Extension Cord for Welder

[Pontiac787]

Hi All,

I want to get an extension cord for my 200 amp mig welder. I think the max draw is 24 amps. I'm planning to buy an 8 gauge extension cord. 25 ft may be enough but 40 ft would make it easier to move around. Am I going to notice any appreciable loss in the 40 ft. over the 25 ft?

Thanks!

 

[mcbane]

I use a 50 ft cord with no issues. The typical welder usually is ok with 10% or more voltage sag.

 

[Copymutt]

Hmm, a 200 amp welder that draws 24 amps?

 

[Yankeefarmer]

Hmm, a 200 amp welder that draws 24 amps?

Why are you questioning that?

 

[sparky 1971]

Hmm, a 200 amp welder that draws 24 amps?

Probably. According to the nameplate, my 180 draws 20 amps.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

make and model of welder?

 

[Copymutt]

A device /appliance that draws 24 amps is most likely on a 30 amp breaker. The settings are irrelevant. My 50’ welder cord is 10 gauge. It does not matter what the settings are.

 

[Sumboodie]

I have a 150ft extension cord. 6 gauge SJOOW cord. No issues.

 

[sparky 1971]

15 feet won't make a difference as far as performance goes, especially with #8. It's no different than the receptacle being 15 feet farther away from the panel. I made a 50' cord for mine out of left over #12 SOOW.

 

[pepi]

Making your own or buying ready made, you do know they are available ?
25ft

Southwire 230 Volt Extension Cord - 25 ft. 8/3 019228806

Southwire® 230 Volt Welder Extension Cord - 25 ft. 8/3 019178806Genuine Southwire® 230 Volt Welder Extension Cord features 25' of 8/3 power cable with lighted NEMA 6.50 male plug and female receptacle at each end. This extension cord is ideal for your 230 Volt welder or plasma cutter supplied...

store.cyberweld.com

 

[tarmy]

I have a 25’ extension I use all the time. 8gauge welding store bought type. No issues.

 

[Pontiac787]

Thanks all.

 

[mike93lx]

I bought a pre-made. Molded on plugs are nice and you can get the whole thing probably cheaper than soow, which is overkill.

@Sumboodie Holy smokes on a 150' #6 cord. That must weigh a ton.

 

[nadogail]

I have run my Hobart AC/DC Stickmate from an 8 gauge extension cord for several years with no problem.

 

[Sumboodie]

I bought a pre-made. Molded on plugs are nice and you can get the whole thing probably cheaper than soow, which is overkill.

@Sumboodie Holy smokes on a 150' #6 cord. That must weigh a ton.

A bit. But handy to be able to weld not near an outlet.

For field work, I use a gen set.

 

[dcg9381]

Hi All,

I want to get an extension cord for my 200 amp mig welder. I think the max draw is 24 amps. I'm planning to buy an 8 gauge extension cord. 25 ft may be enough but 40 ft would make it easier to move around. Am I going to notice any appreciable loss in the 40 ft. over the 25 ft?

Thanks!

I doubt it (appreciable loss) - but there are calculators out there to do the math on loss 240V 25ft vs 40 ft of 8 ga.
I have a Lincoln 175. I run it on a 50' 10/2 cord extension. I'm much more worried about the connectors on the ends than the loss in 50' of wire.

 

[Israel]

rather than start a new thread I hope this is in keeping with the OP. Have a Lincoln 225 A/C tombstone box. I am not a welder...only rankest amateur. I had installed a 50 amp receptacle for outside use near driveway for easy access if I need to repair something (like my farm implements...scraper...et al). I need to weld a post to a bracket as added support, not main support, for my car port. Unfortunately my leads will not reach without an extension cord. Can I get away with using a modified 30 amp ship to shore cord (left over from boating days)...rather than buy # 8 wire soow? I don't have to run a long weld...pipe is about 4 inches diam. 3/16 thick to a bracket the same thickness...I'd even be happy with 4 one inch welds around the circumference to keep it in place. Thanks for any attention and response.

 

[mike93lx]

Considering the cord on a 225 is #12 and welders are intermittent use, if you keep the cord short, it would work fine

That said, for what the plugs will cost, I would think about buying a cord with molded ends. I bought a 20 footer for about $50 on Amazon (warehouse deal). Just looked and the 40' is $100 right now, open box

 

[mrpizza]

I have one of the 40' 8 gauge cords with 6-50 plugs on it. Works great, i found it on amazon warehouse clearance for under $100. Hobart stickmate 235 ac/dc.

 

[Terry D]

What size wire does the branch circuit have feeding the receptacle? what size cord is on the welder? I would think a 10 gauge would be plenty for that distance. With wiring prices the way they are now, no sense in going bigger if you don't have too.

 

[Bert_]

I usually make welder cords with #10. 90% of welders will run fine off #10 and it's not to heavy to drag around. #8 isn't bad either but most welders don't need it. #6 is just to much of a pain.

 

[theoldwizard1]

...rather than buy # 8 wire soow?

SJOOW is fine. Good for 300V. SOOW is rated for 600V.