Ok i have a hobart welder which says it draws 51 amps on start up, i put in 6-3 wire with a 50 amp plug and 50 amp receptacle with 50 amp breaker . the question is am i better off with the 50amp breaker than a 60 amp breaker? Also a 60 amp receptacle is $78 bucks compared to a 50 amp recp. so i chose the 50amp. I would think that i would want a 50amp breaker to pop before it melts any thing should something go wrong . but will i have any trouble with this thing popping every time i use the welder. note : ive never used it yet , plus im still mocking the elec in the garage, i know im covered wire wise its the recp and breaker im worried about. thanks ahead of time ,mike.
amp question!!!! help
- Thread starter mad57
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Aceman
Well-known member
What does your manual say?
For the record, it's very common for equipment to draw much more than it's rated current at startup, motors are one example. Since the draw is so brief there is no harm to equipment/wiring.
For the record, it's very common for equipment to draw much more than it's rated current at startup, motors are one example. Since the draw is so brief there is no harm to equipment/wiring.
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rinny_tin_tin
Well-known member
Most inductive equipment exhibits high inrush (startup) current. Most AC induction motors above 1-1/2 hp exhibit 5 times continuous current on startup. However, if you look at your time-trip curves for your molded-case ckt breakers you will note that they don't trip *instantaneously* at their rating (only on short-circuit) - to accommodate high startup current. I would use what you have until you experience otherwise - however, I think you are OK.
your manual should give the minimum breaker size. If it is a fixed install code will require the max draw under load to be a % of breaker rating (<80% IIRC). It's good practice for any plug in applications as well, maybe even code. If the manual doesn't give a min breaker size, give your local permit guys a call and ask them. In my area they are very helpful on this kind of questions and they will probably give you code requirements.
couple of tig passes to see what she can do. later mike.Torque1st
MEMBER EMERITUS
Some manuals are available online.
nadogail
Well-known member
I used 8 AWG service entrance cable to a $11 50 amp range receptacle for my Hobart Welder. It runs fine with a 50 Amp 2 pole breaker. I changed the plug on the welder to match the receptacle. Hobart assured me that changing the plug would not vilate the warranty. I bet you can download the manual from the net.
sberry
Banned
The 50A recept is fine for this machine, the recept is allowed to be de-rated for the duty cycle. What model is this machine? With welders the Max breaker is listed per minimum wire size, you wont have problems with a 50A.
Tech Guy
Well-known member
If you go to Hobart's website you can download the user manual that you need
sberry
Banned
Agreed, I have some cobbled with range recepts but I bond the yoke or put them in a bonded box. I should get a fistful of the right recepts and re-do some of them vs adapters.
I cant recall exactly where its listed but the recept is also allowed, when I do one we usually label the recept welder only, I even write on them, 10 wire etc. We usually write the breaker number on the faceplate's too just for convenience.