Electrical for Welders and Air Compressor

[tlinz11x]

Hello Everyone,

I am looking to install two 240v outlets and a 120v 30A outlet to run welding machines and a Husky 3.7HP 60gal air compressor in my garage.

We own the home but plan to relocate in the next couple years. The panel is on the opposite side of the house, approximately 50 feet away. For these reasons, I am considering installing the outlets outside below the panel and running the equipment with heavy duty welding extension cords. Would only see use on the weekends when I'm not welding for the man.

My main concern is with the compressor. Can I run this compressor with NEMA 6-50R on a 50A breaker and heavy extension cord? Would be nice to have one plug/receptacle to deal with as thats what the welders use. Is there another receptacle/plug I should use instead? Is this a feasible idea or should I just pony up the big bucks and have it all ran through attic and plugs installed in garage?

 

[mike93lx]

What are you going to use a 120v 30a receptacle for?

Run a subpanel with a 60a feeder, then install receptacles. 50ft of heavy gauge cords will be expensive and cumbersome

 

[pbon]

Yes, the price of heavy duty welding extension cords may be more than doing the job right. Disconnect the new wiring and take the cable with you to your next home when you move if you want.

 

[mm08822]

As stated above and the compressor needs to be hardwired.

 

[MovingAlong]

... I am considering installing the outlets outside ...

One day it's going to be: cold, hot, raining, dark, etc... Installing them outside is not a good idea.

If you need outlets in the garage, put outlets in the garage.

 

[theoldwizard1]

My main concern is with the compressor. Can I run this compressor with NEMA 6-50R on a 50A breaker and heavy extension cord? Would be nice to have one plug/receptacle to deal with as thats what the welders use. Is there another receptacle/plug I should use instead?

If anything, I would change out the plug for the welder to match the compressor (after checking the current draw). 6-50 is the "standard" for welders (because that it what most fab shops have installed), but not many draw anywhere near 50A. What is on the compressor right now ? You can probably use a 6-30 or 6-20 with the appropriate breaker and wire.

I use 6-20 for my 2hp portable compressor (no power in the garage). It has a 12/3 SJOOW 25' cord and I have used it with a 12/3 SJOOW 25' extension. Been doing it for years. Never an issue.

Is this a feasible idea or should I just pony up the big bucks and have it all ran through attic and plugs installed in garage?

Best solution !

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

What are you going to use a 120v 30a receptacle for?

Run a subpanel with a 60a feeder, then install receptacles. 50ft of heavy gauge cords will be expensive and cumbersome

A kiln for ceramics???

 

[tlinz11x]

What are you going to use a 120v 30a receptacle for?

Run a subpanel with a 60a feeder, then install receptacles. 50ft of heavy gauge cords will be expensive and cumbersome

120v is for a smaller welding machine and power to CNC plasma table.

 

[mike93lx]

120v is for a smaller welding machine and power to CNC plasma table.

120v welders don't use 30a circuits.

Pretty much nothing uses a 30a 120v circuit

 

[theoldwizard1]

Pretty much nothing uses a 30a 120v circuit

Recreational vehicle (NEMA TT 30)

 

[pattenp]

As required by the NEC, if the motor on the compressor is a true 3.7HP then it should be hardwired. A 6-50 plug/outlet is only rated for 3HP.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

120v welders don't use 30a circuits.

Pretty much nothing uses a 30a 120v circuit

I can think of 2 things that do. RVs with a TT-30 plug and UPS with an L5-30 (I have an APC that has that plug).

 

[mike93lx]

I can think of 2 things that do. RVs with a TT-30 plug and UPS with an L5-30 (I have an APC that has that plug).

Ok there are a decent amount of rv's out there, but I bet only a couple people with 30a ups's in their home

 

[mm08822]

Ok there are a decent amount of rv's out there, but I bet only a couple people with 30a ups's in their home

3 to be exact.

 

[mike93lx]

3 to be exact.

Oh ****, Bob got rid of his?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Ok there are a decent amount of rv's out there, but I bet only a couple people with 30a ups's in their home

the 30a UPS is at my shop. I dont need that kind of backup power at home

 

[ching0n]

RV and generator cords are cheap on FB. I think generator cords have both 125 & 240

 

[ipgenie]

the 30a UPS is at my shop. I dont need that kind of backup power at home

Add me to the list, I've got a 30A UPS to run my critical loads sub panel in my home. I'll eventually replace it with a real inverter and larger battery but it's served us well for a few years and was repurposed/recycled so the price was right. It's hooked to a bank of external batteries at 48V and has run for 8 hours once and 6 hours once.

It seems like I've seen a 120v 30a pressure washer before but I didn't find one with a quick Google search so I might be imagining that.

 

[sparky 1971]

It seems like I've seen a 120v 30a pressure washer before but I didn't find one with a quick Google search so I might be imagining that.

120 volt Hotzi pressure washers are 20 amp and one of the three things I've seen in my life that was supposed to have a 6-20R. Of course, it was for a friend so I made him a 6-20 to 6-15 adapter cord.

 

[theoldwizard1]

the 30a UPS is at my shop. I dont need that kind of backup power at home

Many inverter/chargers are sold for UPS applications.

Are they really fast enough to prevent electronics from shutting down during a power interruptoon ?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Many inverter/chargers are sold for UPS applications.

Are they really fast enough to prevent electronics from shutting down during a power interruptoon ?

this isnt one of those slapped together setups.

its an APC double conversion UPS. basically always runs off the batteries and the utility power just charges them...

 

[ipgenie]

Many inverter/chargers are sold for UPS applications.

Are they really fast enough to prevent electronics from shutting down during a power interruptoon ?

We have several UPSs at our datacenters, several very large double conversion and more that switch. A good one will switch in under 10ms and the connected loads won't know anything happened. Some cheaper ones are more like 20ms but still fast enough for a seemless transition on a desktop computer.

The one at my home is a 120v 3000w APC that was removed from production when the internal batteries failed and a larger 240v UPS replaced it. It switches fast enough that the microwave and gas range clocks don't have to be reset when the power goes out. The TV and internet stay on without interruption. It would be nice if it was a double conversion but for the price I paid it's been a good fit for it's use, even if it is kind of a slapped together setup with large external batteries. When I replace it I'll likely go with a used SMA inverter that is designed for this use. Prices are often pretty good on some of the good used stuff if you keep your eyes open.

 

[RPH]

10 milliseconds is a lifetime in electronics. Plus the smps power supply in the computer will accommodate minor sags in voltage for a period.

 

[Bert_]

120 volt Hotzi pressure washers are 20 amp and one of the three things I've seen in my life that was supposed to have a 6-20R. Of course, it was for a friend so I made him a 6-20 to 6-15 adapter cord.

You're supposed to just grap your pliers and twist the prong.

 

[imma_stocker]

Run a subpanel with a 60a feeder, then install receptacles. 50ft of heavy gauge cords will be expensive and cumbersome

Second this if in the budget. Subpanel fits your needs and likely add resale value when you move.