An extraction system is designed for metal working and other applications. The system may include a blower that delivers a positive pressure airflow to a hood that creates an air region for removal of airborne components from a work area. The blower is driven by a three-phase motor in a portable base unit that may be plugged into a source of three-phase power. A rotational direction reversing switch is provided between the motor and a three-phase plug to permit reversal of the rotational direction of the motor when the motor is determined not to rotation in the intended direction when the plug is connected to a receptacle. The switch may be manual or automatic.