Wiring for Welder

[JeffXD]

I want to run wire for a welder and need an idea of size.

What I don't have:
A Welder, but will get one someday

What I do have:
A 30x50 building where I have open walls ready to wire. I'd like to get it in the wall if possible and ready to go when the time comes. Probably gonna get a 220v machine instead of the 110v models

 

[JJThrasher]

What type and size of a welder do you want? Without any idea of the power requirements, one can only guess at the wiring needed. Also can your box support the addition of a welder?

 

[JeffXD]

I have a 200 amp panel that "ain't got nuthin" in it. In fact, its still leaning against the wall in my shop. I'm getting ready to have wire run from the transformer to my meter base.

So, yes... my panel can handle it.


I don't know enough about welders to know what I want. Probably will be "southern engineering farm implements, trailer repairs. I would guess very little over 1/4", but as soon as I say that I know I'd need more.

 

[zkling]

A 50amp outlet is pretty standard for most common welders. Nema 6-50R I believe is the designation for the receptacle that fits most welders from the factory. Beyond that I would probably hard wire the machine to a 100amp breaker.

As mentioned above you need to look at what machine you will be getting to properly size the breaker. However a 50amp with receptacle will suite ~75% of the welders the average DIY guy might have. Unless you happen onto one of the old monsters like a large syncrowave or ideal arc.

 

[JeffXD]

I think if I could just get the wire from here to there, I'd be good.

Cover the outlet with a solid plate, leave the other end of the wire in the breaker box loose, tape the end so there is no chance of it accidently getting energized.

Would 8/3 work?

 

[justsam]

Yes 8 ga is fine for most hobby level welders. You really only need 8\2 if you are only going to be using 240 volt and no 120. Having said that the incremental cost to use 8\3 is trivial should you ever want 120 volt at the outlet.

 

[Norcal]

Yes 8 ga is fine for most hobby level welders. You really only need 8\2 if you are only going to be using 240 volt and no 120. Having said that the incremental cost to use 8\3 is trivial should you ever want 120 volt at the outlet.

Why waste money? You cannot just tap off the welder circuit for a 120 volt receptacle, if a receptacle is desired, put one adjacent to the welder receptacle & one remains code compliant.

 

[brewchief]

Why waste money? You cannot just tap off the welder circuit for a 120 volt receptacle, if a receptacle is desired, put one adjacent to the welder receptacle & one remains code compliant.

I took it as having a neutral available the same as a range plug not to add a smaller receptacle.

We pulled a neutral for the welder plugs on a friends shop, plan is to build a welder cart with a small subpanel on it, this way we could plug a welder and plasma cutter into it and not have to swap plugs around all the time as well as have a plug for a grinder or two right at the welder cart and properly protected.

Is it possible to just run conduit to a box from the panel and pull thhn later when a welder is purchased?

 

[pattenp]

Put in a 6-50R outlet on a 50A circuit using #6 NM-B (romex) or #8 THHN in conduit. You'll be good to go for what you need in a welder.

 

[JeffXD]

Put in a 6-50R outlet on a 50A circuit using #6 NM-B (romex) or #8 THHN in conduit. You'll be good to go for what you need in a welder.

Groovy

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Ill throw a wrench in the works - if u want to save a little on wire, u could use #10 wire but would only be able to use the outlet for a welder and the outlet would have to be labeled as such!!

 

[pepi]

Every welder comes with a book that will tell you exactly the size breaker needed, example 180 Miller, 220 mig 30 amp breaker. Wire from panel to outlet, at the very least use the proper rated copper, one size bigger even better. A dedicated circuit is best, better welds, do not half *** it.