ShieldArc's Amazon killer deal on Everlast???

[Mark @ Everlast]

There are some internal changes, but the units probably are the newer ones since I know we shipped some out to them. Function and specs are unchanged though.

 

[newbury]

You can plug the 300 into that receptacle and weld all day long, just don't turn it up past what the receptacle will put out. About 150 amps.

Is it possible to easily cobble together a slightly more sensitive "breaker"/extension cord so it would trip at 19A and save the 20A?

 

[rankrank1]

Well we all need to post up some pics as we receive them. I will likely be one of the last receiver's as I am not an "Amazon Prime" member and am instead only a regular Amazon member. This means my free shipping is the 5-8 day window where the "Prime" members get free shipping in the 2-3 day window. Oh well, will look forward to pics from others in the interim.

 

[rankrank1]

Is it possible to easily cobble together a slightly more sensitive "breaker"/extension cord so it would trip at 19A and save the 20A?

Save the 20 amp breaker from what? The 20 amp breaker (or a 20 amp fuse) is designed to be the weakest most senstive link in the chain. By the breaker tripping, it protects the wiring hidden in the wall from melting and causing a fire. In short, the breaker is there to protect the wiring. Tripping it does not hurt the breaker or the wiring assuming breaker is properly sized to wire gauge. (Only potential damage would be if you have been welding heavy and your welder is hot and you trip a breaker then you will lose power to the welder's cool down fan too which could be bad for the welder).

Although I bought one of these, I will not be able to turn it up all the way either unless I run some new power feeds to the barn (I am not likely to do this). That said, I think you will need 30 amp circuit at a minimum to do some reduced capacity welding. Really though I never weld at over 150 amps anyway so it will be zero problem for me.

FWIW: NEC code allows an oversize breaker on undersize wire for welders and welders only; due to most all welders have a duty cycle that is less than 100% - so the loads are not considered continuous. So the welder duty cycle comes into play on what is permissible, as well as the amp draw of a particular welding machine, the distance of the run from the service panel, and finally whatever the existing wire size is inside the wall. Once the mathematical calculation is done to see what is permissible in regards to oversizing the breaker on undersize wiring then that circuit becomes a dedicated welder circuit only and only for the welder model that the calculation was calculated. Buy a different welder with a different duty cycle and amp draw and calcualtion must be ran again to see if still safe. Absolutely nothing else can be safely plugged into that circuit without risk of fire as all other electrical loads are continuous in nature and the breaker has to sized according to the proper wire gauge for continuous loads for safety sake for all other applications. There are mandatory steps you have to take in marking both the panel and the welder outlet when using an oversize breaker on undersize wire again for safety sake. Regardless, oversizing the breaker will likely not be an an option for you since you want to share the circuit with something else. Sharing absolutely means on oversize breaker on undersize wire.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

People also don't realize that the wiring can be downsized according to the duty cycle on a welder. This is written in article 630 of the NEC. But is also carefully detailed, and that is why we tell customers to consult local codes and a licensed electrician.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

If your circuit is to code it should be well protected by the 20A breaker. You could make up a little box with another breaker if you are really worried but it should not be necessary. Otherwise if you trip the breaker at a certain output, revise your self-imposed maximum a little lower so it doesn't happen in the future. My point is that if you are running 1/8" rod at 130amps, the PA300 won't draw any more power than the 140 but it will have all kinds of headroom in service factor. Plus, you can plug it into a dryer or stove outlet in a pinch if you have a job that needs to run hotter.

 

[lilranch2001]

I just ordered one, $340 plus tax
Hope it is as good as you guys say!

 

[joshuabardwell]

Ships to square1's house after using bonus points for Total $148.36
Guess I don't have to worry about finding those plastic double reduction gears anymore. Is there any good use for a MIG welder that won't feed wire?

If all you need is plastic reduction gears, see if you can get someone to 3D print them for you.

 

[crackerjack222]

Well, the price is now $495.86......free shipping.

 

[newbury]

Save the 20 amp breaker from what? The 20 amp breaker (or a 20 amp fuse) is designed to be the weakest most senstive link in the chain. By the breaker tripping, it protects the wiring hidden in the wall from melting and causing a fire. In short, the breaker is there to protect the wiring. Tripping it does not hurt the breaker or the wiring assuming breaker is properly sized to wire gauge. <snip>

Circuit breakers are designed for thousands of switching on and off, much fewer "faults" due to drawing too much power. Regardless, if I had a short extension cord with a 19A fuse that I plugged the welder into resetting would only require going to the welder plug. If I have to traipse down two floors to the circuit breaker on the panel it's much more of a pain.