Just got a mig welder, need some help

[automotive stud]

I just got a new millermatic 180, it's 230v, and I have two garages I would like to use it in. Both garages have a 220 outlet for the air compressors that are in them. One is even on it's own breaker. But neither plug matches the plug on my new welder. What do I need to do to get it working safely and correctly?

 

[Red Green]

Are the plugs in each shop the same? if so I would just make an extension cord with a female end that matches your welded and and the male end that matches you plugs.

 

[automotive stud]

I thought of that, but is it safe? I assume if I used heavy enough cable it would be. Where would I get the ends?

 

[Red Green]

I bought a house stove plug in(matched my welder) at menards and they had some 10 gauge wire that was flexible in a 25' roll.

 

[PAToyota]

You don't say what amperage breakers you have on the 220V receptacles and what amperage the welder is. The amperage dictates the configuration of plug and receptacle.

 

[DuckusCrapus]

A standard 220 household outlet is something like what you would find on an electric clothes dryer. It is rated at 30 amps. The plug on your welder is mot likley a 50 amp plug. You can run an adapter like mentioned above, but for your welder to work at it's full potential. I would add a proper plug in with the right breaker. You can get all this stuff at a local hardware store and be up and running for less than $50.


I did this with my welder and have never had a problem.



DuckusCrapus

 

[Slonaker]

The guys on the welding boards like the 50 foot ($50) and 100 foot ($97) 10/3 120v extension cords sold by Lowes and Home Depot. They just cut the ends off and replace them with the appropriate 240v plugs. Another popular one is the 30 foot ($30) RV extension cord sold by Wal-Mart. I have priced the bulk wire at Lowes and HD, and the extension cords are cheaper.

In the link below, they say that a 12/3 is sufficient for a Hobart Handler 187. IT might work for yours as well. I have an HH 187, and plan to go with a 50 foot 10/3 extension cord in the next few days.

http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/showthread.php?t=28725

Slonaker

 

[automotive stud]

that's a good idea guys. I don't recall what breaker is in the shops right now, but I remember they were pretty hefty knowing there would be a welder in the future. I know the compressor is 30, and the welder draws about 21.5 in operation, so I think that should be fine.

 

[Coach James]

Why don't you ask the guys at your local welding supply house? They probably have dealt with this before.

Coach

 

[george4]

The amperage dictates the configuration of plug and receptacle.

Do you have a reference you could link to on that? Thanks.

 

[automotive stud]

Is it ok to just change the plug on the welder so it matches my shop?

 

[MXtras]

You would be fine on a 25A breaker.

Here's the spec sheet on your machine - just for others to reference:
http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/spec_sheets/DC12-44.pdf

What does the receptacle on the wall look like? Does it have three or four prongs?

If it has three prongs, you are fine. If four, you have to use caution - four prong plugs have a neutral which will not be used for your welder. If it's for a dryer, it's likely three prongs, but I thought I'd ask.

Scott

 

[PAToyota]

Do you have a reference you could link to on that? Thanks.

Check this out: http://www.cordsetsinc.com/voltage_chart.html

 

[automotive stud]

You would be fine on a 25A breaker.

Here's the spec sheet on your machine - just for others to reference:
http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/spec_sheets/DC12-44.pdf

What does the receptacle on the wall look like? Does it have three or four prongs?

If it has three prongs, you are fine. If four, you have to use caution - four prong plugs have a neutral which will not be used for your welder. If it's for a dryer, it's likely three prongs, but I thought I'd ask.

Scott

Both my shop and the welder have a 3 prong plug. The shop has one horizontal plug and one verticle, although one takes both. The one on the welder looks like an overgrown 120 plug. Is there an adapter that would plug right into the wall maybe?

 

[dxdexter]

I have the older Millermatic 175 version (essentially the same machine) for the last three years. I replaced the standard 220V welder plug with a Leviton 220V twist lock type plug (20Amp).The plug and receptacle is redly available from most hardware stores. The receptacle is fed from a 20Amp breaker. I have never once tripped the breaker and frequently use the machine at its greatest output.

Prior to replacing the standard plug with twist lock , I called the seller (Air Liquide Canada) and they inturn contacted the Miller rep who stated the warranty would not be violated. I suggest you do the same if you intend to alter anything within the warranty period.