GROUNDING
WARNING!
Improperly connecting the grounding wire can result in the risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the tool. Never remove the grounding prong from the plug. Do not use the tool if the cord or plug is damaged. If damaged, have it repaired by a MILWAUKEE service facility before use. If the plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
EXTENSION CORDS
Grounded tools require a three wire extension cord. Double insulated tools can use either a two or three wire extension cord. As the distance from the supply outlet increases, you must use a heavier gauge exten- sion cord. Using extension cords with inadequately sized wire causes a serious drop in voltage, resulting in loss of power and possible tool damage. Refer to the table at right to determine the required minimum wire size.
The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the cord. For example, a 14 gauge cord can carry a higher current than a 16 gauge cord. When using more than one extension cord to make up the total length, be sure each cord contains at least the minimum wire size required. If you are using one extension cord for more than one tool, add the nameplate amperes and use the sum to determine the required mini- mum wire size.
Grounded Tools:
Tools with Three Prong Plugs
Tools marked “Grounding Re- quired” have a three wire cord and three prong grounding plug. The plug must be connected to a prop- erly grounded outlet (See Figure A and B). If the tool should electri- cally malfunction or break down, grounding provides a low resis- tance path to carry electricity away from the user, reducing the risk of electric shock.
The grounding prong in the plug is connected through the green wire inside the cord to the grounding system in the tool. The green wire in the cord must be the only wire connected to the tool's grounding system and must never be attached to an electrically “live” terminal.
Your tool must be plugged into an appropriate outlet, properly in- stalled and grounded in accor- dance with all codes and ordi- nances. If the plug and outlet look like those in Figure A, your tool is rated for use on less than 150 volts. If your plug and outlet look like those in Figure B, your tool is rated for use on 150 to 250 volts. Temporary adapters are not avail- able for this type of plug.
Figure C illustrates a temporary adapter available for connecting grounded plugs (Figure A) to two prong outlets. The green rigid ear or lug extending from the adapter must be connected to a permanent ground such as a properly grounded outlet box or receptacle. Simply remove the center screw from the outlet, insert the adapter and reattach the screw through the green grounding ear to the out- let. If in doubt of proper grounding, call a qualified electrician. A tem- porary adapter should only be used until a properly grounded outlet can be installed by a quali- fied electrician. The Canadian Elec- trical Code prohibits the use of temporary adapters.
Fig. A
Fig. B
Temporary
Adapter
Green Grounding Ear Fig. C
Guidelines for Using Extension Cords
•If you are using an extension cord outdoors, be sure it is marked with the suffix
•Be sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition. Always replace a damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified person before using it.
•Protect your extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat and damp or wet areas.
Recommended Minimum Wire Gauge
for Extension Cords*
Nameplate | Extension Cord Length |
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Amperes | 25'50' |
| 75'100'150'200' |
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0 - 5 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 |
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5.1 | - 8 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 |
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8.1 - 12 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 |
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12.1 | - 15 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
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15.1 | - 20 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
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*Based on limiting the line voltage drop to five volts at 150% of the rated amperes.
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