Why does my radial arm saw keep tripping the breaker?
The reason why your radial arm saw keeps tripping the circuit breaker is because of an overloaded circuit, the incorrect length of an extension cords or faulty motors. Other reasons that could cause the radial arm to trip the circuit breaker are faulty motor overload switch and high start-up currents.
Overloaded circuits
Check if there are no other heavy loads on the same circuit. Also, make sure you compare the current (in amperes) drawn by the saw with that the circuit is meant to carry. In most cases, you shouldn’t exceed 80% of the current the circuit breaker should take.
Wrong extension cords
It’s not always advisable to use extension cords with a radial arm saw. However, if you decide to make use of such make sure they are heavy duty/short extension cords (<25ft). A lightweight/long extension would likely overload the circuit and is therefore not advisable.
Faulty motors
Some issues might stem from the motor itself that could cause overheating, especially situations that increase friction (mist and dust which could cause rusting). Examine the cutting blade for dullness or damage and check for worn carbon brushes. In some cases, however, the motor winding may be shorted- use an ohmmeter to test this.
Faulty motor overload switch
If the overload switch is faulty, the motor doesn’t have to be overloaded to trip the circuit breaker. This should be examined also.
High start-up currents
Most radial arm saws require a high start-up current which lowers once the device is running. Such high start-up currents could trip the breaker.
How to fix a radial arm saw that keeps tripping the breaker?
To fix a radial arm saw that keeps tripping the circuit breaker requires you to either replace the actual circuit breaker or remove any substances that could be increasing friction in the motor. Other ways to fix a radial arm saw that keeps tripping the breaker could be to reduce the load or double-check the wiring. Proper caution should also be taken when fixing the saw. Follow the steps below to fix a radial arm saw that trips the breaker.
Replace with appropriate circuit breaker
The rule of thumb in choosing circuit breakers is this; circuit breakers should be one fourth higher than the ratings of circuits which are meant to be protected. If your radial saw has a current rating of 20 amperes, a circuit breaker of 25 amperes will be the most appropriate. Such a wise choice will prevent unnecessary trips even in cases of high start-up current.
Remove substances increasing friction in the motor
Increased friction causes overheating and increased load. Make sure you remove substances (mist and dust which could cause rusting) that can increase friction and cause overloading. Also change damaged or dull saws as they can increase workload and cause overheating.
Reduce load
Sometimes the circuit breaker could be overloaded. Make sure other devices are not connected to the circuit breaker.You can also decide to divide your load into two circuits and put your circular saw in another loop.
Check the wiring
Examine the wiring of the radial saw using an ohmmeter. It is important to confirm that no wire is broken or damaged and if so, a replacement is necessary.
In conclusion, avoid using extension cords on motorized circuits and if by any chance you still choose to do so, ensure it’s a heavy-duty extension cord.
Why does my radial arm saw keep tripping the GFCI outlet?
The reason why your radial arm saw keeps tripping the GFCI outlet is because of a defective saw, an old/ defective GFCI’s and ground faults.
Defective saw
If the saw keeps tripping the GFCI outlet, then it’s necessary for you to check for any defect that can be coming from the saw. Although some older tools don’t really work on GFCI outlets and be sure to take note of such as it’ll be better if they are plugged to a non-GFCI outlet.
Old/defective GFCI’s
The GFCI outlet you are using could be old and if that is the case consider replacing it with newer ones. Then there’s the possibility of false tripping especially with large appliances. These possibilities should be put into consideration.
Ground faults
Confirm there are no ground faults anywhere which could be moisture, rain or condensation present around the GFCI outlet. Since a GFCI outlet is meant to protect against leakage current to prevent shock, it would be best to put this into consideration also and make sure the outlet is devoid of things that can cause leaks.
Why does my Delta radial arm saw keep tripping the breaker?
Your Delta radial arm saw could be tripping the circuit breaker due to a defective circuit breakers, a faulty motor or high start-up currents.
Defective circuit breakers
Over time, circuit breakers wear down with usage. If this is the problem, you’ll have to replace the circuit breaker. As a rule of thumb in choosing circuit breakers; circuit breakers should be one fourth higher than the ratings of the circuit which is meant to be protected.
Faulty motor
Some issues might stem from the motor of the Delta radial arm saw itself that could cause overheating especially situations that increase friction (mist, dust and rusting). Examine the cutting blade for dullness or damage and check for worn carbon brushes. In some cases, however, the motor winding may be shorted- use an ohmmeter to test this.
High start-up currents
Most radial arm saws require a high start-up current which lowers once the device is running. Such high start-up currents could trip the breaker.
How to fix such issues on your Delta radial arm saw
- Replace defective circuit breakers
- Test the motor against an ohmmeter.
- Replace worn carbon brushes
- Remove accumulated saw dust and other debris
Why does my Dewalt radial arm saw keep tripping the breaker?
Your Dewalt radial arm saw could be tripping the circuit breaker due to a defective circuit breaker, a faulty motor and high start-up currents.
Defective circuit breakers
Over time, circuit breakers wear down with usage. If this is the problem, you’ll have to replace the circuit breaker. As a rule of thumb in choosing circuit breakers; circuit breakers should be one fourth higher than the ratings of the circuit which is meant to be protected.
Faulty motor
Some issues might stem from the motor of the Delta radial arm saw itself that could cause overheating especially situations that increase friction (mist, dust and rusting). Examine the cutting blade for dullness or damage and check for worn carbon brushes. In some cases, however, the motor winding may be shorted- use an ohmmeter to test this.
High start-up currents
Most radial arm saws require a high start-up current which lowers once the device is running. Such high start-up currents could trip the breaker.
How to fix such issues on your Dewalt radial arm saw
- Replace defective circuit breakers
- Test the motor against an ohmmeter.
- Replace worn carbon brushes
- Remove accumulated saw dust and other debris
