6-2 wire only has 10 gauge ground? Miller 210

[ket-tek]

Too late now but just asking the question, I recently ran a new wire in the wall for a welder outlet for my miller 210, 50amp receptacle using 6-2 nmb.

After patching up the sheetrock and finishing the wall, I trimmed out the outlet and realized the hots are 6g but the ground is still 10g. This is the only jacketed 6-2 they had for sale, so I didn't think much about it and did not notice the ground before installation, but I'm just making sure this is typical and will be ok running a m210 at full bore on it.

The drop from breaker to outlet only has around 4-5ft of 6-2 coming down from the panel and over one bay so it's a short run.

I also ordered a 50ft extension extension cord from a welding supply to use with this outlet. But then noticed it's 8-3 not 6-3 wire. Is this fine for the max power from a m210 at 50ft? The supply sells it as a 50a cord and has 50a plugs on it.

Thanks for any confirmation that this is all good. I assume I should be ok, as I've read others using 10g or 8g with 30a and 40a breakers with their 210s without issue. Maybe they never use full power or extended runtimes, but these welders have been around for a while and seem to operate ok in a variety of power inputs.

 

[tfi racing]

More than enough ground to trip the breaker if needed,no need to give it another thought.

 

[sberry]

Just to add to this, the machine needs only number 10 to run on and the ground is not an operating part of the system, its only in the event of a fault, split second it takes to trip a breaker. The number 6 is already 2 sizes larger than the 210 needs.

 

[ket-tek]

Thanks for the insight fellas.

Just to add to this, the machine needs only number 10 to run on and the ground is not an operating part of the system, its only in the event of a fault, split second it takes to trip a breaker. The number 6 is already 2 sizes larger than the 210 needs.

The manual said 27.1amps @230v, so this would require a 35-40 amp breaker correct?

The machine came with a 50amp plug on it, and is what I usually see on other 210/212's.. I also wanted to make sure I had a little additional power available if I ever upsize to a bigger welder. Searching millerwelds forums I saw recommendations all over the map for wire and breaker sizing. But I mostly saw 50amp circuits being suggested. I did see people talking about using 10/2 with a slowblow 30amp if it was tripping out standard 30amp breakers sometimes.

Should I swap out the 50amp breaker for a 40amp as long as I'm using only the 210 on the outlet for time being? Is there any issue running a breaker slightly to big?

 

[sberry]

This machine has its own internal thermal protection,,, designed to be used on circuits to 50A (common welder circuit) not only does this protect the insides but also protects the incoming wire due to the fact that the machine cannot draw enough to overheat the wire, the breaker is there to provide fault (short circuit) protection. There was no point in putting in this heavy wire and not putting a 50 on it, makes it suitable for any machine that comes with factory 50A plug.
a plug.