Follow-up Powermatic Inverter: On or Off?

2/3/05, 5:27 PM #1

Earl
Guest

Follow-up Powermatic Inverter: On or Off?

Earl

>The other thread is quite buried by now, but, as promised, I e-mailed Powermatic and asked them if the lathe should be left on or unplugged because the inverter remains on when plugged in. Here is their response--at least I think it is a response!

In speaking with one of our technicians, they said that the Lathe does not have to be unplugged if you don't want to unplug it. It won't hurt it either way. He did say that you may want to get a 220V surge protector to help out during storms. He says he doesn't know where you could get one, but he does know that they are out there. Hope this is helpful.

Thanks,

Kristi

Kristi Shearon

WMH Tool Group

LaVernge, Tn. 37086

www.wmhtoolgroup.com

Re: Follow-up Powermatic Inverter: On or Off?

2/4/05, 9:04 AM #2

RonZ
Guest

Re: Follow-up Powermatic Inverter: On or Off?

RonZ

>They don't want to loose the customers who want to leave it on. They are warning those that leave it on. In short, shut it off. =o)

Re: Follow-up Powermatic Inverter: On or Off?

2/5/05, 12:28 AM #3

Bill Howatt
Member
Offline
2,776 posts

Registered: 1/3/04

Re: Follow-up Powermatic Inverter: On or Off?

Bill Howatt

>There are 2 distinct issues in the unplug/not unplug debate.

The first one is whether or not you should turn-off (unplug, separate line switch) the lathe when you are finished with it. The inverter is designed to be left powered on and I am a person who believes on/off cycles are not enjoyed by electronic equipment.

The second issue is lightning; this is a totally different situation. If you are likely to get lightning strikes then you can try a surge protector and it will probably help for most instances but I understand the best surge protectors are the "whole house" type mounted where the power enters the house at the panel. Nothing but physical separation will stop the surge if it is severe. You never know how close the hit will be so to be safe unplug the machine. In very, very rare circumstances this might not even work. A strike could hit your house, travel to your shop and hop over to the unplugged cord attached to your lathe and blow it up anyway.

FWIW, I leave the inverter in my General plugged in except when a storm is expected in the area.

Bill

Re: Follow-up Powermatic Inverter: On or Off?

2/5/05, 5:59 PM #4

RonZ
Guest

Re: Follow-up Powermatic Inverter: On or Off?

RonZ

>Originally being an electronucs engineer I would have agreed with you but consider a few factors. First, that was said when electronic components were a lot weaker than today. When I had my computer company, the majore failures of on and off were the mechanical things like power supply, fan, etc.. Second, I guess you never met murphy. His law states that the thunder storm will start when you are in town and can't get back to unplug it and when you call home, no one answers. =o)

Follow-up Powermatic Inverter: On or Off?

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