Eating up Switches

[Todd]

Porter Cable Model 352VS is on its 3rd switch (Part # 849317) is this common or do they make a heavy duty switch? This is the 4th brand of Belt Sanders I have purchased and is far superior to any of the others that I have purchased.

[Mike]

Hi Todd. I can't think of any reason you're going through switches other than everyday wear. It sounds like you're probably using that sander a lot. The main problem may be that the OEM switch for that sander isn't as high quality as it should be, but I'm not aware of any widespread problems with it. Porter-Cable doesn't offer any sort of upgraded or more durable switch for that model (or any other that I'm aware of) so OEM is pretty much it.

[CanisLupus]

Todd,
Mike may be right, but if you are using a really long extension cord or a extension cord that is too small (wire size) it can cause things like switches to overheat and fail. A lack of available power/current can cause tools to overheat and fail also (think of an electric heater running through a tiny /small wire-sized indoor "light cord", the resistance of the undersized cord will cause heat, then even more resistance and a blown breaker or even a fire). The best thing is to use the shortest H.D. cord you can and if at home working make sure the outlet/wiring is sized to run your tool. To be precise an expert who sells construction equipment/tools/extension cords or an expert at an electrical supply place can probably tell you what size cord to use based on the length you need and the amperage draw of your tool. An electrician can help with the house wiring. If you already have the cord and supply issues covered (you definitely have the proper size cord and supply wiring) than all I can suggest is to let the tool "rest" (cool off) every so often if you are "going at it" hard and heavy. I'm here looking to get a switch for my cheap Skil 1/2" hammer drill that worked fine for years, just drilling a few small holes once in a while. Then I needed to make a drier vent hole through a block wall and started drilling a series of 1/4" holes (in a vent-sized circle from both sides). I let the drill cool off a few times but got impatient about halfway through and kept going. I could feel the heat building up in the drill and was pretty sure I was going to burn out the variable speed switch, which I did. Just remember, heat is the enemy of electrical tools and many electrical products. Heat can be caused by not enough current to the tool or running it long and hard. Let the tool cool if it starts to get (excessively) warm. Good Luck