What connector for welders, etc?

[mrb]

When building a garage or shop, what is the 220v connector commonly installed for welders, plasma cutters, etc? 30amp or 50amp? Or both? 3 wire or 4 wire?
thanks

 

[BigChevy80]

When building a garage or shop, what is the 220v connector commonly installed for welders, plasma cutters, etc? 30amp or 50amp? Or both? 3 wire or 4 wire?
thanks

You'll have to determine what the rated input of each device is. Usually printed somewhere on a tag or sticker. Also look at the type of electrical plug that it has.

For a 50 amp circuit like most stick welders require, you'll want to use a NEMA 6-50 like this: http://www.debmark.com/Kilns/Evenheat/images/650R.gif

Most 220V MIG welders and plasma cutters require 30 amps, so you would want a NEMA 6-30 like this: http://www.iap-home.com/images/products/3707.jpg

For stuff like this you'll only need a 3 wire circuit (2 hots + 1 ground).

 

[mrb]

Ok, so 6-30 and 6-50. Thanks

 

[timgr]

Also, it may be cheaper to fit fewer outlets in your shop and then buy an extension cord. http://store.cyberweld.com/230voexco25.html Buying cable for dedicated 50A outlets around the shop will get expensive.

You can also run a 30A device from a 50A outlet with a simple adapter - but obviously not the reverse - so a 50A outlet plus an extension cord tailored to the device makes sense to me.

 

[mrb]

thanks for everybodys input. I am making a big connector order and I was going to get some of the connectors used for welders to have on the shelf for future use. Wanted to make sure I got the right ones.

 

[Mr_fixit]

I have 2 welders & plasma cutter. All need 50 amp circuits and require the 6-50 receptacle.

 

[Ironcrow]

Same here, a plasma cutter and MIG; both have NEMA 6-50

 

[bmwguru]

My Lincoln MIG uses the 6-50. I have been slowly converting my other 220 toys to the 6-50 plug style. I made an extension cord that will fit all of them, so it's simple and convenient.

 

[sberry]

Most of these machines come with 6-50-P, use it even on the 30A circuits.