Welder cord

[sni-per]

Hi all. I have come across about 50 ft of 12/4 wire, and was thinking about making an extension cord for my welding cart. My cart consists of a 110v wire feed welder, a 60A plasma cutter, and a 200A TIG welder. I'm questioning if the 12/4 cord will be heavy enough. I sure don't need to start a fire or anything like that!

Could someone please tell me if I would be safe using this cord? I don't want to buy the ends for it, if it isn't going to be safe to use.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Bert_]

Doubt it. I don't know the input but guessing the 200A Tig needs more than #12.

Not a good plan to pull 120 off the 240v cord. Would need supplemental protection for the 120v outlet. Also since you will have multiple outlets the cord should probably be full sized wire.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Portable cordage is usually up-sized one step. Not a recommendation, but welders tend to run short duty cycles while plasma cutters run long duty cycles (not good), so that is in your favor.

What is the breaker size on both the 120V circuit and the 240V circuit ?

 

[sni-per]

I have a 220 outlet that I am running everything from, although the mig is only running on 110 off one side. I am using a 20A outlet, and have had no problems as yet. I only weld for a minute or two at a time, making lawn ornaments and stuff.

 

[tncumminsguy]

i looked at making one myself, then went to local welding shop and got a 50ft for barely anymore than building one. It's very nice, lights up when plugged in and super heavy duty wire cover.

 

[strutaeng]

Yeah, need to know the amp draw and duty cycle of each machine. Otherwise we are guessing. Also, take a look at the temperature rating of the cord. I believe they rated higher than building wire.

My Miller 225 Thunderbolt has a #12, 6' cord and that thing pulls like 47A at full crank. Duty cycle on this machine is like 20% @ 225A.

I have a homemade #10, 25' cord that I use for the Thunderbolt with 50' leads. I have welded to 125A and the cord doesn't even get warm. Could probably weld 24/7 if the machine had the duty cycle.

I bought a Lincoln Idealarc and it came with a #10, 50' cord. Not sure if that meets code, but as far as I know, that rig was used in an industrial setting previously. Duty cycle is 30% @ 225A.

If you are not maxing out the machine, you "may" be okay with #12.

 

[Bert_]

I have a 220 outlet that I am running everything from, although the mig is only running on 110 off one side. I am using a 20A outlet, and have had no problems as yet. I only weld for a minute or two at a time, making lawn ornaments and stuff.

A straight 240v outlet is not allowed to have any 120v loads since there is no neutral.

A four prong 120/240 outlet can have 120v loads. But since welders usually take a 30-50A circuit you cannot connect a 20A plug to it.

And since it would now be a general purpose circuit it would need to use full sized wiring. No reductions that are normally allowed for welders .

 

[sberry]

What models are the welders, what does it say in the OM about wire service guide? New tig 200 can run 12 with some of them. I think a 60A plasma may take 10 though, need to look it up. Lower duty machines may allow 12. What size wire is on the machine cords.

 

[ZRX61]

My welder cord is rated 40A 250V & is as thick as a pygmies ****.

 

[u2slow]

Here's how I would use that #12/4 cord for a small 240V welder and 120V convenience receptacle:

- Twist-lock L14-20R receptacle on a 20A 2P breaker.
- L14-20P on one end of the #12/4 cord.
- 2 junction boxes nippled together on the other end of the cord.
- put a 240V receptacle in one box, and 120V receptacle in the other.

In my own shop (where only I work, and control my environment) I would substitute a dryer plug/outlet for the twi$t-lock (keeping it on a 20A breaker though.)

EDIT: The user manuals for the welding and plasma machines will specify their electrical requirements, including wire sizes.

 

[nadogail]

My concern is why are you feeding a 120 Volt welder from a 200 receptacle?

Seconded by, what serious welder is running from a 120 Volt feed?

Looks like a situation calling for a dedicated 120 Volt circuit and receptacle.

 

[sberry]

It would really contribute to simplicity to have a number 12 cord for 120v, put a 3 way for grinders. A lot of the new inverters will run from 20A I think. Seems like a machine I see was 200A and 16A
My phone is too slow now but a Miller ****** 211 was about 23 or 24A at rated output. It really needed a 30 breaker but anyone got a manual handy to the inverter? Probably run 20 just dandy. Comes with 14 cord. The 12 cord would be good for that class.