Re: (ET) log splitter

["David Roden (Akron OH USA)" <roden ald net>]

One of the reasons that electric log splitters, chainsaws, and the like 
are generally less powerful than their gas-powered cousins is that they 
usually have to be powered by a 115vac household outlet.

The highest-current standard 115v outlet has a maximum capacity of 20 
amps, or 2300 watts.  The NEC requires derating to 80% for continuous 
loads, so the highest power possible for a plug-in device is only 1840 
watts.

Practically speaking, it's lower than that.  Older homes often have 15-
amp circuits, so most power tools don't exceed 12 amps, or 1380 watts 
continuous.  This is (allowing for losses) less than 1.5hp continuous (of 
course peak is higher).

Even if you lived in Europe, where standard outlets are 230 volts, you'd 
still have only about double the power available -- though that's 
certainly a considerable improvement.

This is the great advantage of using the ET for power.  You're limited 
only by how much power the battery pack can supply (at least 10 times as 
much as the wall) and how much your cables and the tool motor can handle.

So, if you want a really powerful electric log splitter, buy a gas one 
with a burned-out engine and convert it, using a 36v motor, and power it 
from the ET.


David Roden - Akron, Ohio, USA
1991 Solectria Force 144vac
1991 Ford Escort Green/EV 128vdc
1979 General Engines ElectroPed 24vdc
1974 Honda Civic EV 96vdc
1970 GE Elec-trak E15 36vdc
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