welding plug styles

[justin1795]

i have a old tombstone welder it uses the 3 prong wire that looks similar to a 110 out let. im planing on running a plug out to my garage. i also wish to use my compressor. i have looked on both and neither pulls more than 50 amps. what 220 outlet is the most comon. on the older style for my welder is that 2 hots and a ground?

 

[zkling]

For a welder, in the US, the most common is a Nema 6-50 R/P. 50amp, 240V Receptacle/Plug. It does look like a larger 120v, 3 prong or grounded plug. Yes the plugs are both legs of the incoming power AKA 2 hots, and one ground. There is no neutral on these plugs unlike on some 4 prong dryer plugs which have 2 hots a ground and a neutral. On those you can get 240, 120 and a ground.

If you don't feel comfortable doing the work, please get someone qualified to do it. I'd hate to hear your house burnt down due to an electrical issues with said plug. Also make sure the receptacle, breaker and wiring between are all corresponding to each others rating.

 

[justin1795]

thank you. i cant tell you how many times i searched for the name of the plug

 

[zkling]

thank you. i cant tell you how many times i searched for the name of the plug

No prob man. BTDT a few times. Now be prepared to go into your local lowes/HD and when you ask for a NEMA 6-50P/R get a WTF look from the employee. It may be more commonly known as a 50amp, 3 prong by some. Again, make sure your wiring and breaker all match before you put the plug on.

 

[justin1795]

i was looking up wire last night. i purchased a sub panel a while back and was just going to run the outlet instead. i can get 2-2-2-4 al wire cheaper than 6-2 wire so i may just install my sub panel and run the plug right under it.