Using my welders power cord for an outlet

[nismomans13]

So I have a older miller tig machine, it has a 75ft power cord on it. WAAAAAAY more than i need to get around the shop. However, I do need a larger gauge wire to run to my welders outlet. Would it be possible to use this as outlet wiring? as in, from the breaker to a 50amp socket.

Its only 3 wire, so there wouldn't be an actual ground in there, but my 240v outlet doesn't have a ground hook up. Just the 2 hot and common. Is this possible, or should i just go buy some 6/3 romex? Btw, I don't know the exact gauge of this wire, but I know its bigger than 6/3 romex. In my welders manual it says that it can be wired directly to the breaker or with a plug. This is why i'm wondering if I can run part of this cable from the breaker to the plug.

 

[pattenp]

If you are talking about using the welder cord as wire that will run in side of a wall from the breaker box to a wall outlet the answer is no. You need to use romex. Also the 240v outlet for the welder should be two hots and a ground not two hots and a common.

 

[ishiboo]

If you are talking about using the welder cord as wire that will run in side of a wall from the breaker box to a wall outlet the answer is no. You need to use romex. Also the 240v outlet for the welder should be two hots and a ground not two hots and a common.

If it's temporary, I'd say its fine... however, if you plan on installing it in a wall/conduit/etc. definitely no. Make sure the breaker screw and receptacle screws are torqued properly, but not so tight they cut the fine strands.

Finely stranded cord is thicker then the same gauge solid, know what it is before you do anything.

 

[nismomans13]

it will not be inside a wall. I think i'll just get some 6/3 romex and be to code. I did read more about wiring and it should have the ground not the neutral wire. Thats how it was when i opened the socket up but i'll fix it tomorrow and make sure its hooked up right

 

[pattenp]

You want to get 6/2 (black,white + bare ground). The ground is not counted in the numbering. 6/3 will be 3 wires (red,black,white + bare ground).

When you say it's not in a wall, you shouldn't use romex as a cord if that's what you are planning. Sorry, I'm a little confused as to what you are doing. Romex should be used within a wall or where it is protected from damage.

 

[nismomans13]

concrete block garage, it will be ran through conduit on the outside of the wall.

 

[mrb]

cord is cord and cant be used as a substiute for building wiring. You can put a plug on one end and a connector on the other and use it as an extension cord if you want....

Also, realize in cord the ground is counted in romex its not. So a 6/3 cord and a 6/2 romex will both have 2 wires plus a ground.

 

[ishiboo]

concrete block garage, it will be ran through conduit on the outside of the wall.

Install the outlet near the box, cut the cord off and put 50A ends on it, and a 50A end on each welder. That way, you have the luxury of the long cord for whatever you need, and the outlet wiring will be cheap yet legal.

 

[nismomans13]

Install the outlet near the box, cut the cord off and put 50A ends on it, and a 50A end on each welder. That way, you have the luxury of the long cord for whatever you need, and the outlet wiring will be cheap yet legal.

I like your thinking, 3ft of 6/2 is and a couple 50amp receptacles is a lot cheaper than 20ft of 6/2

 

[pattenp]

concrete block garage, it will be ran through conduit on the outside of the wall.

I suggest not using romex in conduit, you should use single strand wire in conduit, it's easier to pull.

 

[nismomans13]

I suggest not using romex in conduit, you should use single strand wire in conduit, it's easier to pull.

its a 100% straight pull, no bends at all.