Use and Care Manual

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
BEFORE CONNECTING THE MACHINE TO THE POWER SOURCE, VERIFY THAT THE VOLTAGE OF YOUR POWER
SUPPLY CORRESPONDS WITH THE VOLTAGE SPECIFIED ON THE MOTOR I.D. NAMEPLATE. A POWER SOURCE
WITH GREATER VOLTAGE THAN NEEDED CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THE USER AS WELL AS DAMAGE
TO THE MACHINE. IF IN DOUBT, CONTACT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN BEFORE CONNECTING TO THE POWER
SOURCE.
THIS TOOL IS FOR INDOOR USE ONLY. DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN OR USE IN WET OR DAMP LOCATIONS.
6
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
In the event of an electrical malfunction or short circuit,
grounding reduces the risk of electric shock. The motor
of this machine is wired for 120 V single phase opera-
tion and is equipped with a 3-conductor cord and a
3-prong grounding plug A to fit a grounded type recep-
tacle B. Do not remove the 3rd prong (grounding pin)
to make it fit into an old 2-hole wall socket or extension
cord. If an adaptor plug is used C, it must be attached
to the metal screw of the receptacle.
Note: The use of an adaptor plug is illegal in some
areas. Check your local codes. If you have any doubts
or if the supplied plug does not correspond to your
electrical outlet, consult a qualified electrician before
proceeding.
CIRCUIT CAPACITY
Make sure that the wires in your circuit are capable of
handling the amperage draw from your machine, as
well as any other machines that could be operating on
the same circuit. If you are unsure, consult a qualified
electrician. If the circuit breaker trips or the fuse blows
regularly, your machine may be operating on a circuit
that is close to its amperage draw capacity. However,
if an unusual amperage draw does not exist and a
power failure still occurs, contact a qualified technician
or our service department.
CONVERTING THE MOTOR TO 240V
Note: When converting motor voltage on a machine that
is equipped with a magnetic switch, the switch contactor
must also be changed out for one made for the appro-
priate voltage, as well as the thermal relay/circuit breaker
and “power in” indicator light (if applicable). Failure to
make these necessary modifications to the switch will lead
to malfunction and permanent switch failure.
Should you need to convert your machine’s motor
from 120 V to 240 V power, contact a qualified elec-
trician. Unless you are a qualified electrician, we do
not recommend attempting this conversion on your
own. If you choose to do so, you may risk serious per-
sonal injury, damage to the motor and voiding the
warranty of your machine. We suggest you ask your
local General International distributor to recommend
qualified electricians in your area (or perhaps one of
their own technicians) who can make this conversion
properly and safely.
EXTENSION CORDS
If you find it necessary to use an extension cord with
your machine, use only 3-wire extension cords that have
3-prong grounding plug and a matching 3-pole recep-
tacle that accepts the tool’s plug. Repair or replace a
damaged extension cord or plug immediately.Make
sure the cord rating is suitable for the amperage listed
on the motor I.D. plate. An undersized cord will cause a
drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and over-
heating. The accompanying chart shows the correct
size extension cord to be used based on cord length
and motor I.D. plate amp rating. If in doubt, use the next
heavier gauge. The smaller the number, the heavier the
gauge.
TABLE - MINIMUM GAUGE FOR CORD
EXTENSION CORD LENGTH
AMPERES 50 feet 100 feet 200 feet 300 feet
< 5
18 16 16 14
6 to 10
18 16 14 12
10 to 12
16 16 14 12
12 to 16
14 12 *NR *NR
*NR = Not Recommended
A
B
C