Last week, in a new tool buys post, I mentioned that I was looking for an emergency switch capable of quickly cutting power to an attached AC-powered device.
Initially, I was a bit uninformed about how emergency switches are intended to be used. I thought they could be connected inline, but I couldn’t find switches that could handle more than 6A of current*. After more research, I decided that it would take too much time for me to learn how to build a power control panel from individual components, at least for my somewhat immediate needs, and so I searched for a turn-key solution.
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*Actually, some of the switches were rated for 6A connecting power, but I learned that they could only disconnect up to 3A of power. As mentioned, there is too much to learn in a short time frame.
I found two companies who offer ready-to-connect 120V control boxes: LoveGreen and Guardomation.
Guardomation has two options – a 15A box and a 20A box. Both have on/off switches, an emergency stop, mounting plate, plastic enclosure, strain relief, 8-foot extension cord, and standard 120V receptacle. Both also have anti-automatic restart circuitry to prevent equipment from powering up on their own following a power outage.
LoveGreen has a wider range of power control boxes – a 10A model, and a 20A model that is offered with different configuration options.
I opted to purchase the LRM-115, which offers 10A protection.
Features
- Emergency stop
- On/off switches
- Standard 120V receptacle
- Mounting plate
- Power outage protection
- UL-listed
- 10A max output current
- 10A fuse
I considered purchasing the LRM-120 unit, which is said to have beefier components and a 20A max current rating, but I don’t think I will need more than 10A of protection.
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The LRM-115 is priced at $169, while the LRM-120 is $299.
One thing I am appreciative for is the schematic diagram (PDF) LoveGreen provides for their LRM120 Plus and LRM125 Plus models. These models are similar to the LRM-120 but with the added feature of an additional interconnect switch connection. This allows users to set up additional safety switches to control the same power connection.
The schematic provides a lot of insight into how these devices are wired up, and helps soften the learning curve. Apparently this is how power control is typically handled in the automation industry, but it’s still good starting point should I need or want to create custom power control boxes in the future.
First Impression
I connected the power control box between my corded power tool and the wall outlet, and it works exactly as intended. I am fairly satisfied with the purchase and believe I made the right choice.
I do have three gripes. First, I wish there was a more robust power cable retention mechanism. But, I suppose I can replace the zip tie easily enough if this really bugs me.
Second, the aluminum mounting plate is somewhat poorly machined. Well, not poorly machined, but poorly finished. There are burs on all the mounting holes and there is a lip on one of the edges that I will need to file down. There are a couple of flakes of aluminum that came off on my hands as well. While not a big deal, I wish LoveGreen’s machinist would have spent the 30-seconds needed to properly deburr the mounting plate.
Third, I wish the mounting plate was removable. It’s not, at least not from what I can see. It appears that the mounting plate is epoxied onto the plastic enclosure.
When I ordered the motor power control box, I knew about the zip tie power cord retention mechanism, and figured the mounting base might be non-removable. So the only small gripe that could have been avoided is how the aluminum mounting base wasn’t properly deburred prior to be shipped to me. Since the product is intended to be installed in industrial environments, maybe this was intentional.
Dealing with LoveGreen
I emailed them, asking:
I recently purchased an LRM-115 10A motor control, and am curious about how different it is compared to the LRM-120 20A unit.
Aside from the higher rated fuse and different female receptacle, are the components within the 20A unit, such as the relay and switch blocks any different?
I haven’t received the LRM-115 unit yet, and am wondering if I should order a second LRM-115 or an LRM-120 for another sub-10A application.
I sent the email at 6:35pm and received a response from Andy at 9:30am the next morning.
The LRM-115 and the LRM-120 are very different internally and in size. The LRM-115 uses 10 amp rated components, which can all fit in a smaller box. This works well for smaller machines with low start-up amps. Because there are not similar components rated for 20 amps, a different solution was necessary for a 120 control box. This version was designed to be used with machines that require up to 20 amps for start-ups. A larger box was necessary to contain these components. We’ve also been able to make several versions of the LRM-120. We make a metal box version (LRM-125), a NEMA 4X version that can withstand washdowns (LRM-120-4X), a Plus version that can allow hooking in an interlocked shield (LRM-120-Plus).
I was satisfied with the answer, and impressed with the response speed.
My LRM-115 arrived two days ago, but the Danray machine guarding shield I ordered from LoveGreen wasn’t in the box. A quick phone call later and I was told that the Danray shield was being drop-shipped by the manufacturer and was expected to be delivered to me the next day.
Overall, I feel that LoveGreen has exceptionally good customer service. They’re prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable.
I’m not going to mention the issue about the non-deburred mounting base to them, as this is something I could rectify on my own, but I am sure that they would handle the complaint professionally and promptly.
I would not hesitate to order from LoveGreen again, and based on my recent experiences I can definitely recommend them.
Pricing
I feel that the $169 price for the 10A unit and $299 price for the 20A unit are a little high. The schematic I read for the LRM125 Plus was drafted by A1X Automation, and so it seems that A1X might be manufacturing these units for LoveGreen. When considering the cost of parts, the UL-listing, and how A1X might be producing these for LoveGreen to resell, the pricing makes more sense.
There’s also the fact that there’s not a lot of competition in this market. As mentioned, I could only easily find one other company offering these small read-to-use control boxes.
Is it Right for You?
This is not something a hobbyist would want to use. For casual home or shop use, there a couple of options available via Amazon for $10-$30 and other woodworking tool suppliers. But for my needs, I wanted something a little more robust.
While shopping for Tripp Lite Isobar surge protectors, I came across one that had a remote on/off switch. But for my particular needs right now, I wanted a control box with a faster-acting and easier-to-find emergency stop button. Once I discovered LoveGreen’s product line, I realized an integrated on/off switch is highly desirable as well.
I wasn’t perfectly happy to spend $169 on this device, but it gives me far more confidence than the all-plastic $30 devices that are meant for use with woodworking routers and the such. I read quite a few reviews about where the $30 devices broke apart or failed without much use.
Summary
I am pleased with my decision to purchase the LRM-115 power control box. While I am – or will soon be – comfortable enough to build a custom control box on my own, I needed a solution for right now.
Except for a minor gripe about the aluminum mounting plate, the power control box is everything I expected. It works, and will allow me to continue with the project I needed it for without delay.
It was easy ordering from LoveGreen, and I found their customer service and technical support contacts to be very helpful.
LoveGreen also carries a range of guarding, shielding, and safety products, and will definitely see more of my business in the future.
Update
I peeked inside the LRM-115 housing.
There’s no dedicated relay. There’s a heavy duty power switch (E-Switch KJD17) with built-in electromagnet that prevents an automatic restart after a power outage, an E-Stop pushbutton (it’s marked with IDEC 82Y), a fuse, inlet and outlet plugs, and internal wiring and quick connect fittings.
Bob S
The Lovegreen switch looks like a nice, well made magnetic switch. I agree that the price is on the high side. If you are willing to give up the UL certification and, can wire a power cord in and out, Grizzly Industrial Inc. (Grizzly.com) offers a range of magnetic switches for the shop. Just search for switches in the search box on the web site. I found one rated at 16 amps for only $22.95 plus shipping.
I have personally purchased a magnetic paddle style on/off button from Grizzly for my 6″ x 18″ lathe. The switch has worked flawlessly for over 2 years. Magnetic style switches always return to the off status if the power is interrupted which is a big safety feature around rotating machinery like a lathe.
Stuart
Ah, this one? In the Grizzly catalog it actually does say (UL).
I wish I saw that sooner! Even so, I don’t regret my choice. I see Grizzly also has more robust control units for about $61, which is probably easy to integrate a separate E-stop into.
fred
I know someone who used Grizzly magnetic switch to replace a worn out one on their old Unisaw. Luckily – my old Unisaw is still running with original parts
Mike
Grizzly one is better and cheaper, and UL listed, looks like a plastic toy that won’t last long.
Bill K
Stuart, your LoveGreen switch purchase and article now gives me concern for the “Woods 32555 Outdoor Remote Control Outlet Converter Kit” I purchased this past week for my shop vac. The specs say 13 amp, small appliance, but I’m beginning to worry. I have cycled the shop vac on and off a few times and it worked as expected, but now I question it’s longevity. Anyone have any experience with this device and/or advice?
Toolfreak
I like how an emergency shut off switch is sold (or resold) by a “risk management” company. (Lovegreen Risk Management, LLC).
It is unfortunate these are not widely available. Emergency shutoffs would make a fantastic addition to the inventory of the big box home improvement stores.
Frankly, I’m kind of surprised they aren’t, and that such things aren’t standard equipment in more shops with power tools and even at jobsites. Being able to shut off the power to a machine instantly, without having to hunt for an on/off switch or figure out where the cord is plugged in, might make a lot of difference in an accident, especially one where the operator can no longer turn off the machine themselves.
Bob S
Stuart, you are correct. The Grizzly switch is UL approved. I had to go to the catalog page to see that. I’m sure you will get good service out of the Lovegreen switch. The Grizzly switches might be a good alternative if you wanted to permanently wire in magnetic switches to all you shop machinery since the total investment would be less.
Michael Marks
I think the price is fine. When you’re talking about safety switches and emergency shutoffs, you need to take into consideration the risk the company is taking marketing such a product, (suitability for a purpose) and the insurance they are paying should such a product fail. This company guarantees that it will work, and if it doesn’t, somebody might lose a hand or die. That’s what you’re paying for. It will work; they really, really mean it. And that costs money. Plus it’s got a UL cert besides. This is not a product for cheapskates.
It always makes me laugh when you buy something like a life jacket and on the tag in very small print it says something like “No guarantees made for suitability for any purpose, implied or explicit.” An E Stop is not something you want to buy the cheapest you can find. You might do better to buy the most expensive.
Hanky
I just looked at both of those switches from Lovegreen, and have to say from what I see both are junk, I can see how those relay contacts under heavy use will eventually weld in the closed position and since their is no “safety” circuits in any of them the machine will operate, you just won’t be able to turn it off, I can see that they did it to keep the cost per unit down, but I wouldn’t want to have my fingerprints on any of that. As for the U.L. listing, I wouldn’t let two letters get me hurt or killed, it really means nothing when it comes to machine controls, every component is likely all ready U.L. listed, so as long as it’s used the way the manufacturer designed it for I wouldn’t worry about the U.L. listing.
I will say they did some good custom work on our machines at work, if you want something done for a custom piece of equipment you could try to give them a call, they sent a guy named Kevin out to our plant, that guy did things I didn’t think was possible, and everything worked exactly as he said it would, was a heck of a control guy..
Bill
Hanky I believe I met Kevin awhile ago, he came in with the Lovegreen folks and replaced all the controls on a couple of our mechanical presses, things couldn’t have worked out better, a heck of a smart guy, however I had to laugh at that fancy estop thing they put on a couple of our drill presses , didn’t like the office people they had either, the guy we had contact with was a guy named John, he appeared to be the only office type guy they had that had a clue.
Mike
And watch for updated I just herd Lovegreen was sold.
Joe
Well looks like Lovegreen is back to selling things with the online store, it’s too bad, they used to have a good team that was able to do the impossible, our company is searching for another credible safety company to take care of our equipment, go with the Grizzley unit, it’s a better choice.