Splicing into a MIG power cable.

[evintho]

With the 7' power cable I can only weld in certain areas of my shop. Sometimes I need to weld outside. I picked up this 25' cable used for a motor home for $5 at a garage sale. It's a 12/3 with the wrong head on it. My MIG has a 10/3 cable with the correct head. The plan is to cut the proper head off the MIG cable, splice it onto the 25' cable then hardwire the 25' cable directly to the MIG.

My preferred method of splicing is using uninsulated **** connectors, crimping them on, a small dab of solder, electrical tape then shrink wrap. The MIG cable is STO cable. The 25' cable says rated for 30amps. Do you guys see any issues with this method? Thanks in advance!

 

[pi_guy]

Get the proper male and female plug and make it an extension cord. This way if you need the length you have it.

 

[zkling]

Get the proper male and female plug and make it an extension cord. This way if you need the length you have it.

Nema 6-50 R and P

 

[fnieto]

Get the proper male and female plug and make it an extension cord. This way if you need the length you have it.

Do this and you'll be happy.

 

[AA/FC]

You're down sizing the wire.... going from 10 to 12 gauge. Other than that, get the correct male and female plugs (as mentioned) and do it properly.

 

[firebox40dash5]

Do this and you'll be happy.

4th or whatever. Probably need to make a throw box for the outlet, I couldn't find a standalone socket when I made one. If you added a neutral to the wall, and that's really 12/3 (3 conductors, plus a ground) you could take the opportunity to add a 120v outlet in said box just for added usefulness by switching to a 4-prong plug as well.

If it makes you feel better, the extension cord for the Miller 350P at work is a 10ga cord, made as described. It is in no way "right" for a welder that size, but it seems to work fine. Haven't stumbled across 75' or so of 6/2 cord for the right price to make it right.

 

[sberry]

What voltage is the unit you are running at work on? BTW,, I am just about sure the IM comes with a 12 cord.

The plan is to cut the proper head off the MIG cable,

I used to do that when I was a kid,, I wouldn't do it now.

 

[KinzeMech]

Making an extension cord out of the new one is the best idea. Certainly better than splicing cord. You won't be more than $30 deep in the plug/socket, and you have the opportunity to remove the extension cord from the circuit (it is one gauge smaller) when the extra length is not needed. If the smaller gauge power cord does have an effect, I'd surmise it would only be noticeable when welding at the highest settings, which can happen, but in my experience rarely represents typical usage patterns.

 

[gungatim]

ditto on above, I too got a shore power cable from a yard sale for around $10, 50 amp with yellow ends. added a box and correct female plug and can use it for any of my welders. just splicing in will get in your way.

 

[rsanter]

Get the proper male and female plug and make it an extension cord. This way if you need the length you have it.

This was my thought too

Bob

 

[evintho]

Thanks guys! Took the advice and will make an extension cord. Just ordered the plug and receptacle from Amazon. Applied for an Amazon card and received $30 off. Total cost......$5! Should work well.

 

[jnkpile]

There you go!