I have a 2000 year powermatic table saw. it has a 1 1/2 hp single phase 115 volt motor . the motor nameplate says it draws 15 amps. when I look up a 1 1/2 hp single phase mtr on internet it says it draws 20 amps.
the wire from the motor to the saw switch (3 ft) , and from the switch to the plug (4 ft cord ) that came with the saw is 14 gage.
is this wire too small?
Replies
As mentioned 14ga should suffice.
If the wire is original from p-matic, I'm sure they know what they're doing and build to nameplate specs.
I would be more concerned with vibration and it's effect on connections.
Tight/clean connections make all the difference in the world
If your wire is to small it will also get quite warm to the touch and your saw would labor to start.
If the saw seems just a hair underpowered and sluggish you might see some slight benefit in replacing the wire. But keep in mind that the wire in the motor itself is probably smaller.
You do want to avoid long extensioin cords, even if they are #12, and make sure that the circuit you're using is a 20A with #12 wire.
thanks
no warm or hot wires
must be ok? feed to the wall plug is 12ga, then biggest ext cord I could find, also 12 ga but only rated at 15 I am told due to the plugs
The thing with the plugs is an artificial, label-only limitation. An official 20A plug has one prong twisted at right angles to the "normal" 15A orientation. This will only plug into a 20A outlet, which is one of those outlets with the T-shaped prong opening. In terms of actually handling the current the cord is fine, if it's #12.