switch for compressor/drill press

[toolmiser]

What would you do to make a switch for my drill press and for my air compressor? Both are 1 to 1 1/2 motors that run on a 15 amp circuit 120 volt. I don't like the way the cord arcs when plugging it in, especially if I don't get it in easily. My drill press has a relay that tends to hum when plugged in, plus it's a waste of electricity to have that on all the time.

I was thinking about putting together an electrical box with an outlet and switch, but I remember hearing that most "light" switches won't hold up real long with a larger load like these tools will require, plus start up.

What are your thoughts? Don't want to make a big deal, but prefer to do things once and right.

Thanks for your comments.

 

[csp]

Your drill press shouldn't be using any electricity when it isn't turned on. Replace the relay.

 

[nehog]

... My drill press has a relay that tends to hum when plugged in, ...

Your drill press shouldn't be using any electricity when it isn't turned on. Replace the relay.

I suspect it is not a relay that is humming, but a transformer in some kind of control circuit that is activating that relay. But if it is a relay that hums all the time--there is something significantly wrong!

 

[larry_g]

https://www.grainger.com/product/HUBBELL-WIRING-DEVICE-KELLEMS-Manual-Motor-Switch-2EAV3

There are motor rated toggle switches. Above is an example but some searching can find them on ebay or other sellers at a fraction of the one linked. A drum or rotary switch is also a viable option.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[wyliesdiesels]

http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ProductDetail.jsp?partnumber=MS302-DS&section=40132

 

[rsanter]

You can use light switches. Just use the better/higher rated ones.
Been doing it for years with no trouble

Bob

 

[wyliesdiesels]

You can use light switches. Just use the better/higher rated ones.
Been doing it for years with no trouble

Bob

Code requires HP rated switches that are rated for the same or higher HP as the motor.

 

[sberry]

Id does but have been using a 49 cent switch on my paint fan with real 1 hp motor for years.

 

[Davefr]

Code requires HP rated switches for motors.

^^^ Agree. Motor rated switches are easy to find. They're designed for the current inrush surge during motor start up. Just do it the right way.

 

[Falcon67]

I use these in the shop - usually from Grizzly but same elsewhere

http://toolsandmore.us/shop-fox-d4157-equipment-switch.aspx?gclid=CK2U3YmR-84CFQoLaQodYtoHAA

 

[toolmiser]

I was probably wrong with the terminology, it probably is the transformer. I always thought it was the fluorescent lights until I unplugged the drill press for some reason. It's in my wood shop, and I don't use it a lot, but would prefer not to hear it and waste the electricity. A switch has been on my "to do list" for a long time.

Thanks!

 

[PT Doc]

Leviton MS302 is a 30 amp single phase switch good for 5 hp on 240v.

 

[toolmiser]

After reviewing your suggestions, I remembered I had a nice heavy duty switch that I will use to at least get me one of the two done. Thanks again.

 

[tarmy]

View attachment 581171

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I don't follow your problem. There is never an arc when plugging something in, only when unplugging it, as the circuit is under load...

Tommy

 

[LS6 Tommy]

You can use light switches. Just use the better/higher rated ones.
Been doing it for years with no trouble

Bob

Maybe so, but it's still wrong...

Tommy