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TIG welder wiring

thirdgoat

Active member
Joined
Dec 14, 2011
Messages
32
Location
Huntsville, AL
I am running a 30 amp 220V circuit in my attached garage to my air compressor. I "double tapped" a receptacle off the disconnect to the compressor for a heater. I turn the compressor off when running the heater, and actually unplug the heater when using the compressor. I may just put a 6-30 plug on the compressor to eliminate the double tap deal, and just plug in what I need at the time.
My new welder is a dual voltage, 120/220, that is supplied with a NEMA 6-50P and a short adaptor to a standard 120 volt plug. I would like to use that same circuit (above) to run my welder at times. The welder mentions "inrush" amps, specifically 31 amps when running off 220. My initial thought was to make an adaptor to use the welder plug into a NEMA 6-50R with a short cable to a NEMA 6-30P where the above mentioned receptacle is. Is this safe? It is a temporary solution at best.
My current electrical panel is full. I am planning a large addition to my existing detached garage, likely bringing in new service to it, at that point I will have dedicated welder, compressor, HVAC circuits, etc. In the meantime I will mostly be playing with my new TIG, playing being practice, practice, and more practice.
Thoughts?

Thanks!
 
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matt_i

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 14, 2008
Messages
10,741
Location
SE Michigan
The issue with the twistlocks is that they can potentially be unplugged under load (like while a motor is running) and this can draw an arc which can also damage the internal stabs on the receptacle which aren't as easily seen.

I think your best bet for the current time is to standardize on a plug and receptacle and just plug in what you need.

As you say, when you upgrade service and panel, run dedicated circuits so everything just stays plugged in or hardwired and no worries about multiple units running at once.
 
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mike93lx

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 9, 2013
Messages
37,805
Location
Richmond, VA
What size wire do you have to the receptacle?

Maybe a small subpanel with separate circuits for the compressor,heater and welder might be best. You can use the proper connection methods for each.
 
OP
T

thirdgoat

Active member
Joined
Dec 14, 2011
Messages
32
Location
Huntsville, AL
Everlast said "limit the use on a 20a breaker to 70a of weld power
220vac the 2pole 30 should be fine as long as you keep the machine under 180a" For what I am doing now, I should be fine. I hate to spend money where it doesn't need to be spent. I will leave the compressor hardwired as is, leave the double-tapped outlet there for the time being, and connect what is necessary. I can also use this in a 120 mode, I doubt I will be doing any heavy work for a while. I bought the TIG as it was something I always wanted to learn, and I have my MIG also. TIG is soooo easy, I watch TV! Haha!
 
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