Outlet will turn on vacuum when it's on Auto mode

[Jordan_]

Hello. Something strange happened. I have a vacuum in my shop, that has an "auto mode" which will turn the vacuum on every time I pull the trigger of the tool that is plugged to the vacuum (it has an outlet on it). It works perfectly fine except when the vacuum itself plugged to outlets on a particular line at the shop when it will turn on and stay on even when the tool is not in use.

Any Ideas?

Thank al lot!

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I assume a signal is sent thru the cord to the unit. If you insert the cord other than into the saw outlet then it will not work.

 

[K8MHZ]

Hello. Something strange happened. I have a vacuum in my shop, that has an "auto mode" which will turn the vacuum on every time I pull the trigger of the tool that is plugged to the vacuum (it has an outlet on it). It works perfectly fine except when the vacuum itself plugged to outlets on a particular line at the shop when it will turn on and stay on even when the tool is not in use.

Any Ideas?

Thank al lot!

So, it works fine if it's plugged into some receptacles, but the problem only shows up on other receptacles? I would start by looking for a voltage drop on the problematic receptacles.

 

[hbiss]

That method of controlling a dust collector or vacuum has been around for ages. I always assumed that the receptacle on the vacuum that the saw or sander plugs into is just looking for a current draw. When it sees it the vacuum turns on.

Unfortunately engineers can't leave well enough alone and probably designed it down to nothing to save pennies. Betcha there is a standard chip for that application. My guess is that there is noise on that circuit that is triggering the piece of junk.

I assume this happens with no tool plugged into the vacuum receptacle?

-Hal

 

[Jordan_]

That method of controlling a dust collector or vacuum has been around for ages. I always assumed that the receptacle on the vacuum that the saw or sander plugs into is just looking for a current draw. When it sees it the vacuum turns on.

Unfortunately engineers can't leave well enough alone and probably designed it down to nothing to save pennies. Betcha there is a standard chip for that application. My guess is that there is noise on that circuit that is triggering the piece of junk.

I assume this happens with no tool plugged into the vacuum receptacle?

-Hal

I played with the vacuum a little bit now and it actually happens only when I plug two tools into the vacuum. when only one tool is plugged in or no tool at all it seems to be working ok

 

[tom baker]

That method of controlling a dust collector or vacuum has been around for ages. I always assumed that the receptacle on the vacuum that the saw or sander plugs into is just looking for a current draw. When it sees it the vacuum turns on.

Unfortunately engineers can't leave well enough alone and probably designed it down to nothing to save pennies. Betcha there is a standard chip for that application. My guess is that there is noise on that circuit that is triggering the piece of junk.

I assume this happens with no tool plugged into the vacuum receptacle?

-Hal

Now Hal you are being a bit of a Luddite, and I agree with you!

 

[hbiss]

I played with the vacuum a little bit now and it actually happens only when I plug two tools into the vacuum. when only one tool is plugged in or no tool at all it seems to be working ok

Probably there is enough leakage from L-N when both tools are plugged in to make the vacuum current sensor think a tool is turned on. At the same time, it might also be that the voltage is a little high on that circuit making the leakage current slightly higher and enough to trigger the control just on that circuit.

All-in-all I would say it's a defective or off tolerance current sense control in the vacuum. I would think it should be looking for a couple of amps before triggering, no less.

-Hal

 

[acin]

So, it works fine if it's plugged into some receptacles, but the problem only shows up on other receptacles? I would start by looking for a voltage drop on the problematic receptacles.

Hot / neutral polarity issue at receptacle or cords??

 

[Jordan_]

Probably there is enough leakage from L-N when both tools are plugged in to make the vacuum current sensor think a tool is turned on. At the same time, it might also be that the voltage is a little high on that circuit making the leakage current slightly higher and enough to trigger the control just on that circuit.

All-in-all I would say it's a defective or off tolerance current sense control in the vacuum. I would think it should be looking for a couple of amps before triggering, no less.

-Hal

I plugged into another outlet on the same line a small space heater and it solved the problem! any better Idea how to lower the voltage?

 

[hbiss]

We don't know for sure if that is what's causing the problem. What we do know for sure is that the vacuum is defective. Who makes it, how old is it and can you return it or get it repaired. That's what I would be looking at.

-Hal