I'm having a problem wiring a switch - Woodworking Talk

Sawduster · 01-10-2009, 10:03 AM

I don't know exactly wher to put this so here it is.

I bought a machine switch, to make a long story short, to plug in and control a duplex outlet for my planer and router table. There are four terminals on the back of the switch. I have it wired as a switch leg. Hot lead going to the bottom terminal, and picking power off the terminal above it to go back to the receptacle. I have to hold the start (green) button in to make the router run. If I let it go, the router stops. Is there a way to wire it so the switch stays on until it's turned off? Here's what the switch looks like. I'm sorry the picture of the back is so blurred. This pic is the best out of seven.

The numbers you may not be able to read are 14, 24, 13, 23. The terminals are numbered the same.

OK here's my lame attempt to draw with photoshop but I think it makes it clear and will give some idea of the symbols.

Kudzupatch · 01-10-2009, 10:13 AM

I think what you have there is momentary switch which would be used to control a magnetic switch. You just give it power long enough to engage the mag switch and they stay on. If so, there is nothing you can do and it may not be heavy enough to handle the load anyway.

Sawduster · 01-10-2009, 10:20 AM

I don't think it's a momentary switch because there's a stop button under the red paddle.

smitty1967 · 01-10-2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kudzupatch

I think what you have there is momentary switch which would be used to control a magnetic switch.

I think patch may be correct...this is the identical style of switch on my 240VAC 3hp cabinet saw, which is, according to the manuals, started with a magnetic switch. Don't know if that means anything but it's my $.02 worth....

smitty

Sawduster · 01-10-2009, 11:50 AM

Got it! I gave up the switch leg and ran the pos. through the two terminals on the right and the neutral through the two on the left and back to the receptical and now it works just like it should.

Thanks everybody!

cabinetman · 01-10-2009, 12:11 PM

Just for your reference here is a PDF for the details of that switch. Let it load. Scroll to the last page.

Kenbo · 01-10-2009, 12:14 PM

What you have there is an electromagnetic switch. I would suggest, that you return it and purchase something a little more suitable to your needs. As an electrician, I can tell you that there are far better solutions for switching in the application that you are trying.
Ken