Volts

KGB

I Am Looking At Electric Power Planers (10 Models) . Most Are 5 To 7 Amps 15000 To 18000 Rpm Most Are Liisted At 120 Volts , Makita 1912b List At 115 Volts 7.5 Amps 16000 Rpms .
Should This Be 120 Volts Or No. ????

I Also See A Makita N1900b 4amps 15000 Rpms No Volts Listed?

Thanks Kevin

Ps. 115 And 120 The Same

mickeyco

115 and 120 are not the same, 120 is 5 more voltages than 115, kiddin' aside, 110~120 Volts are what ever you get from the POCO. The tool that lists 115V might be doing it to make it seem a little more powerful that its competition, because you use a little more amperage as the voltage goes down. As far as amps, the higher the amps the more power, although it's not always the case, an efficient motor of the same HP as an inefficient motor (bushings instead of bearings, etc.) will draw less current (amps). A good indicator on tools is usually the price. I'd post in the carpentry or tool area and ask what others are using.

Sparky Joe

Mickey, you're dang deck building skills are showing up again.

115 is the accurate term for what comes out of your standard receptacle. And instead of going to the 'carpentry area' to ask this silly question, go over to the DIY Forum(you'll find the link at the top of any page). But as attempt to answer you; if it plugs into your wall then it is fine.

And Mickey I don't even know where to begin with your statement......
First; wattage(power) is not a constant. Believe it or not but a worn out/broken down saw uses more 'power' than the same saw brand new.

The only constant is resistance, aka inductive reactance. Power is; volts x amps. Volts can vary by 10% from the utility(10% of 115). And amps can vary from 7(or whatever it says on the nameplate) in normal conditions, up to 50A or more in a locked rotor condition with the same saw.

That would give a power/watt variance of 725W to 6,300W. Pretty big differance and that's why the power company charges by the watt as well as several other variances.