Linclon 125 DC 115 volt is tripping the breaker

[mustangsallysdad]

That welder calls for 20 amp service.

Turn down welder (and they still pretty regularly will pop a 15)

Or find, make, whatever a real 20 amp service. 12 gauge wire and a dedicated circuit would be my reccomendation.

Is the breaker box in the garage where you are trying to use it I hope?

" a real 20 amp service"...NEC allows a 20 amp CB on 14 ga. wire for a dedicated circuit...it is a real 20 amp service according to code. Sure, 20 amp on a 12 awg would be better suited (and would be my recommendation), however, he would not be violating code and hence, no liability, if he were to run a 20a CB on a 14awg dedicated.

 

[Skyco]

You'll find the 115v welders don't do well at all on much of an extension cord- Unless it is very short with very large wire.
When I first bought my Hobart Handler 135 I thought it was a really lousy welder...then I tried it without an extension cord. Big difference.

 

[radioman]

First off, I don't like the idea of keep using a 15 amp breaker and keep tripping it while in use. this will lead to a shorter wire life.

There might be a work around. Where is the breaker panel located ? In same garage as welder ? If so, why not run a very short line from panel to wall location and have a new plug setup just for welder? You can setup a 2-4 ft wire from box to new plug screwed to wall like you do with outside box. It shouldn't cost too much and allow you to be safe for under 40 bucks.

 

[ampa]

I wish....But No...I haven't a garage...I put a panel of wood in the sliding basement window run a short extention through PVC I had to make it portable so the joints are not glued and on top the ground plus it's one continued length of PVC with two extentions one plug only for the 1000 watt block heater the other going to my twin motion lights....I'll be using the welder during the daytime so the motion lights won't be drawing any power.....a 230 volt was mentioned same problem the panel is at the front part of the house so an 230 volt extention is needed....a 6' 12 gauge 115 volt be the best choice just unplug the one I use for the block heater won't need to use it when I'm ready to use the welder .....230 volt means extra $$$ spent plus upgrading the landlords property and have to leave it behind when or if we moved or had to move......so I guess I'm stuck with what I have or just weld with my Ox/Acc portable set.......Thanks once again guys for all the sound advice......Ampa

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Have any friends around with a good sized generator that you can borrow when you need to weld? I know that is pretty inefficient to run a gas generator to run a 115 Volt welder.

 

[mcd176]

I had the same problem with my Lincoln 110 Mig welder, I ended up running a dedicated 30amp circuit with #10 wire about 2' from my panel, I then made up a 30' #10 extension cord dedicated to the welder and have had no other issues, Like others have said though, just dont change the breaker without knowing what size wire is feeding it or you will regret it, I always suggest to people to have a dedicated circuit for welders.

Just my .02 worth

-Mike

 

[ampa]

Right On mcd you the man....and when I move I just remove my stuff....may have to run a small 230 volt panel box off the main panel for the 30 amp 110 volt or like you mentioned a 110 volt 30 amp breaker..... I have a buddy thats a licenced electrician....it sounds like I'm not through spending $$$.....this little Lincoln 125 amp seems like a nice little welder for my use all due to the DC output rather than AC output like the other cheap brands I owned before which were no good even though I'm not too handy with electric type welders....I've heard of people welding with car/truck batteries.....or usin' microwave transformers and those inverter type....I gather the DC output is the best choice for a small 110 volt wire feed...and thanks to u as well Treemonkey.....I was goin' to mention a generator....but didn't think it be the correct words from the much needed input and help from all u guys....just fantastic when someone needs advice to someone like me that knows very little about....that not done correctly could cause death or injury......Yes I believe in working safe....but if indoubt just ask.... as this is what these forums are about....Once again thanks a bunch guys......take care......Ampa :thumbsup:

 

[ampa]

I went out to Princess Auto.....the only heavy duty extention cords were 12 guage wire and only rated for 15 amps....I can't believe Lincoln buiding a 110 volt welder and knowing most houses are wired and use 15 amp breakers....I noticed that the new electric panel has two receptical boxes wired with a short section of BX cable and the black colored breakers are double.....like 2x15 amps....the main single white colored breakers are all single....I know that when I'm using my metal chop saw if I use too much down pressure when cutting my metal it will trip the white breaker....but this chop saw is rated at 15 amps....I have no problems with my table saw as it is rated 13 amps and my new mitre saw is rated 14 amps and neither saw trips the breakers......I'm gonna' read the instuction manual and see what the rated amperage is ...and see what it recommends.....maybe this is the reason they've since dropped the price on these welders...I remember when I used the no name brand wire feed welders I had no problems triping the breakers even in an old house that still had most of the old single two wire system....so this seems confussing to me......oh well maybe I was just lucky to not burn down that old two story old brick duplex.....I'm thinking maybe just try using the dedicated receptical box using the 50' 12 gauge contracters heavy duty extention cord and if it don't work return it and the Lincoln welder and stick with my Ox/Acc torches....and braze using steel rod and flux....I knew a mechanic that had an old 230 Lincoln Tomstone stick welder and never used it....simply because he trusted his unique brazing with his Ox/Acc torches anything he ever welded for me ever broke....as it would break in a new area....he's the only guy I ever seen braze/weld using coat hangers...he asked me one time if I could bring him some coat hangers from the dry cleaning stores.....he passed away about 10 years or so ago....Ampa

 

[kevinj]

I would not say most houses are wired with 15 amp plug circuits. My last 2 have all been 20 amp.

Also most welders are used in shops where 20 amp is about minimum on circuits.

 

[Transit]

I went out to Princess Auto.....the only heavy duty extention cords were 12 guage wire and only rated for 15 amps....I can't believe Lincoln buiding a 110 volt welder and knowing most houses are wired and use 15 amp breakers....I noticed that the new electric panel has two receptical boxes wired with a short section of BX cable and the black colored breakers are double.....like 2x15 amps....the main single white colored breakers are all single....I know that when I'm using my metal chop saw if I use too much down pressure when cutting my metal it will trip the white breaker....but this chop saw is rated at 15 amps....I have no problems with my table saw as it is rated 13 amps and my new mitre saw is rated 14 amps and neither saw trips the breakers......I'm gonna' read the instuction manual and see what the rated amperage is ...and see what it recommends.....maybe this is the reason they've since dropped the price on these welders...I remember when I used the no name brand wire feed welders I had no problems triping the breakers even in an old house that still had most of the old single two wire system....so this seems confussing to me......oh well maybe I was just lucky to not burn down that old two story old brick duplex.....I'm thinking maybe just try using the dedicated receptical box using the 50' 12 gauge contracters heavy duty extention cord and if it don't work return it and the Lincoln welder and stick with my Ox/Acc torches....and braze using steel rod and flux....I knew a mechanic that had an old 230 Lincoln Tomstone stick welder and never used it....simply because he trusted his unique brazing with his Ox/Acc torches anything he ever welded for me ever broke....as it would break in a new area....he's the only guy I ever seen braze/weld using coat hangers...he asked me one time if I could bring him some coat hangers from the dry cleaning stores.....he passed away about 10 years or so ago....Ampa

Do it this way.