Extending machine cord 220v

[Whiskeymike]

New magnetic sheet metal brake coming this week and need to wire up the plug. It’s a 220v 12a machine. The cord is about 10ft short from the plug. Can I directly extend the cord by 10ft? If so, how should I do the junction? Box with wire nuts? Or just make buy an extension?

Is it okay to run the extension with #12 and 6-50 plugs? I would only use it with this device. Or do I need to go bigger to protect from someone else inappropriately using it?

Anyone have a good source for a premade extension cord? Amazon has a 25ft for $65ish.

 

[sberry]

Does the machine come with a plug? If so the circuit size needs to match it. Make a cord with the same and 12 wire.

 

[matt_i]

You are totally screwed. I'll be by to take that dangerous problem off your hands and save you from becoming a cautionary tale

Personally I'd set it up with some twistlocks. NEMA L14-30 male and female plugs are decent to work with. #12 would be OK, but I'd consider making the setup a #10 awg SO-cord just in case there were opportunities in the future. I've had many instances before the shop hard-wiring was completed when I needed an extension cord to run a 240vac machine...

A magnet brake is on my wish list

 

[alfredeneuman]

A NEMA L14-30 is rated at 250/125V with ground and a NEUTRAL connection.
A NEMA L6-30 is Straight 250V rated with a ground and no neutral.

If the machine doesn't require a neutral......then it doesn't make a lot of sense to use an L14 rather than an L6.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

OP why are you considering 6-50 plugs?

Is the outlet you wanna use a 6-50?

 

[Bert_]

Put a new longer cord on it rather than try to extend the existing. An extension cord is another option.

A lot of shops use the 6-50 (many still even ask for 10-50) as a general purpose 240v plug because that's what their welders have and rather than have 3-4 different 240v outlets in the same area, all the portable equipment gets a 6-50 plug. It's not always right, but used within reason it's not a major issue

OP, if this will be the permanent home for this machine I would consider running a circuit specifically for it.

 

[Whiskeymike]

OP why are you considering 6-50 plugs?

Is the outlet you wanna use a 6-50?

That's correct. I put a couple 6-50 outlets in different parts of my shop, used for my welder or plasma cutter. So I just like the versatility of being able to use any of those machines in these couple places.

Does the machine come with a plug? If so the circuit size needs to match it. Make a cord with the same and 12 wire.

It does not. I don't know why I always neglect to remember that 220 machines like this are built to have the wires go directly to the machine and I can just get a longer wire run, plug and go to direct to machine. Thanks for the reminder.