Replies

1. 
   esch5995 | Jan 22, 2022 05:33pm | #1

   Sounds like you have too much startup resistance. You say the breaker on it trips, are you referring to the internal breaker or do you really mean the circuit breaker in your panel?

   If it's the latter is the circuit dedicated or shared? If it's shared did you recently and some other load to that circuit?

   If it's the internal breaker tripping then you probably have significant problems, maybe internal wiring issues or worn bearings, although it may just have gotten weak and you could try to replace it.

   Another possibility is if you are using an extension cord there could be enough voltage drop to raise the amperage draw enough to cause the breaker to trip. My experience with that model was it operates at the limit of a 20A breaker and it would take little to cause an overload at startup.

1. 
   user-3096734 | Jan 22, 2022 07:44pm | #3

   Thanks for the input. I am using a heavy duty extension cord to it, bit nothing has changed and I have tried it in other circuits as well as without extension cord. Nothing else has changed which is why I'm so confused. I had considered going from 15 amp breaker to 20 in my house pannel but it blows the internal breaker before that. You are suggesting replacing the internal breaker?

   That's probably next. I have not checked the bearings.

1. 
   esch5995 | Jan 22, 2022 08:11pm | #5

   First and foremost Don't change the breaker in your panel. Not only is in violation of every electrical code to put a 20A breaker in place of a 15A it would be very dangerous if a single piece of wire in the circuit is less than 12ga. Electrical fires start this way.

   Frankly I am shocked that you could ever run that dust collector on a 15A circuit let alone with an extension cord. You say it is heavy duty, I wouldn't use anything less than a 10ga cord if it is more than 10 feet. Voltage drop is a real thing and can increase amperage draw and motor wear. A "Heavy-duty" extension cord from Home Depot is probably 14 ga and totally inadequate for the task at hand and could be contributing to the problem.

   The other thing to keep in mind is circuit breakers weaken overtime especially when they are frequently tripped, wires corrode increasing their resistance, and motors wear in many ways, all things that could contribute to your problem. Although your set-up breaks many of the rules I adhere to as a home improvement professional and one time electrical engineering student, it could be replacing the internal breaker could fix the problem.

   If not then I would suspect other internal wear items such as bearings, which on that Tiawanese made motor probably means a new motor. Although the problem could lie in the impeller as well. Anything that increase the rotational resistance could be the culprit.

1. 
   user-3096734 | Jan 22, 2022 08:44pm | #6

   Thanks again for the info. Cord is 12 gauge and 20ft long. Suppose I could trying something heavier but distance wise I don't have much option.

1. 
   john_c2 | Jan 23, 2022 02:18am | #8

   Plug the dust collector directly into a 20 amp outlet. No extension cord. If it runs fine, under load, the problem isn't the dust collector.

   Eliminate one potential issue at a time.

2. 
   mikeinohio | Jan 22, 2022 06:47pm | #2

   I would suspect the centrifugal switch. I know you checked it but the contacts within the switch could be corroded or pitted preventing it from conducting electricity even though the mechanical action of the switch is fine.

   Other possibilities:

   Failing bearings.
   Dust packed around the impeller.
   Use of an extension cord.
   New replacement capacitor is bad.
   Internal motor winding has failed.

   Mike

1. 
   user-3096734 | Jan 22, 2022 07:46pm | #4

   Thanks Mike. The switch is all clean and looks relatively new. I did clean all contact points and test to make sure it wasn't stuck. Haven't replaced bearings, wouldn't know where to start with that....

   I do use an extension cord. But I have not changed what I have been doing for 3 years. All of a suddenly now it won't start. Tried other circuits in my shop as well as without the ext cord.

   Appreciate the info

3. 
   rob_ss | Jan 23, 2022 01:43am | #7

   It is worth checking the bearings.
   If a bearing has burned out or got dust inside it then it might be causing the problem.
   Unplug the machine.
   There should be almost no resistance to turning the impeller manually.
   Other than that, you could try removing the motor entirely and see if it runs. Not a job for the faint of heart....

1. 
   esch5995 | Jan 23, 2022 05:46am | #9

   That motor actually is pretty easy to remove and this is good advice it would at least isolate the problem.