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welding in my apt!

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noercarr

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Let me start by saying I take full responsibility for my actions and wouldn't hold anyone accountable for any advice they'd happen give. I know this setup isn't ideal for my application, I'm looking to just get by though.

Below is a picture of the panel in my apt.

2duyy4i.jpg


I have a lincoln weldpak 155 welder that runs on 220. I also have a lotos ltdp5000 plasma cutter, that runs dual voltage. Yesterday I ran my plasma cutter for the first time, on 110. It worked okay, but tripped the breaker about every 2 feet of cutting (about 10ft total). After I finished my cuts I checked out the wiring, and found out that 90% of the plugs in my apt. are on the same breaker. There are 2 plugs in the dining room that pull no power and are on their own line, which I will probably use for further use.

My question is with the panel I have, is there any way I can run a 220 line? Logistics of location and such I have figured out. I can make a 2 foot run from the box to the plug, and hid the plug (from my landlord) inside my kitchen cabinet. I have a 15ft (10 gauge, 30A male, 50A NEMA female) extension cord I made, that will reach onto my patio.

I need these tools for a small business I am starting and it's essential to have these. I will not be doing long extensive runs of work; the duty cycle will be pretty low, but I need to know if I can swap something around to get what I need.

My thoughts are since the panel is full, is to take the circuit that has the two "un-used" plug line, and pigtail it into another breaker. Take that then open spot and run something beefier to it. Since its 220, I think I need 2 free breakers though, right? Run a 10/4 (12/4) line? Is there something I can do with the main line coming in to get power off that safely?

Thanks for any and all advice. Yes I know this may be a little sketchy, but I think theres a snowballs chance it might just work. Somehow, someway....

P.S. How do you flip in image on here? On my desktop, email and phone this image is right side up...
 

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pi_guy

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Why are you doing this.
If you hiding the plug from your landlord you know you are doing something not acceptable.
You are playing with other peoples health by doing this, children and older people with heath issues do not need to be exposed to the fumes from welding. It not designed to be done in apartment building. Do you have insurance to cover damages in case of incident?
I noticed this is your first post and no location is given.
 

Norcal

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That Zinsco panel for your purposes is full. There is a option to add one more 120 volt circuit, but no option to add a 240 volt circuit unless the panel was swapped out, and being a rental that is not a option, BTW, Zinsco/Sylvania breakers are obsolete & VERY expensive, & were very popular in apts. & tract homes where the cheapest was desired by the developer. That garbage ain't so cheap anymore. If I was your landlord, I would be POed/livid if found out someone was making changes to the electrical.
 
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CoopVA

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You are using a plasma cutter and welding inside of your apartment? Really?
 
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TheEquineFencer

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Do you have an electric stove? If so does it have a plug or is it hardwired? If it's electric, I'd tap into it there. Still not a good idea, but it would work. If it's a plug, just unplug the stove and plug the welder in there.
 

Gotcha640

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If you're making stuff for profit (you aren't running a business, sorry) your profit should cover a facility.

I'd go get an RV site at a campground for a night or two if this is the first paying job that will get you on your feet.

There are also storage units that provide that kind of hookup. If you're in Houston, I have a friend who has a 150 unit place and you'd get power, water, work space, lockup space, parking space for a few hundred a month.

Some hacker spaces also have welding and plasma cutting equipment and space, also for reasonable prices. Again, I know Houston has one big one and several smaller ones.
 

Mustang51js

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To answer your question you can do what you said as far as pig tailing some two circuits together,then trying to find a 2 pole 30 breaker for that panel.
 

619DioFan

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I foresee all kinds of trouble heading your way. even if you can " come up "with the power to run a welder I think it would take your neighbors about a minute to report you to the land lord , cops , fire department and anyone else who would listen. do ya really need that kind of trouble ? just rent an appropriate workshop space if you want to start a welding business.
 

RedneckWelder

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This is a bad idea

Not as bad idea as the guy that popped up on WeldingWeb and wanted to weld in his apartment building's basement that was full of boxes and boxes of old papers, but still not a good idea.
 
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turbowoodworker

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If this thread is for real, it has to be the most irresponsible thing I've ever seen on the Internet and belongs on the WTF thread.
I can't imagine putting neighbors at risk from fumes to fire to...?
Sorry for my holier than thou rant but the shoe may fit.
 

Rogue1987

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This is a bad idea

Not as bad idea as the guy that popped up on WeldingWeb and wanted to weld in his apartment building's basement that was full of boxes and boxes of old papers, but still not a good idea.

I remember that thread!

I'm gonna second or... 32nd...that this probably isn't a good idea.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 

pi_guy

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:+1:

Only one post and a very stupid one at that!

Yes and when he explaining to his landlord what happen.
He is going to say but some guys on the internet told me how do do it.


My first tig welder Miller dialarc 250 used to pop the diodes in my glass topped stove. And the interference took out the reception of my neighbors tv who was using a regular antenna, did not bother cable connected tv's

This is a good example why people should be required to take a welding safety class before they buy a welder.
 
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