Routing Power To Lathe In Center Of Room

[dbstoo]

If the cord drop is an issue when not in use and money isn't an issue, you could throw in a retractable cord reel.

I suggest that you avoid cord reels for a high amp, constant load situation. The amp rating on the reel assumes that the entire length of the cord is pulled out of the reel when in use. It needs to be in open air to dissipate the heat from carrying high loads.

I burned up a 15 amp cord reel by using the lathe and vacuum at the same time. Together, they drew 12 amps, but the insulation melted where it was coiled on the reel. I only had 6 feet or so of cord withdrawn from the reel.

It was not a problem for the first 10 minutes. The heat had to build up enough to melt the plastic insulation.

Dan

 

[george wilson]

I have a couple of drop cords from the ceiling also. One is to use a retractable cord. The other is a 220 volt down to my thickness planer. In my last shop,I has a 220 volt outlet over my milling machine. Very handy.