Breaker question for 240v circuit

[green.bubbly]

Breaker question for 240v circuit *edit, found answer*

Years ago when I built my shed, I ran a 220v line for possible future use.

My son who lives next door wants to get into welding and got his hands on a mint condition Millermatic 251.

The receptacle is buried behind a bunch of my wife's junk but looking at the breaker box, there are two 20amp breakers for that receptacle.

So, stupid question of the day, is that considered 220v 20 amp or 40 amp?



ETA

*** Can not figure out how to delete this post but I found the answer.The total current is the rating of the single breaker.***

 

[danb35]

is that considered 220v 20 amp or 40 amp?

20 Amp.

 

[green.bubbly]

20 Amp.

Thanks. Now I kick myself in the **** for not running a bigger circuit. It is only five feet from the breaker box and I had 8 gauge wire left over.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

You need a 50a circuit for that.

Wire can be reduced size if it will only be used for welding.

 

[sberry]

251 needs a heavy wire. Its one of the only fac plug units to require 8. Its the reason all those ready made cords are 8. Yes, it needs a 50 breaker.

 

[sberry]

Thanks. Now I kick myself in the **** for not running a bigger circuit. It is only five feet from the breaker box and I had 8 gauge wire left over.

Well if its 5 ft and you have wire now is the time to use it.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

251 needs a heavy wire. Its one of the only fac plug units to require 8. Its the reason all those ready made cords are 8. Yes, it needs a 50 breaker.

Actually, #10 THWN would be permissable.

Welder input amps is 42a. Duty cycle is 60%.

Table 630.11(A) tells us to multiply by .78.

So 42a x .78 = ~33a.

#10THWN is good for 35a....

 

[sberry]

I think it lists 8 in the manual. (as I recall) My Lincoln 255 wirematic lists 10 but I don't recall the duty. In reality with small wire and C25 its not an issue, I ran mine with 10 ex cord and never could feel it warm. Its got a big ole fat monster factory cord.