed to work with 125-210 volts AC or DC. The way this thing worked was that you plugged the male end of an extension cord into a wall receptacle. Then plug the female end of the extension onto the male plug on the Powr-Panl. Next, plug the power tool motor into the motor receptacle on the Powr-Panl, then plug the lamp into the lamp receptacle on the Powr-Panl. Most Craftsman brand tool lamps had on/ off switches on the lamp.
In 1958, the Powr-Panl design was changed to a vertical box design.
Craftsman Power-Pak 9-2120 (1958-1961)
This new Power-Pak was a vertical metal box ~ 6.5” x 2.5” x 1.5” with a toggle switch on the face and the same type of plug and receptacle (although vertical) set up that was on the original version. This vertical design was renamed the Power-Pak and had the same voltage and HP rating as the original.
In 1962 Craftsman again changed the design.
Craftsman Power-Pak 9-2134 (1962-1966)
The new Power-Pak model 9-2134, was similar to the previous vertical design; however, this new design incorporated grounded plugs. The box was constructed from extruded aluminum rather than steel. The toggle switch was changed to a rocker switch and there was a grounded safety light indicator on the face. Also, the grounded male plug and two grounded receptacles were moved to the face.
The specifications also changed and this new design was rated for 1HP, 110-120v 15 ampere AC and was UL listed.
Lastly, in 1967 Craftsman changed to their final design but kept the same model number and name.
Craftsman Power-Pak 9-2134 (1967-1971)
This final design was almost exactly the same as the previous version; however, the switch and grounded indicator light were moved from the face to the top of the box. 1971 was the last year Craftsman offered the Power-Pak and most power tools after that included motors and had hard wired on/off switches.
And thus, concludes the history lesson.
I hope someone finds this information useful.
Thanks for the interest.
