Switched Power Cord for 120VAC motor?

[toygasm4u]

We have a fan we're building that uses a 3/4HP 120V motor. I'm trying to source a grounding power cord that I can use with an inline switch, but haven't had much luck. I'm wondering if my lack of success is due to something in the NEC that may advise against it.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance guys,
~M

 

[waross]

I can't remember seeing anything factory made. There used to be inline switches available for field installation in cords. I doubt that you will find one that is horsepower rated and you may have dificulty finding one that will accomodate #14 cable. (#14 would be the minimum size under Canadian code.)
You may have to go to a toggle switch in an "FS" box with cable glands in the threaded hubs.
respectfully

 

[jraef]

There are plenty of extension cords with molded-in switches but nobody rates them for HP loads, so you are going to be on your own. The largest one I found with Google was 10A, but that is undoubtedly a resistive load rating. Inductive loads such as motors have starting surges and more arcing when you open the switch, so you need some serious derating to be safe. I wouldn't use that 10A switch on anything bigger than 5A inductive, which at 120V equates to about 1/2HP max, maybe 1/3HP conservatively.

Build your own. Get a good cast box with threaded hubs top and bottom, some good "CGB" style cord grips and a HP rated toggle switch with an cast cover to protect it. Any decent electrical distributor can hook you up.