30 Amp not enough?

[zimman]

So I have a temp extension (big 30amp RV extension) to the garage. Yesterday I used the welder, with the new lights on (3 @ 200w) fan running, radio and some disco lights. LOL Kidding on the disco lights.
Blew the 30 amp breaker. Welder is 110v and was maybe half way turned up. Do I need a 50amp service. These lights are badass.
Planning ahead.
Zim

 

[Denwood]

I have a shop with a 30A@240V feed and do use a 120V MIG in there from time to time. It pulls 20A though on one leg easy. What you did do likely is pull more than 30A on the same leg (assuming a 30A@120V extension) , which you won't necessarly see if using a 240V subpanel. A 240V panel can be load balanced so your 20A receptacles are not on the same leg as your lighting. I charge an EV as well in there 16A@240V with no issues, but again at night with no other loads in play. I have a hoist, two compressors etc. all quite happy on a 30A@240V feed.

The only time I've ever had an issue with the 30A@240V feed to the garage was the first time charging the EV at 240V. One leg of the 30A feed at the house main panel had a poor connection and was overheating after about 30 minutes of charging 16A@240V. Sorted that after some thermal camera imaging, and zero issues since.