$72.99
The Intelligent Vacuum Switch eliminates the distraction of turning on and off a dust collection system while you are operating potentially dangerous power tools. Received ETL safety approval. Three modes of operation: Auto, Off , On and Turn-On delay avoids the two power surges...
Details
Features:
• ETL safety approval
• Three modes of operation: Auto, Off and On
• Turn-On delay avoids the two power surges occurring at the same time
• Two input power cords permit operation from two separately protected circuits
• Both power cords are individually protected with 15 Amp circuit breakers
Reviews
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I had to replace two
I love these, they work well, until they don't. I had to replace two of them. I have the third on sitting on a shelf but I don't use it anymore. This product, at least a year ago, was not tested thoroughly before they started selling them. I don't recommend them and I suggest you look for something else.
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For low amperage use ONLY!
I contacted iVAC about the fact that their circuit breakers are rated for 15 amps but when you open up the product it has warning stickers derating their product between 12 and all the way down to 9 amps depending on the type of dust collection. Fact is, they originally designed this unit 10 years ago when shop vacs and other dust collection methods weren't as power hungry as they are now. They have a 40 amp relay in the unit that cannot handle the start up loads of over 1HP induction and 5HP Peak like in a shop vac. As a general rule of thumb, find out what your shop vac amperage rating is, multiply that by 5 and if it is well over 40 amps then it will most likely trip the unit. I asked them why they don't put a larger relay in the unit and start designing truly to 15 or 20 amps which is common US size. They said first that they are in Canada and their common size is 15 amps (so US is screwed regardless). Second they said a redesign would require a larger box for a larger relay (doesnt seem like a problem to me). Third and most importantly, they said they are not willing to reinvest in their product. Its unfortunate, this really looked like a great option because you could bypass the plugs and turn the vacuum on regardless. Dont waste your time, put your money into a company that will actually reinvest in their products to make them better...iVAC will not do this. Looks like time to buy a Long Ranger III and just have a remote controled shop vac.
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Not 15 Amp, not 12 AMP, 9 AMP
I bought this to create a sanding dust collection cart. It works pretty well for that however, my beef is with the packaging and literature. I will keep the product because it does work for my situation but can't recommend it to anyone. The box materials (and woodcraft's description) is deceptive. The term 15 Amp is used in many places - ads, information section on the web, outside of the packaging. When I opened the box up I found that the product itself says 12 AMP on it and there was a sticker attached to the product that said 9 AMP. I find this completely unacceptable that the product even with out the sticker is rated 25% lower than the product packaging and literature. What I find utterly unconscionable is the additional sticker further downrating the product to only 60% of the advertised capability. Fortunately for me I am controlling a small shop vac that well within the limits. I will never buy another product from that company. Frankly, I am disappointed with Woodcraft for their role in this.
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iVAC Automated Shop Vacuum Switch
Works very well in my small shop. I plugged a power strip into the primary outlet which eliminates the need to unplug and plug in tools. More efficient than the remote I had been using.
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Great Necessity For In House Renos
I first used this auto vac switch for my mitre saw to cut laminate flooring and those who know, laminate cutting leaves fine dust everywhere. After using this auto switch with our shop vac attached to the saw, dust dropped by 80%. This switch does everything as promised in the description. Best feature is you can over ride the auto-function and use another power tool to fine tune copes before trim installations. Also the option to power half of the device from another power source is a extremely well thought out idea (was determining factor for purchasing this). I highly recommend this switch to anyone that stages their power saws in a clients home.
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Did not meet my expectation
I bought this thinking that it would control both the primary tool and the aux. It does not! Be warned that the automated control only works for the tool and the vacuum and not both the tool and aux! Get the cheaper $30 switch and just plug and unplug your tool. Or get both and have more options.
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Small systems only
The idea behind this device is good. Could be a handy addition if used on small, low power systems. My shop dust collector is a large 2-bag system, 120V, 15A. Although the device is rated to handle the load, it snaps the breaker when my shop tool is turned on. It is properly configured per the enclosed directions. So, it is usable for small shop vacs only.
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Couldn't be happier
I use this with a shop vac and Oneida Dust Deputy. I wasn't sure how helpful it would be before I got it, but I could not imagine how helpful it is. The level of sawdust in the shop is cut way down because it I never forget to turn dust collection on. I recommend very highly.
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Lacking some engineering design
This multiplug / switch needs better design. The purpose of this product is to use several items plugged in at some time to operate items at same time without having to plug / unplug all the time. But it does not give enough room between plugs to plug in extra large set up plugs or other multiplugs on it. Poor design, not very versatile.
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hands free
so convenient
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works like a charm
Use it with my shop vac and router. Works every time. Very easy to set up. Love the convenience.
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Caution before ordering
The description should indicate that this unit is for dust collection systems of less that 1 HP. In other words, use it with a shop vac. In that application, it works great, but I needed something to power an actual dust collection system. The unit is well made and I would give it five stars for use with a shop vac connected to a sander, but this is not for use with a dust collection system.
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Super product
Limitations on amperage and dust collectors that are supported was not apparent on the ordering process. When I received it, I found that my Jet Dust Collector may be too many amps for the switch and I would then require another add on product. Luckily, my 1 amp motor does work as advertised and my worry was for nil. I suggest that you check the specs before you order.
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This is the one, buy it
In my Woodshop I have a "Machines Bench" where mulitple machines are linked to a two stage dust collection system. I use this tool with my machines to turn on the dust collection system. I love the three position switch for the vacuum that allows you to override the system by turning the vacuum on independently or turning it off for "pulse work" like cutting lots of parts on the chop saw that might fatigue the dust collector.I have one port on the dust collector that is linked to a sweeper hose and this tool allows me to use that to do general cleaning of my work areas and floor, a huge perk.I would have given it five stars but the first one they sent me was faulty. I plugged it in to two power sources and flipped on a tool. The Tool Outlet on this piece popped, and I don;t mean the circuit breaker popped, I mean the OUTLET popped. The tool was dead. Woodcraft sent me a new one lickety split and I'm back in business. better QC and I would have given this the Big Five.
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inovative!
Just turn on the Sander and the vac come on with it. Awesome.
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Great addition to my shop
I use this product with my radial arm and table saw. Really makes it easy to keep my focus on my cuts. I wish I has gotten it sooner. THis is a great addition to any shop.
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Works as advertised, very conveient
Hardest thing is to remember to set everything up. I work in my garage and have to roll everything out before I work. Have to think about what needs to be connected. Once I have this set up, it works without having to think about it.
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Nice design, but lacks current capacity
Nice design with selectable modes of operation. I especially like the power up delay and separate power source capability to avoid power up surges that can trip circuit breakers. But the internal circuit breakers rated at 12 amps are inadequate to properly support a saw that is rated at 13 to 14 amps. This would be better if the internal breakers were rated 15 amps.
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Great Addition tp Shop
Used to control toool and dust collector
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Like it features
I really like the way this can be securely mounted, but what really sold me was the three position switch for the vacuum: on, off, auto. I frequently want to run my vacuum by itself. This "on" setting lets me do this without re-plugging my vacuum. I have only used it for little while, but the quality looks great.
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Works great
Bought the i-Vac to use with my Delta contractor saw and a Jet DC-650. With the combination plugged into one circuit it will trip the internal breaker everytime. I used the two plugs individually into my outlet and everything works fine. It is nice to have the dust collector start automatically, which I would constantly forget.
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Works as advertised
I would like to see the manufacturer offer one that had mutiple outlets.
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outstanding
This switch works wonders, we used to have to stop and turn each tool by itself, not anymore. It feels good to have a product that does just what it is supposed too. Would recomend to everyone. We are heavy scrollers so that makes us heavy sanders. Thanks again Woodcraft Jim
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Works well with lower power shopvac
iVac works well with my shopvac, but my HF dust collector blows the circuit...Would really like this to be able to handle the 20a (or so) startup that a dust collector drains to be really useful
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Great product to have!
It turns on the vacumm thqat I tend to forget at times! When you turn on your machine it turns on the vacumm its great!
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Totally awesom
Bought the standard style iSwich a while back, and it's been one of the best purchases ever. Knocks down about 90% of dust on the job site, keeps work space clean, keeps sinuses clean, almost everything goes into the ShopVac. This is my second one, might start purchasing them as Christmas and birthday gifts. Worth it's weight in beer/gold.
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Switch for two individual circuits
This is the only switch I found that supports two individual electric circuits. Imaging you want to use a 15A table saw with a 10A vacuum. With most automatic switches you are out of luck. Not with this one :-) Other than that, device works flawlessly and as expected. Please note, the description says, max 12A each circuit, but I contacted the manufacturer and in fact it is 15A (they supposedly have to put 12A because no device on a 15A line is supposed to draw more than 12A).
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Works fine
I hooked up my ShopSmith and a shopvac to this switch. The delay lets the ShopSmith power up before starting the vacuum on the same circuit with no problem. The delayed shutdown allows the vacuum to clear the lines.
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Does not work with JDS Dust Force
I wanted to use this with my dust collector and have it turn on when I use a power tool, but the dust collector JDS Dust Force draws too much current on initial startup which pops the circuit breaker on the device. I will have to return it.
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My new favorite shop item
I have a relatively small shop so I have been getting by with my saw and a shopvac for dust collection. I have been wanting a dedicated DC for some time, but just haven't quite found the money. I have also always admired the Fein vacs for their built-in "switch" that turns on when you turn on a connected tool. But the Fein vacs are pretty expensive, not much less than a low-end DC. Then I discovered the iVac. Before the iVac, I must admit that for those times when I needed just a cut or 2, I often wouldn't make the effort to turn on the vac. With the iVac it is ALWAYS ready to go. Just switch on the saw, and the iVac goes to work. Switch off the saw and the iVac clears the remaining dust for a few seconds, then turns off. My shop is quiet again. Absolutely pefect. No fumbling for switches or remote controls. It works so nicely that I actually smiled the first time I used it. Most of the better DCs come with key fob remotes. While better than nothing, that solution pales in comparison to having the DC turn on an off automatically. I had seen a couple similar products but was concerned over the fact that they were 15A only solutions. I know the combination of my saw and vac is right around 15A total. The iVac actually includes 2 separate 15A circuits. So, if you have 2 separate 15A house circuits, you can plug the iVac into each circuit giving you more "total" allowable current. I have a home shop with typical 110V circuits, so many of the DCs and tools I have been considering are right around 15A or even 16A. Obviously a 16A DC would not work with this iVac, so if/when they come out with a higher amp version, I will absolutely be at the front of the line to buy it. I contacted the manufacturer MBright Tools via email over a cosmetic issue (that may have even been my fault). I received a response faster than I had ever received any customer service response in my entire life. During my conversation with them, it became very clear they are dedicated to supporting their products. The whole customer service experience was far above and beyond what I have come to expect from most companies. I had no knowledge of the company prior to the purchase of my iVac. I'm just a major fan of thoughtfully engineered products and companies dedicated to helping their customers. I only wish MBright made more of the tools and products I use every day.
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Why 12 amp Breaker
The idea behind this product is great, but if you have a 15 amp dust collector, you can count of the circuit tripping at 12 amps and not powering up the dust collector when your dust making tool gets fired up. Works great with a shop vac, but I would like to see a 15 amp model to work for the WHOLE shop. I guess if your dust collector is in a hard to access spot, you need to get a remote system. I would not recommend if you are running anything that takes a lot of juice, if all your tools are under 12 amps then you are fine. Stupid that they choose 12 amps for the breaker setting.
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Not in my shop!
May be a great product but due to the way Nova switches there lathes on and off it was just incompatible. If I had a different brand of lathe it might work great.
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Great for small workshops
The device works very well for me as I do not have a central vac system. I use it for my table and miter saws. The plastic mounting tabs could be a breakage issue if one is not careful. If the unit were made with a metal back it would be an upgrade.
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great product
I like being able to put my dust collector and Router on two different circuits.
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Finally, I can't forget the vacuum.
I alternate the switch between my mitre saw and table saw and now, can't forget to get the vac on before cutting. It's a perfect solution to a cleaner shop and never forgetting to switch on the vac before the tool. It is a solid device and works perfectly with large (table saw) and small tools (sander).
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Very well made product!
Great design, reliable, easy to use, professional or home applications.
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