Hobart welder power problem

[rowyco]

I was given a nice Hobart Handler 180 by a family friend and I need some help. It seems that there is a 3 phase power supply on this welder. Can someone verify that for me from the pictures?

Second, I want to wire this up in my garage, but I am unsure of what path I should take. If it is 3 phase, can and should I switch it back to 1 phase? and if so, what is the correct power plug that should be on this model or the best type plug to install so I can have an electrician wire in power to my garage?

 

[wnstwolf]

hi there,

Best thing to do is look in the manual, or go on line if you do nothave it. Hard to believe that samll unit would be 3-phase. That plug to me looks like a twist lock 2-pole (220) with ground. not sure what amps which is where you will need to start.

 

[rsanter]

Find the data plate
Call Hobart

Bob

 

[Falcon67]

It should be a 240V unit - the Handler 180s are all 240V.

Manual search here: http://www.hobartwelders.com/service/owners-manuals/

Manual says the plug should be NEMA 6-50P. Looks like someone changed the plug on the unit. Nice $800 gimme you have there.

 

[Bondo]

Nope,... Not 3 phase, just a 4 wire 220v plug,...

There should be an Info panel on the welder listin' the amps needed to run it,...

 

[Zeke]

I think that plug is the one for the dual voltage models. It will work wired up correctly, but better to start at the wall with the right amperage circuit and equip the receptacle and power cord appropriately.

I too doubt that's 3-phase.

 

[Falcon67]

Image search says it looks like a 20A twist lock, for sure not the factory plug. Maunal implies there is 120V model but I've never seen a Handler 180 or 190 that was 120V. Not that I've seen them all 180 is not dual voltage. Only the 210 MVP is a dual voltage unit.

 

[rowyco]

Thanks guys. For some reason I thought it was 3 phase because of the 4 pin plug. I'll check the plate and the manual and hopefully have more info soon.

 

[rowyco]

Plate says its 20 amp at 230 V, glad I've got you guys to tell me to open my eyes.

Should I stick with this plug or change it back to the Nema 6-50P? I don't know electrical at all, so I appreciate your guys' advice.

 

[Zeke]

You can do a few things. You could make up an adapter to go to your dryer plug. Or if you have a newer house and 240 for the dryer, it may have that type of recep already. Or you could run a circuit for the welder and install a different recep rated for 20A and get the correct plug. The unit is internally protected so what your main concern is that the wiring in the building is sized and protected by the correct breaker. You could plug that into a 30, 40 or 50A circuit but you need to see that they are properly done.

Edit: I'm was wrong about the newer dryer plugs. They are not twist locks like your plug is.

 

[pattenp]

The recommended plug is 6-50 and 30A circuit.

Sec 5-8 Page 17 http://www.hobartwelders.com/om/0900/o925b_hob.pdf

 

[JakeKohl]

yeah, change the plug to a standard 220V plug.

 

[C96]

I’m surprised nobody has told you this yet, but you **** royally!

As far as the plug goes, replace the twist lock with the correct NEMA 6-50P and have the electrician install the wiring accordingly.

I would use AWG #8 THWN minimum, or better yet #6 for the branch circuit wiring. Not because your welder requires it, (you could get by with #10) but if in the future you decide to upgrade, the wiring will already be in place. Also, it would be wise to breaker the circuit as per the manufactures recommendation.

This may sound like overkill to most, but that’s how I like to do things.

That’s a really nice portable welder, don’t hack it up, do it right.

You’re going to have lots of fun with that welder, now that you have it; you will find things to do with it that you never even thought of before.

Good Luck and have fun!

 

[NUTTSGT]

Open the plug up. I'll bet there is only three wires in it.

 

[driz]

http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/forum.php


This is a great welders forum for any type or make of welder. I would suggest heading over there and saying hi. Lots of free advice from both pros and home welders. Save that plug when you rewire. That might come in handy as it looks like it fits the outlet on the 220 plug of a portable generator. Not a bad thing to have at all.