50 amp welder plug

[camaro77]

hello guys im starting to wire my 24x24 garage going to have 2 50 amp plugs for my welder in case I need to be outside the garage to weld something up my question is how can I wire these do I need to have 2 separate circuits from the CB panel? I will only be using one plug at a time so I am wondering if I can jump from plug to plug the run will be 30-40 ft from the CB panel was thinking 6-2 romex and a 50 amp breaker. any help would be great thanks Jeff

 

[PoorOwner]

Yes you definitely need to have 2 separate circuits for the 2 plugs!
even though you will be only using one plug at a time, this is not allowed... this is asked all the time.

edit: I guess I would change my answer to allowed but not recommended

Better way is get the big extension cord with 6-50A they run around $75-$100

 

[Bert_]

Yes you definitely need to have 2 separate circuits for the 2 plugs!
even though you will be only using one plug at a time, this is not allowed... this is asked all the time.

Better way is get the big extension cord with 6-50A they run around $75-$100

Many times it IS allowed.

I've only worked it one city that did not allow it. Everywhere else it has been fine. Best to ask your inspector.

 

[PoorOwner]

Many times it IS allowed.

I've only worked it one city that did not allow it. Everywhere else it has been fine. Best to ask your inspector.

but there would be nothing to stop people from plugging a stove or heater on one and then plugging something else on the other outlet? I know the plug determine something but plugs are easily wired up.

 

[Bert_]

but there would be nothing to stop people from plugging a stove or heater on one and then plugging something else on the other outlet?

I agree If you overload it the breaker would trip, same as any other outlet in your house. Nothing wrong with that.

If you intend on running multiple pieces of equipment at the same time then run multiple circuits. Otherwise it's kind of a waste.

 

[mike93lx]

I'd just get an extension cord for a small shop.

I recently grabbed a 20 footer on amazon for $43. 8 gauge, molded, lighted plugs.

So much more flexible than having 2 outlets.

 

[sberry]

As long as you use a full size wire such as the 6 you can use 2 outlets. If you use smaller wire which you can then u only put 1 recept to a circuit.

 

[Stuart in MN]

It would help to know what state or country the original poster lives in.

 

[pattenp]

Two 50A outlets allowed on one circuit depends on local electrical code enforcement. International Residential Building Code does not allow multiple outlets on a circuit that is greater than 20 amps.

 

[checkthisout]

We have these construction power boxes that are used. The boxes get plugged into a big, fat cord that is run to either a generator or temporary power box.

These boxes have several different plugs on them rated for all sorts of different amps. 110/220 outlets, 220 only to normal household type plugs.

The trick is that the box also has breakers on it for each outlet/circuit

Can you make something like that? Just take a metal breaker box, put a pigtail on it to plug into your existing outlet and then just make pigtails for each outlet you need with the properly sized breakers for each circuit in the box?

Then you don't have to modify the building or worry about frying wiring or equipment due to improper fusing.

View media item 85721

 

[zmotorsports]

Best to check with the inspector who is up on codes in your area.

I just built my shop last year and daisy chained two welding outlets per breaker, for a total of four welding outlets. I inquired with the inspector and he said as long as the correct wiring was used and they are designated as such it was acceptable. I did the same thing in my RV bay for two separate RV outlets in case I want to back our coach in or drive in straight I have an outlet on either wall.

 

[sberry]

Right, the fundamental principle with it is making sure the right wire was used and someone didn't modify a dedicated circuit with undersized wire.

A 30A 120V to an outlet for a welder or small air comp may be fine but add another recept to it somewhere and it violates a couple of principles.

 

[sberry]

The trick is that the box also has breakers on it for each outlet/circuit

Can you make something like that? Just take a metal breaker box, put a pigtail on it to plug into your existing outlet and then just make pigtails for each outlet you need with the properly sized breakers for each circuit in the box?

If you are going to do this why not simply add another circuit? He simply wants another convenience outlet to keep cords off the floor which is a good thing. If he was to use 2 circuits/breakers may even be able to use 10 on each one at 50A, once there is multiple outlets it needs to be number 6. I put one in for a Bud who got 2 new machines, was out of spaces, we simply turned the old to a Jbox and added 2 10's to the 6 for 2 outlets. He could still plug the old buzzer in to either one, a combination would trip a breaker, he can actually run the new 375 plaz and the 211 at the same time if it would ever happen.

 

[checkthisout]

If you are going to do this why not simply add another circuit? He simply wants another convenience outlet to keep cords off the floor which is a good thing. If he was to use 2 circuits/breakers may even be able to use 10 on each one at 50A, once there is multiple outlets it needs to be number 6. I put one in for a Bud who got 2 new machines, was out of spaces, we simply turned the old to a Jbox and added 2 10's to the 6 for 2 outlets. He could still plug the old buzzer in to either one, a combination would trip a breaker, he can actually run the new 375 plaz and the 211 at the same time if it would ever happen.

For the reason I said.

Using something that can plug into the existing outlet and turn it into whatever he needs vs modifying the building wiring.

 

[camaro77]

It would help to know what state or country the original poster lives in.

im in Rhode Island

 

[Toomanytools?]

Best to check with the inspector who is up on codes in your area.

I just built my shop last year and daisy chained two welding outlets per breaker, for a total of four welding outlets. I inquired with the inspector and he said as long as the correct wiring was used and they are designated as such it was acceptable. I did the same thing in my RV bay for two separate RV outlets in case I want to back our coach in or drive in straight I have an outlet on either wall.

This is interesting I'm thinking the same for RV plug one in front other further back or outside. I will have to see what local code allows.

 

[Bretny]

You could do the shortest run possible to get into the garage then replace the wire on the welder with a longer one.

I have a 50ft extension cord and have used almost every foot of it welding on the opposite side of a trailer. My welding plug is dead center of my 24x24ft garage.

 

[Bretny]

You could do the shortest run possible to get into the garage then replace the wire on the welder with a longer one.

I have a 50ft extension cord and have used almost every foot of it welding on the opposite side of a trailer. My welding plug is dead center of my 24x24ft garage.

 

[sberry]

The guy had a good simple idea. Keeps all the cord off the floor, out of the way when not needed with minimal extra equipment.