The switch (rocker type) on the above gave up. Upon dis assembly I noticed it is a double pole single throw switch. Both the hot and the neutral are being switched. Item is well grounded. Why switch both sides of the line? I want to replace this with a simple toggle on-off switch. Any problems with leaving the neutral permanently connected like on most appliances? Thanks for comments.
Ivan Vegvary
I suspect they might use the same switch for non-US power. I'm not sure on the European 220V circuits if one leg is neutral with respect to ground or not.
RogerN
iced it is a double pole single throw switch. Both the hot and the neutr al are being switched. Item is well grounded.
e toggle on-off switch. Any problems with leaving the neutral permanentl y connected like on most appliances?
The switch is used where L1 and L2 (ungrounded 240VAC) are used to power a 240VAC motor. I've seen this design on several of my import grinders, and wood working equipment. There's no problem deleting the neutral wire from a replacement switch, for 120VAC operation in USA. ignator
In the UK, they use balanced 55 V power on job sites (yellow transformers). They use US power tools there, with 120 V ratings. The balanced (differential) 55 V wires were thought up as being safer than having 240 V power in outdoor, wet and muddy conditions. This might be why the 120 V tools have double-pole switches.
Jon
is a double pole single throw switch. Both the hot and the neutral are being switched. Item is well grounded.
on-off switch. Any problems with leaving the neutral permanently connected like on most appliances?
Its most often done for safety as in the past and in far too many places...neutral and hot are often reversed and the owner may not know it. So if you turned off the neutral..the white wire..which is the hot side in such a reversed system....is still dangerous.
And yes..it works just fine if you have a properly polarized system and connecting plug.
Gunner
is a double pole single throw switch. Both the hot and the neutral are being switched. Item is well grounded.
on-off switch. Any problems with leaving the neutral permanently connected like on most appliances?
First thing you do is call Harbor Freight and see if they have it available as a repair part - they just might, they are supposed to be getting a lot better at that.
Then you just drop it in and it works.
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Both wires are prob'ly switched for the -manufacturer's-safety-. ;)
Sounds like if it's like a US setup the three-prong-plug will insure the neutral-wire will "always;)" be plugged into the neutral socket.
Here where it's dry as a bone and I've never heard of anyone getting electrocuted at home, I'd go for it. When I was in High School in D.C. tho... holy crap! :/ Most of the kids in the class knew first hand of someone being electricuted. :/
"big difference this wet ground makes" ...I fiNgured ;)
Alvin in AZ is a retired RR signalape
A foot switch would probably be a lot more convenient.
A 2-pole switch isn't required as the other replies, in fact, having a switch in the neutral conductor is not as safe as it being redundant, since it could fail open and allow the hot/line conductor to be closed.. generally not an issue with 3-wire power cords, but I've seen one example of a Chinese angle grinder which had a 3-blade plug molded onto a 2-wire cord.
Looky safe, yes!
Yes, but that assumes that the wiring was done by a qualified electrician who paid attention while he installed the outlet. That's not always the case. Watch some of the "There, I fixed it." vids on YouTube for some scary fun.
Wild!
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