New 60amp circuit

[WhoWhatNow]

By the end of this weekend I want be able to hook up the Lincoln buzz box I bought off Craigslist a month ago. You know, the one I bought completely forgetting I have a gas dryer.
I am going from a 100amp sub panel in the basement into the garage. The total distance will be about 100ft. I was planning on using a 60 amp fuse which means I would need #6 copper. Pulling the wire in the basement should not be a problem. That section is unfinished. I was thinking of using conduit in the garage. Should be easier than cutting drywall and putting it behind the wall. I have never used conduit before. What kind should I use? Can I run multiple cables (220V and 110V) in the same pipe? Any hints on how to pull it? I have heard it is going to be hard to do.

 

[srmofo]

first off, what size is this welder and do you really need a 60 amp breaker and #6 copper.

Is this a subpanel in the basement or the main service?

 

[WhoWhatNow]

It's a AC-225. I was thinking it would be nice to have a large circuit for future expansion, but that may be overkill.

It is a sub-panel feed from a 200amp main box.

 

[rockwithjason]

you may consider putting a 60a sub in the garage for future use. if memory serves that welder needs a 40a circuit but check the name plate to be sure.

 

[Provincial]

If you decide to use #6 wire in PVC conduit you should use at least 1 1/2" in order to make pulling the wire easier, especially if there are many bends. Remember that you need a neutral and a ground in addition to the two hot leads if you are installing a sub panel. I think a sub panel would be an excellent idea, since it gives you the growth potential for an air compressor, additonal lights, etc.

 

[dude67]

Have you calculated the 2% volt drop and this is how you have come to a #6 conductor? The size of the wire is determined by the volt drop. Don't take my word for it ask an electrical. You could be spending money on a wire size that is a waste of money. IMHO. I have that same welder and I think it only needed an 50 Amp circuit.

 

[WhoWhatNow]

The subpanel in the basement is new and has plenty of space for future needs. 18 slots open I think. I am going to put the compressor in the basement so it is actually in a good location for that.
I just looked at the instructions and it specifies a 50amp breaker so I may go with that. The location were I am going to bring the wire from the basement to the garage is at the back wall in the center of the two car garage. I am planning on taking the line up the garage wall in and around to the front of the garage along the ceiling. This way it would be out of the way. I plan on putting the welding table at the front of the garage/roll it out into the driveway so I have less smoke to deal with. Could I simply put the 50amp outlet in the back of the garage and use an 50amp extention cord instead? This would make it easier to pull the wire. Any downsides? Looks like I could get a 50' cord for about $110 http://www.weldfabulous.com/Mig-Tig...ng-Consumables/Extension-Cords/-p4540538.html
This would also take the distance from the outlet to box down 20-30ft. Could I use #8 wire for a 50amp circut then?

 

[kngelv]

If you are going to the trouble of putting conduit in the ground I would suggest putting a small sub-panel out there. If you ever decide to add anything else then you will have a much easier time. You only need 1" conduit for #6 including your neutral and ground. I would also suggest (and some cities require it) placing a ground rod outside the garage that is tied into this circuit.

James