kity switch amperage

[blackrodd]

Can anyone help me with an electric query please?
I have just bought a white kity combo unit and it doesn't have a on/off switch on the unit, just a wire and plug.
Being a bit of a safety freak this concerns me. I believe it has a 1.5kw (2hp) motor.
Question is, how many amps does the red/green switch need to be? I can get a 10 amp or a 16 amp switch, are either of these adequate for the motor and any suggestions as to a supplier if not.
Thanks in anticipation, Rodders

 

[MMUK]

10A will be fine. Current draw from a 1.5Kw motor will be around 6.25A. However, I always over rate any switchgear so I'd opt for the 16A one.

 

[Myfordman]

The starting current for a 2hp motor will be far more than 6.25amps and the starting load is the current that matters.

Use the 16amp one or better still install a full direct on line starter with motor protection relay (set around 6-8 amps).

Toolstation sell both items.

Incidentally Kity motors are very difficult to replace so adding protection now would be sensible.

 

[MMUK]

The starting current for a 2hp motor will be far more than 6.25amps and the starting load is the current that matters.

Is the Kity not a soft start then?

 

[Myfordman]

The starting current for a 2hp motor will be far more than 6.25amps and the starting load is the current that matters.

Is the Kity not a soft start then?

Nothing I've seen or had from Kity has been soft start. Not at all easy to do with an induction motor and usually outside the budget for hobby machines.

 

[MMUK]

Fair enough. I took it for granted that any decent workshop machinery these days will have soft start. That's the problem when you've been so long in the process control industry, you come to expect certain specs in every day life lol.

Start up current surge in that case *could* be as high as 25A. Unlikely to be that high but it's possible.

 

[blackrodd]

The starting current for a 2hp motor will be far more than 6.25amps and the starting load is the current that matters.

Use the 16amp one or better still install a full direct on line starter with motor protection relay (set around 6-8 amps).

Toolstation sell both items.

Incidentally Kity motors are very difficult to replace so adding protection now would be sensible.

Thanks for the replies every one.
Must admit I'm a bit concerned about the motor and if it proves to be unreliable.
would it be a good idea to get it checked over? Regards Rodders

 

[Myfordman]

There is nothing wrong with Kity motors that make them any more unreliable than any other make.
However they are unusual and so can be difficult/expensive to replace.
They often have a double ended shaft and have a smaller than standard frame size for their rated power.
eg their 2hp motor is on an 80 frame whereas the highest power, standard, easy to get hold of motor on an 80 frame is 1.5hp
Most kity machines won't take a 90 frame which is the standard size for 2hp as it won't fit. They also tend to have smaller than standard shaft diameters for their rated power.
This often forces a dead motor to be re-wound which will cost several hundred pounds rather than a drop in replacement.

Therefore I believe it is worth fitting as much protection as possible eg a full DOL switch with overload trip typically costing £30 from the source I gave earlier.

No I don't think it is worth getting a motor tested unless you have definite reason to suspect it's performance. just look after it and don't overload it.

 

[blackrodd]

thank you very much for the replies folks.
Myford man, I'll get that Tool station switch on my Soon to do list! Thanks and regards Rodders