Use and Care Manual

-17-
Model W1844 (For Machines Mfd. Since 5/17)
SETUP
Figure 12. Ground jumper wire when
using plastic blast gates or elbows and
metal duct.
Plastic
Blast Gate
Metal Duct
Copper Ground
Wire
You have many choices regarding dust collection ducting,
but flexible hose is the most common for this size of
machine. However, be aware that there is a fire or
explosion hazard if plastic duct material is used for dust
collection without being grounded against static electrical
charge build-up.
Flexible rubber hose, polyethylene, plastic flex-hose and
other flexible ribbed hose is generally used for short
runs. These are manufactured from materials such as
polyethylene, PVC, cloth hose dipped in rubber and even
metal, including steel and aluminum.
If using flex-hose, you should choose one of the many
types that are designed specifically for the movement of
solid particles, such as wood dust.
Duct Grounding
Plastic flex-hose is an insulator, and dust particles mov-
ing against the walls of the hose creates a static elec-
trical buildup. This charge will build until it discharges
to a ground. If a grounding medium is not available to
prevent static electrical build up, the electrical charge
will arc to the nearest grounded source. This electrical
discharge may cause an explosion and subsequent fire
inside the system.
To protect against static electrical buildup inside a non-
conducting duct, a bare copper wire should be placed
inside the duct along its length and grounded to the dust
collector. ALWAYS confirm the dust collector is continu-
ously grounded through the electrical circuit to the elec-
tric service panel.
Be sure that you extend the bare copper wire down all
branches of the system. Do not forget to connect the
wires to each other with wire nuts when two branches
meet at a “Y” or “T” connection.
Ensure that the entire system is grounded. If using plas-
tic blast gates to direct air flow, the grounding wire must
be jumped (see Figure 12) around the blast gate without
interruption to the grounding system.
We also recommend wrapping the outside of all plastic
ducts with bare copper wire to ground the outside of the
system against static electrical buildup. Wire connections
at Y’s and T’s should be made with wire nuts.
Dust Collection System
Material Selection
Plastic duct generates
static electrical buildup
that can cause fire or
shock. Properly ground
it to reduce this risk.
Figure 13. Flex hose grounded to machine.
Ground
Screw
Flex
Hose
Internal Ground Wire
External Ground Wire
Attach the bare ground wire to each sta-
tionary woodworking machine and attach
the dust-collector frame with a ground
screw, as shown in Figure 13. Ensure that
each machine is continuously grounded to
the grounding terminal in your electric ser-
vice panel.