Last Updated on August 21, 2022
The reason your table saw is tripping the breaker might be due to overheating. The saw may be plugged into a circuit that only has 20 Amps or a NEMA 6-20 receptacle. If you’re still experiencing this issue, check your plug top fuse. This protects the saw against overload and short circuit faults.
If the blade is the only thing causing the problem, the fault probably lies in the motor. If you’re not sure, have the saw PAT tested.
240V/20A circuit
The problem may persist by using a dedicated 240V/20A circuit for the table saw. The breaker is tripping the circuit because the saw consumes more power than it can handle. Using a dedicated circuit may be the best solution. The circuit should be sized according to the table saw’s motor load.
This can be determined from the motor nameplate. The other possible reasons for overheating the breaker include a long distance to the breaker box, a loose connection, and other environmental factors.
The main breaker may have tripped before the GFCI. It is best to remove the GFCI first. Check the wiring and the breaker. The 20A circuit is designed for wire with a minimum of 10G. The 12G wire is too thick for efficient current flow. If you’re still having problems, try using a 110V/20A circuit.
Another reason for tripping the breaker on your table saw is a faulty protection device. While you can run a 240V/20A table saw on a 120V conventional receptacle, this won’t protect it properly.
If you do have a faulty protection device, replace it as soon as possible. The power drawn by a table saw can range from 1200W to 2400W depending on the size and shape of the blade.
The other reason why your table saw is tripping the breaker is because it’s using more power than it can handle. You can reduce the power consumption by choosing a more powerful model.
For example, you can get a 14-amp table saw with a 12-amp dust collector for the same 240V/20A circuit. This will help you save about half the money you’d spend on running the saw.
NEMA 6-20 receptacle
Your table saw may be tripping the breaker because it’s requiring more amps than the receptacle can handle. A good rule of thumb is to buy a 20 amp receptacle for a saw that uses 10 gauge wire. The 20 amp breaker should protect it at least twice as much as the 30 amp receptacle.
It could be a number of different things. For example, you may be running the saw off a 240-volt line. This would likely cause the motor to fry and burn. A faulty 20-amp receptacle could be the culprit.
To determine whether the breaker is the problem, check the motor name plate for the HP rating and voltage and amperage. If it’s still operating on 120-volt power, consider a replacement.
If you are concerned about your table saw tripping the breaker, you should check the wiring to determine how much current it draws.
If it’s too large for the NEMA 6-20 receptacle, then you may need to upgrade the circuit breaker. Typically, a table saw uses a single-pole 115-volt circuit, which is rated at 15 amps.
A 20-amp receptacle is similar to a 15-amp receptacle but features an additional slot that allows for a 20-amp plug to be inserted.
Often, it’s necessary to have a dedicated 20-amp circuit for large equipment, which means that the wires must run directly from the circuit breaker to the 20-amp outlet.
A typical hobbyist woodworker’s table saw is about 2 hp and needs 1,725 watts of power to run smoothly. While a two-hp motor will handle a 2″-thick cut, it will be taxed too much if you try to cut larger pieces of wood.
Ultimately, you should upgrade the circuit breaker to a higher hp or NEMA 6-20 receptacle if you plan to make a bigger project.
Using an improper extension cord
If you’re running a table saw that constantly trips the breaker, there are many possible reasons why it may be the cause. Worn or dirty blades, incorrect blades or operator error can all contribute to this issue.
However, if you’re constantly having trouble with the saw tripping the breaker, it could be an indication that the motor is overloaded or that the extension cord is too long.
Before buying an extension cord, you should know how to properly use one for a table saw. The correct extension cord is a 10-gauge cord, which provides more power efficiently.
The breaker should be rated to handle the table saw’s load, and you can use a lighter gauge cord if necessary. To test the new cord, plug the table saw into the extension cord and test it to make sure that the amps are similar. If you still have trouble, replace the extension cord with a new one that matches the machine’s specs.
If you are using a table saw that trips the circuit breaker, check to see if it’s battery-powered. A table saw with an insufficient battery will not work without an extended battery.
Check the battery level by checking the red light on the charger. The red light will indicate a low battery, and a full battery will mean that the saw is charging properly.
Another common problem that can cause a table saw to trip the circuit breaker is a damaged extension cord. DeWalt table saws create a lot of debris, which can build up on the motor housing, arbor assembly, shafts, and junction boxing.
If you notice any debris on these parts, you should take them out and clean them. If this doesn’t help, purchase a new extension cord.
Overheating of the motor
Fortunately, a circuit breaker can be reset without causing an electrical fire. If you are unable to find the cause of your table saw tripping the breaker, it is possible that a problem is due to overheating of the motor.
Fortunately, there are many ways to reset a circuit breaker. Follow these steps to reset your circuit breaker and enjoy a smooth table sawing experience.
First, it’s important to identify the source of your problem. If your table saw is overheating, the problem could be due to a worn or defective motor brush.
This problem can also occur if the table saw is being powered by an extension cord. If it’s plugged into a standard wall outlet, the extension cord should be at least 25 feet long to prevent voltage drop and overheating of the motor.
There are several other reasons why the motor may overheat. In some cases, sawdust may accumulate in the motor. The motor might overheat when it encounters an abnormal load, or it could be due to a dull or damaged blade.
Another cause of overheating is a bad drive motor or a faulty motor brush. If you’re unsure of the exact reason, it is best to contact a qualified electrician.
If the motor is tripping the breaker because it is overheating, the first step is to replace the starting capacitor. The starter capacitor is found inside the motor housing and can be replaced by unscrewing it.
The other components most likely to need replacement are the centrifugal starting switch and motor windings. If you find these parts damaged, replacing the motor is a much cheaper option than replacing them.
Using the wrong blade
If you have a table saw, chances are that you have seen a circuit breaker trip when you are using it. This problem can be caused by a number of factors, such as incorrect blade selection, rusting connectors, and break downs in over load switches.
Another possible cause is a binding blade or a poor-quality extension cord. The first thing to do is to identify the problem.
If the problem persists, it’s important to check the breaker box. A table saw can trip the breaker if you use the wrong blade or it is not sharp enough. In either case, it’s critical to use the right blade and keep the blades sharp.
If you see smoke, it means that the motor is not getting enough airflow. If the problem continues, you’ll need to replace the switch.
If you notice a red reset light on the motor, check to make sure it’s not loose. If that doesn’t fix the problem, you may have a thermal overload switch.
Using the wrong blade or pushing wood too quickly can cause a table saw to trip the breaker. You can also check to see if your power cord is loose or if your blade is dull or worn.
While it may seem difficult to understand, electrical considerations are an essential part of a woodworking shop. Electrical service is provided in a central panel, where all electrical current is managed.
It is in this panel that circuit breakers are located. If a table saw requires more than one amp, the circuit breaker will trip. A 10-gauge extension cord will provide more efficient power and prevent your table saw from tripping the breaker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What should I do if my table saw trips the breaker?
If your table saw trips the breaker, you should first check to see if there is an issue with the saw itself. If there is, take the saw to a professional to have it fixed. If there is not an issue with the saw, you may need to have your breaker box checked to see if it needs to be upgraded.
– How can I prevent my table saw from tripping the breaker?
One way to prevent your table saw from tripping the breaker is to make sure that you are using the correct size fuse for your saw. You can also try using a circuit breaker box with a higher amp rating.
– What are some common causes of a table saw tripping the breaker?
Some common causes of a table saw tripping the breaker are using the incorrect size fuse, using a circuit breaker box with a lower amp rating, or having too many appliances plugged into the same outlet.
– How can I troubleshoot why my table saw is tripping the breaker?
If your table saw is tripping the breaker, you should first check to see if there is an issue with the saw itself. If there is not an issue with the saw, you may need to have your breaker box checked to see if it needs to be upgraded. You can also try using a circuit breaker box with a higher amp rating.
– How do I reset a breaker that my table saw keeps tripping?
If your table saw is tripping the breaker, you should first check to see if there is an issue with the saw itself. If there is not an issue with the saw, you may need to have your breaker box checked to see if it needs to be upgraded.
You can also try using a circuit breaker box with a higher amp rating. If you still can’t reset the breaker, you may need to call an electrician.
Last Thoughts
After doing some research, it seems that the most likely reason for a table saw to trip the breaker is because the saw is drawing too much power.
This can be caused by a number of things, including a dull blade, a binding blade, or a problem with the saw’s motor. If the breaker keeps tripping, it’s probably best to have the saw checked out by a professional.
