April 19, 2023

Table Saw: Why does my table saw's overload trip?

Worn motor brushes, a bad drive motor, a faulty motor overload switch, using an improper extension cord and binding up the saw blade can cause the table saw's motor overload to trip.

A long or lightweight extension cord can cause a voltage drop that overheats the motor and causes the overload to trip. Use a shorter cord or a heavy-duty extension cord that can handle the current draw of the table saw. For a 120-volt table saw plugged into an outlet protected by a 15-amp circuit breaker, extension cord length typically shouldn't exceed 25 feet.

The motor can overheat if the saw blade binds up when cutting a work piece. Replace a dull or damaged cutting blade so it doesn't bind up when cutting a work piece. Using the wrong type of blade for cutting the work piece can also bind up the blade when cutting. Use the right type of blade for the work piece that you're cutting.

Worn motor brushes or a bad drive motor can cause the overload to trip. Check the condition of the carbon motor brushes and replace if they're worn. Replace the motor if it overheats or won't spin the blade when cutting light work pieces.

A faulty motor overload switch will trip even when the motor doesn't overheat. Replace the motor overload if it constantly shuts off the motor when the motor isn't overheating.

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR TABLE SAW PROBLEM

Replace the table saw carbon motor brushes

The spring-loaded motor brushes on the table saw mount against the rotating armature, transferring power to the armature. The motor brushes wear down after about 50 hours of run time. Replace the carbon brushes regularly to keep the motor running smoothly.

Table saw carbon motor brushes

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-TSAW-Replace-Table-Saw-Motor-Brush-Set-Intro-Image

April 01, 2015

By Lyle Weischwill

How to replace a table saw motor brush set

If your table saw motor is weak or won't run at all, the motor brushes could be worn. This repair guide and video show how to replace table saw motor brushes.

Repair difficulty

Time required

45 minutes or less

Replace the table saw motor overload

The table saw motor overload shuts off electrical power to the motor to protect the motor if it overloads or overheats. After the motor cools down, pressing the reset switch on the motor overload restores power to the motor circuit. Replace the motor overload if it won't reset or false trips.

Table saw motor overload

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-TSAW-Replace-Table-Saw-Drive-Motor-Intro-Image

April 01, 2015

By Lyle Weischwill

How to replace a table saw drive motor

If your table saw motor won't start, the motor might be worn. This repair guide and video show how to replace a table saw drive motor.

Repair difficulty

Time required

45 minutes or less

Replace the table saw drive motor

The table saw blade mounts directly to the drive motor arbor to spin the saw blade for cutting wood. A defective drive motor won't start or it trips the overload. Replace the drive motor if it's defective or worn out.