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DC Thermal overload protector on the fritz.

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DC Thermal overload protector on the fritz.

#1

DC Thermal overload protector on the fritz.

Barry Irby

My 1 1/2 hp Delta DC has a thermal overload protector on it. It's a little black button that pops up when there is a problem. Once it cools down I can reset it by simply pushing the button back down, usually. The unit is at least 12 years old. It's located in a closet outside the shop. The doors on the closet are just lattice, so there is plenty of ventilation.

The problem is the button has started to pop at pretty much at random. sometimes when its been running a while and sometimes almost immediately. sometimes I can reset it immediately and sometimes I have to wait a while.

So the question is what to do? Can you repair them? Would blowing it out help? (There is dust around it.) Should I just replace it?

I would go tear it apart and experiment, but it is raining.

Re: DC Thermal overload protector on the fritz.

#2

Re: DC Thermal overload protector on the fritz.

Ray Mtn. Home Ar.

I have a whole house vac. that did the same thing. I took it apart and cleaned out the dust. No problems since the cleaning.

Re: DC Thermal overload protector on the fritz.

#3

Re: DC Thermal overload protector on the fritz.

walta

The first question is the motor overloaded and the protector tripping because it is doing its job?

The best way to know is to measure the current flowing thru the motor with a clamp on amp meter.

If you do not have the clamp on meter a quick and dirty guess by licking your finger and touching the motor. If you can leave your finger in the motor it is no likely overloaded. If when you touch the motor you hear sizzling and you quickly move your finger it is likely overloaded or not cooling.

If you decide it is a false trip you may want to inspect the wires connected to the overload if one of the wires has a bad connection it could heat the overload and make it trip.

Walta

Re: DC Thermal overload protector on the fritz.

#4

Re: DC Thermal overload protector on the fritz.

JohnV

blow it out!!

Re: DC Thermal overload protector on the fritz.

#5

Re: DC Thermal overload protector on the fritz.

Larry verhff

Yes Barry turn the power off pull the wires and take it out and blow it out real good, and make sure you get inside and then put it back together I`ll bet it`it`ll work, if not get a new one. Larry.

Re: DC Thermal overload protector on the fritz.

#6

Thank for the help....

Barry Irby

When the rain stops I will go out there and take it apart and blow it out. It's been raining for days and the unit is in a closet with a tree overhanging it so it is in the drip.

I have a Performax sander and the switch on it got glitchy. I bought a replacement and installed it. Then I took the old won apart to see what the problem might be. Filled up with sawdust. Packed full. Tried to reassemble it, as a spare, but did not have enough fingers and toes, so I gave up and threw it away.

I'd like to speak sternly to the engineer who designed as sander with the switch looking straight up and did not spec a sealed unit.

Re: DC Thermal overload protector on the fritz.

#7

PS....Supposed to be...

Barry Irby

Thanks for the help....I needed a better proof reader.

And, I have taken the DC apart and rearranged the parts so many times I wonder if I can find a Model Number on it to use to order a part if I need one.

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