I’m forever blowing fuses, pretty fuses in the dust extractor

Wa gwan.

I’ve got this dust extractor see. Lately though, it just keeps blowing fuses on start-up. Not always, but often. 3-4 a day depending on wood whittling rates.

Untitled by blackteaonesugar[/url], on Flickr

It’s a single phase 240v thing and it’s plugged into an extension that you can see on the wall.

The wiring quality in the workshop I rent is akin to what I’ve seen in the streets of Bolivia but, I’m not sure that’s the issue as it only blows at its own plug, not the fuse board, plus that drill that’s plugged in there is always fine.

It was fine for several weeks, and it’s just started doing it.

I’ve checked everything my limited electrical knowledge is comfortable with, so no obvious loose wires in the plug, the switch, or the start-up capacitor to the motor etc.

I’ve given the machine itself a good clean out to rule out mechanical start up strain. The fan spins lovely.

Help me oh stw. What should I check? How should I check it? (I’ve got a multimeter) what could be causing it?

👊

Looks like quite a big motor – what’s it rated at? Extractors aren’t usually that power hungry mind

If it’s 3000w or more then it may well draw more to get started.

Switching the outlet to a 16a c-form would solve that. If the electrics are elderly stick an in-line breaker on the cable

Could change the start/run capacitor, usually they fail totally and motor does not start but runs when spin , but there are apparently failures where the problem leads to drawing more current so as they are quite cheap you could replace the start capacitor- no point in trying to check it and watch out with capacitor to not short it put.

Which fuse are you blowing? The one in the plug for the extractor or the one in the extension lead?

If it’s the one in the extractor plug then you might just have a batch of fuses that are a little more delicate than usual. Most 13A fuses will tolerate significantly more than 13A for a short period.

Have you considered putting dedicated sockets in for this equipment? Extension leads like that are not designed for continual high loads and since you mention woodwork and whittling I’d personally be quite nervous of fire if that was my setup. I’ve seen 16A continuous pulled through one of those leads and the first indication of problems was it bursting into flames; not the fuse blowing.

Looks like quite a big motor – what’s it rated at? Extractors aren’t usually that power hungry mind

Untitled by blackteaonesugar[/url], on Flickr

Could change the start/run capacitor

Yeah might try that if I find a relatively inexpensive one.

Which fuse are you blowing? The one in the plug for the extractor or the one in the extension lead?

The one in the plug of the extractor. One in the extension is fine, and runs other stuff, not usually at the same time.

Have you considered putting dedicated sockets in for this equipment? Extension leads like that are not designed for continual high load

I’d love to do that but it may be too costly just now. I rent the workshop from a builder who seems to have a go at most things. It used to be an architectural ceramics workshop and so runs some pretty hefty kilns.. They had their own wired supply though.

To be fair there is only normally one thing running through that extension at a time..It’s far from ideal at the moment but I’m just trying to get some work done and am trying not to devote too much time to another blokes building infrastructure. Might have to though I guess 🙂

Take the thing apart and make sure its not clogged up with dust.

You used to be able to get quick and slowblow fuses depending on start up surges.
Might be worth trying something like that.
I think RS stock them or at least should give you some information.

Cool cheers. I’ll give them a shout. 👍

It’s only 1500watts, that’s less than most kettles. I can’t see it drawing over 13 amps on start up if it’s continuous rating is only just over 7. I think it’s got a fault on it or its gummed up.

I’m with Rockhopper^ if its stalled or spinning slowly the lack of ‘back EMF’ will cause the current to spike and blow fuse(s).

Hmmm. As I say, the fan spins very freely and once going it sounds good. No straining or owt.

I’ve ordered a new flux capacitor anyway so I’ll try that.

Flux capacitor only works at 1.21 Giga watts.  So if its running on the mains you’ll need at least a 5041666A fuse.  Assuming mains is true 240V.

😂

Make sure that the connections are all secure and well-made, and that you haven’t got a damaged cable

Cheers yeah, they all look pretty good actually. Very tidy and well routed..

I’ll double check again though.