View Full Version : welder wiring help
roofster
12-06-2008, 11:53 AM
I bought a Hobart 220V welder and now need to install a plug & branch circuit. From what I can tell so far, I don't need 3 conductor wire. True? The manual claims 14 awg is Ok (see picture) but that seems light. What is recommended for a 30 amp breaker? I plan to install about 3 outlets in the garage on the same circuit, but I'll only weld on one at a time.
sberry
12-06-2008, 12:11 PM
What model, I assume 187 or 210? Disregard the number 14/30 combination, that is the code minimum and the max breaker for that minimum wire. A 10 wire with 30 breaker makes tailor made circuit, 12 would be sufficient but personally I go the 10 and it makes allowances for some future machines. This machine can run on circuits to 50A, it actually comes with 50A plug. It needs a total of 3 wires, 2 conductors and a ground.
Bevis
12-09-2008, 05:31 PM
I need to run some wiring in conduit, for a Welder plug that is about 50 - 60' from the panel. What size wires do I use, or would I try and pull some 6-3 through the conduit w/ alot of lube ? :headscrat
LoneGunman
12-09-2008, 06:02 PM
I need to run some wiring in conduit, for a Welder plug that is about 50 - 60' from the panel. What size wires do I use, or would I try and pull some 6-3 through the conduit w/ alot of lube ? :headscrat
Run two copper #6 THHN and one copper #8 THHN.
Aceman
12-09-2008, 06:41 PM
I usually pull 8's and a 10 if I'm using THHN for the 50 amp welder circuits.
As a sidenote, I know welders can get away with smaller wire than is typically used, but I don't trust people enough to think it'll always be used for a welder. I know a week after I leave they'll plug a range into it or monster heater, large air compressor, etc and cook the wiring.....
Which means they get full sized wire for the circuit ampacity at a slightly elevated expense.
Bevis
12-09-2008, 08:12 PM
Thanks...this will be for a 50 amp welder circuit, by the door, then i'll use a 25' cord to get further out on the apron if need be.
sberry
12-10-2008, 06:04 PM
I am with Ace here, 2-8's and a 10 and will serve most machines likely to be found in a home garage, up to 250A migs and all the simple transformer stick machines. Some of the 200A plus TIG machines have different requirements.
Bevis
12-12-2008, 04:45 PM
what size conduit would you recomend??
MisterCMK
12-12-2008, 04:53 PM
What did you end up deciding to pull?
sberry
12-12-2008, 05:29 PM
8's and a 10 will go thru 3/4
Bevis
12-12-2008, 05:48 PM
thanks sberry27
jonnysteals
02-03-2009, 11:12 AM
I am installing the same welder this week(Hobart handler 187). My outlet will be located directly under the garage subpanel(within 5 feet). Will 10 guage wire be suffecient and a 30 amp breaker. I am new to the whole 220 volt stuff but I am assuming that i hook two hots up to the breaker and a ground correct. Its the same as a regular outlet but ahs two wires isntead of one.
Another question si if home depot dont sell wire in small rolls(5 feet) and I ahve to puchase a 25 foot length. Would I be able to use the extra 10 guage wire to make an extention cord for the welder. If I only need 5 feet for the outlet can I use the extra 20 feet for an entension cord. Is 10 guage suffecient for this. Sorry for all the questions i am new to the electric game. Thanks Guys
You can generally buy wire by the foot at HD or Lowes.
For an extension cord you want the flexible SO type cord. For the panel/receptacle wiring you want Romex.
My 220V circuits are 10ga with 30a breakers.
tfi racing
02-03-2009, 12:42 PM
#10 will do the job,but for a short distance like that,just use #8 for the extra buck or two it will cost.HD should be able to cut 8/3 NMD by the foot,just don't use the white conductor.NMD/NMW cable is not to be used as an extension cord,it is not that durable or flexible,and the cord ends don't always grip it properly.
rinny_tin_tin
02-03-2009, 01:05 PM
I bought a Hobart 220V welder and now need to install a plug & branch circuit. From what I can tell so far, I don't need 3 conductor wire. True? The manual claims 14 awg is Ok (see picture) but that seems light. What is recommended for a 30 amp breaker? I plan to install about 3 outlets in the garage on the same circuit, but I'll only weld on one at a time.
Min. cond size for 30 A Brkr is 10 AWG. Specs conflict as it says 20.5 A demand yet recommends 14 AWG. Max bkr for 14 AWG is 15A
You need three conductors - two poles plus gnd.
Pull 3 conductor 10 AWG from your 30 A bkr to your three 30A receptacles
sberry
02-03-2009, 09:43 PM
Min. cond size for 30 A Brkr is 10 AWG. Specs conflict as it says 20.5 A demand yet recommends 14 AWG. Max bkr for 14 AWG is 15A This machine has a 20 or 30% duty cycle, if it ran 100% of the time it would need a wire heavier than the 14 which is a code and nema spec for THIS type of machine. Not many think this minimum is a good idea though, a 12 would be passable but I too like a 10/30 setup for these machines, they are small and can use all the help they can get.
Bevis
03-12-2009, 09:57 PM
What did you end up deciding to pull?
I pulled 2-#8 and a #10 today.
vBulletin® v3.8.1, Copyright ©2000-2010, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.