Shop guide
Start a tool. The collector and the right gate run with it. GRIT does that on the metal blast gates you already paid for.
What should I use?
Still on flex with no gates? Finish duct first. Automation will not fix leaks. See small shop dust collection and the lost suction checklist.
One tool on a shop vac?
A vacuum switch is enough. GRIT is the wrong first buy. See shop vac vs ducted dust collection.
Central collector, gates within reach?
If walking to the gates is fine, automate the collector only. You do not need automated gates for that job.
Several fixed tools, fixed duct, metal gates you want to keep?
That is GRIT. Keep the gates. Open only the branch you are using. Clear the line when you stop.
Already own iVAC automated gates?
Keep them. The iVAC Retrofit Gate Control fits all current iVAC automated gates.
What you get with GRIT
- 01
Keep the shop you already built
Bolt a Gate Control onto any metal blast gate you already have (home sizes 2.5 to 6 inches). No rip-and-replace.
- 02
Open the branch you are using
The Hub can keep one branch open while the collector runs, so unused gates are not stealing airflow from the tool you are on.
- 03
Clear the line after you stop
Off-delay keeps the collector running a bit after the tool shuts off so dust does not dump back into the shop.
- 04
The Hub runs it in the shop
The tool → gate → collector sequence runs on the Hub. Home internet can drop. The shop sequence does not depend on it.
- 05
Room to grow
Same approach scales to industrial Gate Controls through 12 inches on gritautomation.com.
Side-by-side
| Topic | GRIT at Home | iVAC |
|---|---|---|
| Core idea | One Hub runs tool → gate → collector for the whole shop | A tool sensor starts the collector. Automated gates can open with the tool if you have Pro Tool Plus or Advantage and a matching collector controller |
| Tool detection | A Trigger sits in line with the tool’s plug: 120V Trigger, 220V Trigger, Heavy Duty Trigger up to 35A continuous, or Switch Trigger. Nothing on the tool is rewired | Pro Tool sensor sees the machine turn on |
| Collector control | 120V Collector Control, 220V Collector Control (NEMA 6-15), IR/RF Collector Control, or MagSwitch Collector Control for any magnetic starter | Switch, Remote, Contactor, and Magnetic Switch models. Send collector details for a match |
| Blast gates | Bolt-on Gate Control on any metal blast gate you already have, 2.5 to 6 inches, size-matched to the gate (not the pipe). Larger gates (2.5 to 12 inches) on gritautomation.com | iVAC’s main automated gate is a 4 inch plastic unit; each gate uses a 115V AC adapter. 4 inch and 6 inch metal gates are also available (5 inch via flange adapter on the 6 inch metal gate) |
| Existing iVAC gates | iVAC Retrofit Gate Control fits all current iVAC automated gates | Native |
| Coordination | Hub rules on site: off-delay after the tool stops; one branch open while the collector runs | Gate opens and collector starts on tool-on; optional Always Open gate; Minimum Run Time (MRT) option |
| Internet / subscription | Core sequence keeps running with no home Wi-Fi. Cloud extras may drop. No subscription for the core sequence | iVAC parts talk to each other over their own radios |
| Certifications | GRIT radios carry FCC authorization. No UL/ETL/CSA claims on the plug-in devices | UL/CSA-approved 115V AC adapter with its gates |
| Extras | GRIT Lock, included with the standard Hub, is a safety lock: lock the whole shop or the tools you pick so kids or grandkids cannot start them | Optional Pro Remote for manual on/off |
| What you buy first | A Hub and Power Bank that run the shop, plus Gate Controls that reuse the metal gates you already own | A new automated gate for each branch |
GRIT is a Hub that runs the shop you already built. Size it in the System Builder.
Keep what you have
Bolt on. Do not rip the duct apart.
Mixed 5/6 inch duct or gates without flanges? Check blast gate sizes and fit before you order. Confirm gate type in the System Builder.
| You have | Use |
|---|---|
| Any metal blast gate body, 2.5 to 6 inches | Standard Gate Control, size-matched to the gate (not the pipe feeding it) |
| Existing iVAC automated gates (all current models) | iVAC Retrofit Gate Control. Do not use the standard metal Gate Control |
| Collector with a magnetic starter | MagSwitch Collector Control. Works with any magnetic starter. Have a licensed electrician install it into the starter’s control circuit, in line with local code, with power disconnected |
| Corded collector | 120V Collector Control or 220V Collector Control (NEMA 6-15) |
| Collector with a remote | IR/RF Collector Control. Learns the remote (300-950 MHz) |
| Gates larger than 6 inches | See GRIT Automation dust management for industrial Gate Controls through 12 inches |
Questions shops ask
Is GRIT an iVAC alternative?
Yes, if you have fixed duct and metal gates you want to keep. Already on iVAC gates? The iVAC Retrofit Gate Control fits all current models.
Will a plug-in switch start a magnetic-starter collector?
No. A mag starter waits for its Start button. Use MagSwitch Collector Control. It works with any magnetic starter. Have a licensed electrician install it into the starter’s control circuit, in line with local code, with power disconnected.
Will it handle my 5 HP saw?
Read the nameplate. Standard Triggers cover tools up to 15A. Heavy Duty Triggers handle up to 35A continuous. One Trigger per tool in most shops. Hardwired or three-phase? Ask us.
Can I lock tools so kids or grandkids cannot start them?
Yes. GRIT Lock, included with the standard Hub, is a safety lock. Lock the whole shop or the tools you pick so kids or grandkids cannot start them. See how GRIT Lock keeps a home shop safer.
Does dust collection automation replace machine guarding?
No. It does not replace guarding, safety-rated stops, PPE, or code-compliant wiring. GRIT radios carry FCC authorization. No UL/ETL/CSA claims on the plug-in devices.
Next steps
Enter the shop you have. Get the parts that match it.
Keep learning
- How automated dust collection works
- Automated blast gates
- When to automate dust collection
- How to choose dust collection controls
- iVAC Retrofit Gate Control
- MagSwitch Collector Control
iVAC is a trademark of its owner. GRIT Automation is not affiliated with or endorsed by iVAC or Oneida Air Systems.
Shop guide
GRIT vs iVAC: Which Dust Collection Automation Fits Your Home Shop?
Start a tool. The collector and the right gate run with it. GRIT does that on the metal blast gates you already paid for.
What should I use?
Still on flex with no gates? Finish duct first. Automation will not fix leaks. See small shop dust collection and the lost suction checklist.
One tool on a shop vac?
A vacuum switch is enough. GRIT is the wrong first buy. See shop vac vs ducted dust collection.
Central collector, gates within reach?
If walking to the gates is fine, automate the collector only. You do not need automated gates for that job.
Several fixed tools, fixed duct, metal gates you want to keep?
That is GRIT. Keep the gates. Open only the branch you are using. Clear the line when you stop.
Already own iVAC automated gates?
Keep them. The iVAC Retrofit Gate Control fits all current iVAC automated gates.
What you get with GRIT
- 01
Keep the shop you already built
Bolt a Gate Control onto any metal blast gate you already have (home sizes 2.5 to 6 inches). No rip-and-replace.
- 02
Open the branch you are using
The Hub can keep one branch open while the collector runs, so unused gates are not stealing airflow from the tool you are on.
- 03
Clear the line after you stop
Off-delay keeps the collector running a bit after the tool shuts off so dust does not dump back into the shop.
- 04
The Hub runs it in the shop
The tool → gate → collector sequence runs on the Hub. Home internet can drop. The shop sequence does not depend on it.
- 05
Room to grow
Same approach scales to industrial Gate Controls through 12 inches on gritautomation.com.
Side-by-side
| Topic | GRIT at Home | iVAC |
|---|---|---|
| Core idea | One Hub runs tool → gate → collector for the whole shop | A tool sensor starts the collector. Automated gates can open with the tool if you have Pro Tool Plus or Advantage and a matching collector controller |
| Tool detection | A Trigger sits in line with the tool’s plug: 120V Trigger, 220V Trigger, Heavy Duty Trigger up to 35A continuous, or Switch Trigger. Nothing on the tool is rewired | Pro Tool sensor sees the machine turn on |
| Collector control | 120V Collector Control, 220V Collector Control (NEMA 6-15), IR/RF Collector Control, or MagSwitch Collector Control for any magnetic starter | Switch, Remote, Contactor, and Magnetic Switch models. Send collector details for a match |
| Blast gates | Bolt-on Gate Control on any metal blast gate you already have, 2.5 to 6 inches, size-matched to the gate (not the pipe). Larger gates (2.5 to 12 inches) on gritautomation.com | iVAC’s main automated gate is a 4 inch plastic unit; each gate uses a 115V AC adapter. 4 inch and 6 inch metal gates are also available (5 inch via flange adapter on the 6 inch metal gate) |
| Existing iVAC gates | iVAC Retrofit Gate Control fits all current iVAC automated gates | Native |
| Coordination | Hub rules on site: off-delay after the tool stops; one branch open while the collector runs | Gate opens and collector starts on tool-on; optional Always Open gate; Minimum Run Time (MRT) option |
| Internet / subscription | Core sequence keeps running with no home Wi-Fi. Cloud extras may drop. No subscription for the core sequence | iVAC parts talk to each other over their own radios |
| Certifications | GRIT radios carry FCC authorization. No UL/ETL/CSA claims on the plug-in devices | UL/CSA-approved 115V AC adapter with its gates |
| Extras | GRIT Lock, included with the standard Hub, is a safety lock: lock the whole shop or the tools you pick so kids or grandkids cannot start them | Optional Pro Remote for manual on/off |
| What you buy first | A Hub and Power Bank that run the shop, plus Gate Controls that reuse the metal gates you already own | A new automated gate for each branch |
GRIT is a Hub that runs the shop you already built. Size it in the System Builder.
Keep what you have
Bolt on. Do not rip the duct apart.
Mixed 5/6 inch duct or gates without flanges? Check blast gate sizes and fit before you order. Confirm gate type in the System Builder.
| You have | Use |
|---|---|
| Any metal blast gate body, 2.5 to 6 inches | Standard Gate Control, size-matched to the gate (not the pipe feeding it) |
| Existing iVAC automated gates (all current models) | iVAC Retrofit Gate Control. Do not use the standard metal Gate Control |
| Collector with a magnetic starter | MagSwitch Collector Control. Works with any magnetic starter. Have a licensed electrician install it into the starter’s control circuit, in line with local code, with power disconnected |
| Corded collector | 120V Collector Control or 220V Collector Control (NEMA 6-15) |
| Collector with a remote | IR/RF Collector Control. Learns the remote (300-950 MHz) |
| Gates larger than 6 inches | See GRIT Automation dust management for industrial Gate Controls through 12 inches |
Questions shops ask
Is GRIT an iVAC alternative?
Yes, if you have fixed duct and metal gates you want to keep. Already on iVAC gates? The iVAC Retrofit Gate Control fits all current models.
Will a plug-in switch start a magnetic-starter collector?
No. A mag starter waits for its Start button. Use MagSwitch Collector Control. It works with any magnetic starter. Have a licensed electrician install it into the starter’s control circuit, in line with local code, with power disconnected.
Will it handle my 5 HP saw?
Read the nameplate. Standard Triggers cover tools up to 15A. Heavy Duty Triggers handle up to 35A continuous. One Trigger per tool in most shops. Hardwired or three-phase? Ask us.
Can I lock tools so kids or grandkids cannot start them?
Yes. GRIT Lock, included with the standard Hub, is a safety lock. Lock the whole shop or the tools you pick so kids or grandkids cannot start them. See how GRIT Lock keeps a home shop safer.
Does dust collection automation replace machine guarding?
No. It does not replace guarding, safety-rated stops, PPE, or code-compliant wiring. GRIT radios carry FCC authorization. No UL/ETL/CSA claims on the plug-in devices.
Next steps
Enter the shop you have. Get the parts that match it.
Keep learning
- How automated dust collection works
- Automated blast gates
- When to automate dust collection
- How to choose dust collection controls
- iVAC Retrofit Gate Control
- MagSwitch Collector Control
iVAC is a trademark of its owner. GRIT Automation is not affiliated with or endorsed by iVAC or Oneida Air Systems.