Method and system for sensing switch position to prevent inadvertent startup of a motor

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A method and system in accordance with an aspect of the invention prevents inadvertent startup of a motor when the motor is initially connected to a power source with a motor control (i.
e.
, On/Off) switch controlling the motor in the "On" position.
The method determines whether the On/Off switch is in the On position when the motor is initially connected to the power source by sensing an electrical parameter of the motor.
In an aspect of the invention, the electrical parameter of the motor is whether current is flowing through the motor.
In another aspect of the invention, the electrical parameter is whether voltage is present at the motor.
In an aspect of the invention, the system also includes an electronic switch for switching the motor on and off and a controller that determines whether the motor control switch is on or off when the motor is initially connected to the power source.
The controller also controls how much power is provided to the motor based on the position of the motor control switch when the motor is initially connected to the power source.