Welder Extension Cord

[dstig1]

So would it work if I ran a short jumper wire from the ground on the plug to a screw on the box?

Yes, required by code to ground all metal bits, plus a very good idea.

JJ, #8 is used for ~50A circuits, not 80A. This is a standard welder extension cord. I can buy the exact cord with the 50A M&F plug ends on it from Hobart at the Fleet Farm store here. For home use, it is hard to get something that really needs more than 50A, and even harder to drive a welder hard enough to max that out. Home welders just don't run that hot and heavy. Not many interstate bridges built in home garages...

 

[JB4310]

Yup, I ran my buzz box for years on a 40 amp breaker, never popped it once.

I've got a legit 50 amp circuit now.
I've got a 6ga 4 wire 50 ft extension cord, that can be used for welder or 10kw generator feed. Pretty heavy though.

JB.

 

[deereman75]

If your welder doesn't draw more than 30 A, he is OK, but I think he is talking about a larger welder and plasma cutter.

Did you see the Lincoln data sheet for the Pro-Cut -55?


ToolBoxTavern,

How many amps does your welder and plasma cutter draw at full potential?

My welder draws 50 amps at max output, so I just dont turn it up all the way. My 4/3 cable would be fine for almost any single phase welder, you could run a lincoln idealarc 300 at max amperage, and it would still be within code. The cable bairly fit in the outlet I was using, the wires are almost as thick as a pencil, and the whole cable is about 1 inch in diameter. According to my outdated canadian electrical code book (1995), 4 gauge cable is good for up to 100 amps, and anything lower.

 

[ToolBoxTavern]

If your welder doesn't draw more than 30 A, he is OK, but I think he is talking about a larger welder and plasma cutter.

Did you see the Lincoln data sheet for the Pro-Cut -55?


ToolBoxTavern,

How many amps does your welder and plasma cutter draw at full potential?

The welder is an Hobart Iron Man 230 and the future plasma cutter will be Hobart Airforce 700i. Both require a 50 amp breaker. I am not sure how to answer your question because I have more than one answer, but I think this may shed some light on it.

 

[ToolBoxTavern]

Yes, required by code to ground all metal bits, plus a very good idea.

JJ, #8 is used for ~50A circuits, not 80A. This is a standard welder extension cord. I can buy the exact cord with the 50A M&F plug ends on it from Hobart at the Fleet Farm store here. For home use, it is hard to get something that really needs more than 50A, and even harder to drive a welder hard enough to max that out. Home welders just don't run that hot and heavy. Not many interstate bridges built in home garages...

Thanx. I'll add the ground to the box.

 

[ToolBoxTavern]

Yup, I ran my buzz box for years on a 40 amp breaker, never popped it once.

I've got a legit 50 amp circuit now.
I've got a 6ga 4 wire 50 ft extension cord, that can be used for welder or 10kw generator feed. Pretty heavy though.

JB.

Great info. Thanx.

 

[ToolBoxTavern]

My welder draws 50 amps at max output, so I just dont turn it up all the way. My 4/3 cable would be fine for almost any single phase welder, you could run a lincoln idealarc 300 at max amperage, and it would still be within code. The cable bairly fit in the outlet I was using, the wires are almost as thick as a pencil, and the whole cable is about 1 inch in diameter. According to my outdated canadian electrical code book (1995), 4 gauge cable is good for up to 100 amps, and anything lower.

Mine is 8/3 wire. I am assuming in my situation I should be fine. What is your opinion?

 

[grsthegreat]

Mine is 8/3 wire. I am assuming in my situation I should be fine. What is your opinion?

Number 8 is technically only rated for 40 amps, but it will probably work just fine. Like i said an average residential buzz box is realistically only running between 20-30 amps at full output. There rated at 50 amps for the initial current draw only. If you have a clamp on meter you can verify your units output to be sure.

Another way to check it would to simply do a welding job then go feel the wire. If its real hot..you best think about scrapping that idea. If its cool to the touch..your home free. Just make sure the outlet its plugged into IS 50 amp with #6 wire as you don't want the permanent wiring to be damaged by heat.

My welder has a 50 foot cord thats #6. But i got this wire real cheap from a temporary power supply off of a job

 

[ToolBoxTavern]

Number 8 is technically only rated for 40 amps, but it will probably work just fine. Like i said an average residential buzz box is realistically only running between 20-30 amps at full output. There rated at 50 amps for the initial current draw only. If you have a clamp on meter you can verify your units output to be sure.

Another way to check it would to simply do a welding job then go feel the wire. If its real hot..you best think about scrapping that idea. If its cool to the touch..your home free. Just make sure the outlet its plugged into IS 50 amp with #6 wire as you don't want the permanent wiring to be damaged by heat.

My welder has a 50 foot cord thats #6. But i got this wire real cheap from a temporary power supply off of a job

Thanx for the input.

 

[ToolBoxTavern]

My buddy I got the wire off of owns games on the carnival and the wires are always getting ran over, stepped on, etc. Heavily abused. This one was almost new that he gave me so I am confident in the durability of the wire so everyones helps trying to get this thing right is sure appreciative. I believe it will last a long time. Just trying to make sure.

Thanx again everyone and keep the comments coming please.