Dust collection hookup

[jhart]

In the process of setting up a new DC and in thinking about the wiring, is it best to run it on a seperate dedicated circuit. I currently have a dedicated 20 amp circuit that I plug all of the larger tools into, but don't think it could handle two major tools at the same time. How have others handled this??

[LarryG]

quote:Originally posted by jhart

In the process of setting up a new DC and in thinking about the wiring, is it best to run it on a seperate dedicated circuit.

YES. Or at least on a circuit that only serves other minor loads, such as the shop radio or a battery charger. And you fershure don't want it on the same circuit as your lights ... the start-up current draw of even a moderate size DC, such as my 2HP HF, will darken your fluorescent lighting right quick.

I have my DC on the same circuit as my air compressor. If running at the same time, both of these would require their own circuit. I combined the two by wiring up a three-way switch with one leg going to an outlet for the DC and the other to an outlet for the AC, so that only one can run at a time depending on the position of the switch. The AC cycles on its own, as needed, so most of the time the switch acts simply as an on/off for the DC. That is, when the DC is off the AC is enabled, but it's hardly ever actually running. If the AC does happen to be running when I flip the switch, the AC shuts off and the DC comes on. When I'm finished making sawdust I flip the switch to shut off the DC and the AC is then able to start running again, should it need to.

[monte]

It is best to run it on a dedicated circuit if at all possible.

[messmaker]

It only cost about $20 and is easy to do if you have a sub-panel in your shop.