Start Switch v. Light Switch

[smschriefer]

I have a number of vintage power tools and need to install new switches on a number of them. My question is, what type of switch do I need? They all had light switches when I bought them and there was nothing wrong with them beyond being old and weren't "snapping" into position. Instead they wobble a bit due to a lifetime of wear.

I have been told I should use a machine start switch due to the pull of the electric motors (1/2hp). I don't understand why.

They originally came with simple toggle switches on the hot feed wire and that doesn't seem as safe as a light switch. Help me understand.

 

[smschriefer]

I forgot to add that these are all 115VAC 1/2hp capacitor-start single phase motors.

 

[ert01]

I wouldn't worry about getting a motor starter switch for such a small motor.

Something with overloads built in is probably the best way to go but really not necessary for the small draw of those motors.

I put one (motor starter) on my drill press (with thermal overloads) simply because I needed a new switch and I got it for free from work but really overkill in my opinion.

 

[JCoggin]

Use a good quality switch such as a Hubbell CS120 or a Hubbell 1201. Don't use just a resi-grade light switch.....Just my $.02......

JC

 

[Charles (in GA)]

You can get "snap switches" (lighting switches) that are motor rated. They will say so on the box and be marked so on the metal strap. The big box stores carry them and they are usually $4-$5 each. These are the heavier duty "Pro Grade" "commercial grade" or "industrial" switches.

Charles

 

[smschriefer]

Thanks everyone! I will keep monitoring the replies, but it sounds like a commercial grade switch is all I need. When I referenced the snap, it was only relating the lack of resistance that the switches now have.

I will go look for some switches.

 

[Greatbear]

The only concern with using a typical (even motor-rated) "quiet" switch for controlling a power tool motor is the inadvertent ease in which the switch operates. It's very easy to bump the switch on unless you have a guard around the toggle.

A typical motor controlling switch has that old-school snap action to quickly and positively open and close the circuit. A quiet switch these days uses a cam to push the contacts apart, if you slowly move the toggle you can create arcing when the contacts are just about touching internally. The over-center action of the snap switch prevents this, and as a bonus requires some firm pressure to toggle.

This is a typical fractional horsepower motor control, with an enclosure, Internally, the form factor of the switch is much the same as a light switch. Some google-fu using the search terms of "fractional HP motor controls" brings up lots of info.