hello. iam running my welding receptacles in my new shop and will have 2 places to plug in my welder. I am using 6 gauge wire with 50 amp receptacles with a 50 amp breaker. I will only be using 1 receptacle at a time. Now my question. since I am running both of these off of the same circuit I need to wire into one receptacle then back out to go to the other further down the shop wall. My problem is that the #6 wire is too big to put 2 blacks and 2 whites into the receptacle. Has anyone else ran into this and what did you do to make it work? Thanks.
50 amp receptacle help.
- Thread starter BFalfa
- Start date
Zeke
Well-known member
First of all, this is not Kosher. But if you must do it, pigtail your connections at the first box with clamp connectors. Make sure to get a big enough box.
Any reason to not just do one and use a beefy extension cord?
Any reason to not just do one and use a beefy extension cord?
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Proper way to do this is make sure to have a j box deep enough to do pig tails and splices. Splice in short pieces of wire to connect to the outlet. U will need blue wire nuts.
However, some AHJ disallow more than 1 240v outlet on the same circuit so u should check to make sure your AHJ doesnt have any rules against this...
However, some AHJ disallow more than 1 240v outlet on the same circuit so u should check to make sure your AHJ doesnt have any rules against this...
The reason for the 2 outlets is that my shop is 40x72. 1 outlet is in my "shop" area and the other is in the middle of the building incase I need to move my welder to that location for a repair. However I do plan to use a beefy extension cord at that receptacle. Thanks guys.
alfredeneuman
Well-known member
Blue wire nuts are only listed for (2) #6s maximum. In the case of a pigtail it will not work. You'd need to use Polaris connectors or split bolt connectors.
It doesn't matter what the AHJ disallows. The AHJ has to follow the Code.
Unless there is a local amendment to the Code, in writing, they aren't allowed to disallow anything.
The NEC has absolutely no rules against it, and the IEC allows multiple receptacles on 240V circuits to 20 Amps.
rockwithjason
Well-known member
you would be much better off running two separate circuits for this. to make this splice and house the receptacle in a box will require at least a 4 11/16 deep box and even that my be too small. then you are looking at having a separate jbox for the splice and dropping into the device box from there. this is one of those times where you don't want to pass over dollars to save dimes
sberry
Banned
If you havnt bought the wire yet use number 8. What machines do you have? The only ones that come with a factory cord that require 8 are some 250 class migs and even then those are in real welding shops where they may use special gas screaming wide open,,, even then they need to change the guns that come on the units. A 250 will never warm a 10 running 035/c25 and will run the buzzer class stick machines.
If you are using 10 though no putting multiple outlets on a circuit.
If you are using 10 though no putting multiple outlets on a circuit.
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wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
thats what I meant. Didnt have time to spell it out!
And the OP is using outlets higher than 20a...
alfredeneuman
Well-known member
And your point is what?
If he's in an NEC area without local amendments there is no rule.
If he's in an IEC area he's limited to 20 Amps.
His location isn't on his profile.
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well...I had to look up what AHJ meant and have no idea what the NEC is..so call me dumb. Iam in the middle of nowhere Midwest.. although I am able to do pretty much whatever I want to on my property, I do try to do things the right way. 
thanks again guys.
thanks again guys.
Grinder Bill
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2011
- Messages
- 217
I recently bought 5 100A splitters to do much the same thing. Paid $35 each, new. Ace APS100
http://www.acemfg.com/commercial-enclosures.html
http://www.acemfg.com/commercial-enclosures.html
alfredeneuman
Well-known member
You're not dumb by any stretch of the imagination. Just the fact that you're here asking questions proves that.
Since you still seem to be vague on your location, here is the list of States, together their various Electrical Codes.
http://www.mikeholt.com/necadoptionlist.php
You're still subject to local Codes though. The best way to check is with through the local building department.