Lincoln 210 MP Power Source

[FMC1959]

I just got my machine and am in the process of setting up a 230v outlet in my garage. In the manual in the section "Power Sources - Input Voltage and Current" it states for 230, Max amps at 27 amps. So I went to HD and got a 2 pole 30 amp breaker, and already have plenty of 10 gauge wire.

Looking at the manual again, I saw another section I didn't notice earlier "Power Sources - Recommended Input Wire & Fuse Sizes" here it lists 12 gauge wire and a 40 amp breaker.

I have seen many posts on GJ showing many guys running 200-210 welders using 30 amp breaker, usually with a 50 receptacle labeled 30 amp for welder only.

Should I go with my first intention which was 10 awg wire with 30 amp breaker and it should work fine? Worst case scenario being the breaker goes off too often and I go buy a 40 amp?

 

[sberry]

innThe 10/30 you have makes for a tailor made circuit for that machine.
The Lincoln guys sniff the glue from the circuit boards before they write the manual. They write it in language they assume you are an electrician and familiar with Nema in. It comes 50 end, can actually use a 12/50 depending on the wire method. The 12/40 is due to the common use of cable, if it was in pipe could use 50. When you use 10 cable could also use 50A breaker. The manual lists a combination of min wire with max breaker, it's kind of confusing at best if you are not schooled in it. If it ever trips simply change the breaker, I doubt it will be a problem, I have never heard of a 210 compact doing it on 30. Most are rated 23.8A not sure how they come up with couple extra A on this model.

 

[mike93lx]

if you do it now, you can return the 30a and get a 40, otherwise you'll be out the cost of two breakers.

I am sure the manufacturer recommends a 40 for a reason. no one here knows more about that welder than Lincoln.

 

[sberry]

It doesn't need to be labeled here, guys do that when they use smaller wire and big breaker. Some models allow for 12 single circuit in pipe and 50A breaker, it's a welder only circuit and not to plug hot tub or oven in to, or 250 migs.
My explanation may be convoluted, ask again if not clear.

 

[sberry]

He certainly can put 40 on, with 10 can go 50A too.

 

[tdellenburg]

Per the NEC a circuit cannot be loaded to more than 80% of its rated capacity. A 30A circuit, by code, cannot be loaded to more than 24A. If it were mine I would go with an 8 gauge wire and a 40A breaker.

 

[Mhyde52]

How long is the run? If you already have the stuff and can't return it, use it. If not, maybe just go with the proper wire ( probably 6awg) and a 50A breaker for your 50A outlet.

When I built my shop we put in 3 50A Circuits. Can plug just about any welder with a plug, anywhere I want. Has also proven useful for trying out huge stick welders that needed to be directly wired in a normal installation, albeit with the understanding that we can't wail on them at 300A.

 

[sberry]

This machine lists 12 in the manual. The 80 percent rule does not apply here and only does under certain circumstances, continuous loading and fixed in place equipment etc.
The NEC will allow for 24A on some of these machines on 14 with 30A breaker. This they went to 12. The OP is using 10, even better and allowed with cable with plenty of headroom. He could actually use a machine at 48A with some of them.

 

[tdellenburg]

This machine lists 12 in the manual. The 80 percent rule does not apply here and only does under certain circumstances, continuous loading and fixed in place equipment etc.
The NEC will allow for 24A on some of these machines on 14 with 30A breaker. This they went to 12. The OP is using 10, even better and allowed with cable with plenty of headroom. He could actually use a machine at 48A with some of them.

I stand corrected. I just read article 630. You can actually install overcurrent protection up to 200% above the wires rated ampacity. So up to 60A on a 10AWG wire. Good job sir.

 

[sberry]

Yes, some of the hard wired units allow for 10/60. The factory cord and plug supplied machines are limited to 50. The minimums are single circuit in pipe, if a cable is used it needs to go up a size. Some of them ain't a great idea, they don't consider terminations and listing for the devices such as recepts

 

[FMC1959]

if you do it now, you can return the 30a and get a 40, otherwise you'll be out the cost of two breakers.

I am sure the manufacturer recommends a 40 for a reason. no one here knows more about that welder than Lincoln.

When I bought it, they told then and there to be sure it is correct because the do not do returns on breakers, unless defective. Not a super big deal, it was $20.

 

[sberry]

There is a lot of headroom with the breaker. Lots of guys weld modestly with stick macines from dryer circuits and a buzzer is quite a bit more greedy. Not a big deal, very worst that can happen is a trip, the 10 wire will allow it to draw all it can. Sometimes this encourages trips , no choke effect so to speak but makes the machine work as good as possible.

 

[Cope]

There is a lot of headroom with the breaker. Lots of guys weld modestly with stick macines from dryer circuits and a buzzer is quite a bit more greedy. Not a big deal, very worst that can happen is a trip, the 10 wire will allow it to draw all it can. Sometimes this encourages trips , no choke effect so to speak but makes the machine work as good as possible.

As you know, stick welders are rated at full power or somewhere close to that. Most people run a 225/250 amp machine in the 100-150 amp range, so they're using nowhere near the full potential of the wiring and breaker.

 

[sberry]

You would be correct that I am aware of this. The little DC versions are a pinch more forgiving than the AC but even small electrodes can go above 30A. I havnt used a new Linc or had meters on one, not sure where they rate it on the top end, stick, flux etc? I know the old 210 compacts just about hit their rating 030 solid C25. I metered it up when we field tested the Hobart. I put the meters to the 175 Linc at the same time in comparison. The 210 was about 10 % better on the top end. You could get just a pinch more poop thru it but in little machines every bit helped as they run out fast.
Hey, I spose I did thank you for some sockets you sent and I actually scrounged thru them for one to finish a job. I suspect a helper I had hammered on a couple of the same ones, must have broke them and I dug thru them for a spare. It worked well enough I tossed it in with the rest of them and still use it on occasion.

 

[Cope]

Hey, I spose I did thank you for some sockets you sent and I actually scrounged thru them for one to finish a job. I suspect a helper I had hammered on a couple of the same ones, must have broke them and I dug thru them for a spare. It worked well enough I tossed it in with the rest of them and still use it on occasion.

You did. I wish I could find another garage sale like that one! I kept what I needed and sent you the rest. I sold a couple of Snap-on items for what I paid for everything I got. Some time PM me your address, I have a few more that need a new home.

To keep this on topic, I think you remember Hotfoot over at Hobart? He sold me a 100' 6/3 cord with 50 amp male and female ends for $100. A friend and I went in on it and right after I cut it in half my friend called and told me to keep the whole cord.

 

[sberry]

I tugged up and walked past a new 250 ft roll of 6 cord in HD on clearance for 75$, still kick myself for that. On the upside is I don't need it, ha