Linclon 125 DC 115 volt is tripping the breaker

_RaT_ · Mar 14, 2010

Bill_C said:
Gosh, you're right. It's only when it goes down to 8 gauge that the ground is smaller, (8/2 w/ground or 8/3 with ground).

https://images.tradeservice.com/gjPilrcyNvvpVtln/ATTACHMENTS/DIR100019/SOUWIRE00006_2_1.pdf

Not sure what year it changed but 12/2 w-ground in NM had a #14 ground wire. I run across it all the time in remodel work. I think 60's time frame was when that was made.

Inspector507 · Mar 14, 2010

_RaT_ said:
Not sure what year it changed but 12/2 w-ground in NM had a #14 ground wire. I run across it all the time in remodel work. I think 60's time frame was when that was made.

Yes RaT in the 50's-60's they used NM cable like that. But it was not supposed to be a ground wire for receptacles. It was to bond the metal boxes. That's why you'll see the bare wire wrapped around the cable and stuck in the clamp and tightened down. Or they looped it around a clamp screw.

ampa · Mar 16, 2010

I looked and looked at that 50' 12/3 extention cord.... popped into Home Depo and bought a 50' 10 /3....it's a biggie....they also sold me a 30 amp breaker said thats what I needed...so I guess I'm gonna' have to replace that short wire to 10 guage as well on that deditcated recepticle....this 10 guage extention is a made by Husky I'm not too sure if they are the ones that make the socket sets.... believe this one still rated for only 15 amp....They really must under rate these extentions....the nicest thing is it's got a standard 15 amp plug.....it's so large it only looks to be 25' not 50'....I didn't measure it.....the darn thing cost $75.00 cdn plus tax..... the breaker was $26.00.....oh'well this is becomin' an expensive hobby.....any way guys I'm gone fill u all in how I make out....take care...Ampa

_RaT_ · Mar 17, 2010

ampa said:
I looked and looked at that 50' 12/3 extention cord.... popped into Home Depo and bought a 50' 10 /3....it's a biggie....they also sold me a 30 amp breaker said thats what I needed...so I guess I'm gonna' have to replace that short wire to 10 guage as well on that deditcated recepticle....this 10 guage extention is a made by Husky I'm not too sure if they are the ones that make the socket sets.... believe this one still rated for only 15 amp....They really must under rate these extentions....the nicest thing is it's got a standard 15 amp plug.....it's so large it only looks to be 25' not 50'....I didn't measure it.....the darn thing cost $75.00 cdn plus tax..... the breaker was $26.00.....oh'well this is becomin' an expensive hobby.....any way guys I'm gone fill u all in how I make out....take care...Ampa

The thing is, based on the duty cycle of the little MIG unit you have, probably no more than 20 or 30%, even a #12 wire would suffice. The #12 can easily handle 20 amps for your duty cycle rating. It may say the cord is rated for 15 amps on the box, but that is basically the male and female ends. As long as they are plugged in solid, you just won't have issues with them. I have had and do have tools rated at 15 amps and over such as a Skill saw and a grinder that have standard 15 amp configuration plug ends. I suspect even your Milller MIG has a standard plug that will fit any 15 amp receptacle.

The #10 is fine. An easy way to find out just how effective your cord is or is not is to weld at maximum current. Have someone with a volt meter test the voltage at the welder with a digital volt meter. This could be done right where the cord and welder plug together. An unloaded and loaded voltage would tell you what your voltage drop is. Google voltage drop and you can see what is acceptable and what is excessive. Either way if you go with a 30 amp 120V breaker and #10 wire, your going to be pretty well set.

ampa · Mar 17, 2010

Thanks RaT.....I've had so many different opinions on this 20 amp mig welder issue....that I just had to use my gut feeling....and ask once again the supposed to be experience people that work in these electrical supply stores...and they all have the same answers.....like you'll be fine....with a heavy duty extention cord....even with the 12/3 extention that I bought at Princess Auto.....which I'm going to return....as I won't be needing it....I did ask for a 25 amp breaker but I was told they don't have or make odd # breakers...only double 2x15=30 amp....or the single pole 30 amp....I doubt very much that this mig welder will even draw more than the 20 amp it's rated for....unless it developed a dead short...for which I think the 20 amp breaker on the back of the mig welder would trip well before the breaker in the main fuse panel.....like I mentioned before... my metal chop saw rated @15 amps max will trip the main 15 amp fuse panel if I put too much down pressure on it.....when this happens.....I just let it cool down for a while....and then take it easy or just put a new disk on it....like you mentioned with this new 10 guage and even with the single pole 30 amp breaker I should be okay....as for the short section of wire from the main panel to the receptica I'll be using for this mig welder onlyl....the only wire I've seen is 10/2 not 10/3...and I've been looking for a single 15 amp receptical plug in type instead of the normal two....I'll check out Lowes once again today....I know their breakers are more cheaper in price than HD....and maybe they might have a 25 amp breaker.....HD have a chart way up on top the metal racks and you need to have 20-20 vision to read it....I couldn't read it even with my glasses on......anyhow the weather here in Ontario, Canada seems to be getting more like spring....seen a robin yesterday....so that looks promising.....take care....Ampa.....

_RaT_ · Mar 17, 2010

Thats the other thing I forgot to mention, my comments are not necessarily what code in Canada is. I am not familiar with Canadian electric code but do see differences now and then. I have seen 25 amp breakers. Also know that the amperage charts can be quite confusing particualrly when it comes to larger wires. Wire rated in a vinyl jacket like you have with Romex type or NM typically has less amperage ability than wire used in a conduit even though the wire size and the wire itself (THHN) maybe identical in the two. It comes down to cooling. Wires with no insulation in free air have a much higher current rating.

Your chop saw rated at 15 amps will typically draw more than 15 amps if you start overloading the motor by pushing it to hard. You see a situation like this frequently with table saws where you can't help but every now and then bind the blade, over load the motor and either trip the motor breaker if it has one or the circuit breaker.

ampa · Mar 17, 2010

Thanks once again RaT for your quick reply...yes on not knowing what the electrical codes are for Canada.....I would assume they be on par....I would also assume if you told a store clerk what you wanting to do....and they gave false information or incorrect advice...and something did happen....they could be held liable in some way..... and also I'd not be the only person...ratting them out so to speak....as they should have a bit of training or knowledge in this dept./field of any AC electricle codes over here in Canada as well as in the USA....when he or she is hired on in a givin section of a large established retail such as Lowes or Home Depot....I didn't expect this post on this mig welder issue to go on as long as it has....but it was interesting to hear everyones opinions to this matter....and I do thank everyone for their sincere concern over the safety of doin' things correctly..... and I feel I have learned a lot....once again take care......Ampa :thumbsup: