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In-Line On/Off switch

PostPosted: March 16th, 2017, 10:15 pm
by HairNutz
Ive read that the smoker must be disconnected from power after every cook otherwise the controller may not work correctly on future cooks.

Has anyone came up with a creative idea for making it possible to power on/off at the smoker rather than unplugging or using a switch on an extension cord?

Im looking at a 1ft long C14 to C13 cord with an in-line On/Off switch rated for 10 amps. The manual says it draws 3 amps on startup and less than 1 amp after ignition so I believe this cord would be safe to use. I also believe it would effectively disconnect it from power the same as if you were to unplug it.

These cables are common with server racks and battery backup units. They're easily found by searching for C14 to C13 On Off.

Any thoughts?

Re: In-Line On/Off switch

PostPosted: March 16th, 2017, 10:40 pm
by Yoder_Herb
There are 2 reasons to unplug the cooker; reset the controller and safety.

Any switched outlet will work, but, this does not address the serious safety issue. With the cord plugged into any electrical device, and left outside, the device becomes a lighting rod, as it is bonded to ground through the outlet it is plugged into. Switches do not normally switch the ground, and even if they did, the air gap may still provide the quickest path to ground. The Yoder cooker is 300+ pounds of metal, and left plugged in, make very efficient potential lighting rods.

Re: In-Line On/Off switch

PostPosted: March 16th, 2017, 11:56 pm
by HairNutz
So, what you're saying is that would be a dumb thing to do. Unplug it. Got it. :)

Hadn't considered that at all - thanks for your input.