Welder wiring hook up help :)

You can't make an extension cord for a welder. You can have a cord that connects to an outlet that is permanently secured to the wall.

Second thing is if your welder will pull 25 amps you can no smaller than 8 gauge copper to it. (it needs to be connected to a 40 amp two pole breaker.) The maximum ampacity of the device should not exceed 80% of the circuits capability. your outlet and cord also need to be rated at 40 amps.

Lastly you should have a 8/3 with ground this will give 2 120 volt legs and 1 neutral plus the grounding conductor.

Also do not connect directly to the premise wiring. you will definitely need a means of disconnecting the welder should you need to service it other than cutting the wires or circuit breaker.

 

so i should do an 8/3 gauge service wire going to the 10/3 gauge plug wires?? why does the outlet need to be 40 amp when the maximum amp output on the welder is only 25? (the outlet i plan to use is currently 30 amp).

 

It needs to be able to take any peaks you may have. If you use just the rated 25 amps and you get say a 30 amp peak in there you may very well see sparks. In which case you would want to take JDMCQ's advice and buy a fire extinguisher.

 

It is always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher nearby, just ask Chris.

 

uhh ok. i am so confused right now. i understand what your saying afwrestler1986. so what should i do?? what kind of wire should i buy to replace the current wire in the welder? and how should i go about hooking the plug up to this new wire?

 

Yes you need to change to a 8/3 copper. If the wire you are using to connect the welder is aluminum it must be 6 gauge (the next size up).

If you connect the welder to a 30 amp circuit you may very pop the breaker alot or worse start a fire. You are dealing with a very large load on the electrical system. I would highly recommend consulting a qualified electrician.

 

ok i think i am going to try, see what happens. so i will replace the exsisting welder wire with 8/3 service wire then hook the plug up to the new wire. we will see what happens...after reading over the safety manuel it says there is some kind of peak shut off or protection so it wont go over 30 amp.