welder wiring help

[roofster]

I bought a Hobart 220V welder and now need to install a plug & branch circuit. From what I can tell so far, I don't need 3 conductor wire. True? The manual claims 14 awg is Ok (see picture) but that seems light. What is recommended for a 30 amp breaker? I plan to install about 3 outlets in the garage on the same circuit, but I'll only weld on one at a time.

[sberry]

What model, I assume 187 or 210? Disregard the number 14/30 combination, that is the code minimum and the max breaker for that minimum wire. A 10 wire with 30 breaker makes tailor made circuit, 12 would be sufficient but personally I go the 10 and it makes allowances for some future machines. This machine can run on circuits to 50A, it actually comes with 50A plug. It needs a total of 3 wires, 2 conductors and a ground.

[Bevis]

I need to run some wiring in conduit, for a Welder plug that is about 50 - 60' from the panel. What size wires do I use, or would I try and pull some 6-3 through the conduit w/ alot of lube ?

[LoneGunman]

Originally Posted by Bevis

I need to run some wiring in conduit, for a Welder plug that is about 50 - 60' from the panel. What size wires do I use, or would I try and pull some 6-3 through the conduit w/ alot of lube ?

Run two copper #6 THHN and one copper #8 THHN.

[Aceman]

I usually pull 8's and a 10 if I'm using THHN for the 50 amp welder circuits.

As a sidenote, I know welders can get away with smaller wire than is typically used, but I don't trust people enough to think it'll always be used for a welder. I know a week after I leave they'll plug a range into it or monster heater, large air compressor, etc and cook the wiring.....

Which means they get full sized wire for the circuit ampacity at a slightly elevated expense.

[Bevis]

Thanks...this will be for a 50 amp welder circuit, by the door, then i'll use a 25' cord to get further out on the apron if need be.

[sberry]

I am with Ace here, 2-8's and a 10 and will serve most machines likely to be found in a home garage, up to 250A migs and all the simple transformer stick machines. Some of the 200A plus TIG machines have different requirements.

[Bevis]

what size conduit would you recomend??

[MisterCMK]

What did you end up deciding to pull?

[Bevis]

Originally Posted by MisterCMK

What did you end up deciding to pull?

I pulled 2-#8 and a #10 today.

[sberry]

8's and a 10 will go thru 3/4

[Bevis]

thanks sberry27

[jonnysteals]

I am installing the same welder this week(Hobart handler 187). My outlet will be located directly under the garage subpanel(within 5 feet). Will 10 guage wire be suffecient and a 30 amp breaker. I am new to the whole 220 volt stuff but I am assuming that i hook two hots up to the breaker and a ground correct. Its the same as a regular outlet but ahs two wires isntead of one.

Another question si if home depot dont sell wire in small rolls(5 feet) and I ahve to puchase a 25 foot length. Would I be able to use the extra 10 guage wire to make an extention cord for the welder. If I only need 5 feet for the outlet can I use the extra 20 feet for an entension cord. Is 10 guage suffecient for this. Sorry for all the questions i am new to the electric game. Thanks Guys

[tfi racing]

#10 will do the job,but for a short distance like that,just use #8 for the extra buck or two it will cost.HD should be able to cut 8/3 NMD by the foot,just don't use the white conductor.NMD/NMW cable is not to be used as an extension cord,it is not that durable or flexible,and the cord ends don't always grip it properly.

[kvom]

You can generally buy wire by the foot at HD or Lowes.

For an extension cord you want the flexible SO type cord. For the panel/receptacle wiring you want Romex.

My 220V circuits are 10ga with 30a breakers.

[rinny_tin_tin]

Originally Posted by roofster

I bought a Hobart 220V welder and now need to install a plug & branch circuit. From what I can tell so far, I don't need 3 conductor wire. True? The manual claims 14 awg is Ok (see picture) but that seems light. What is recommended for a 30 amp breaker? I plan to install about 3 outlets in the garage on the same circuit, but I'll only weld on one at a time.

Min. cond size for 30 A Brkr is 10 AWG. Specs conflict as it says 20.5 A demand yet recommends 14 AWG. Max bkr for 14 AWG is 15A

You need three conductors - two poles plus gnd.

Pull 3 conductor 10 AWG from your 30 A bkr to your three 30A receptacles

[sberry]

Min. cond size for 30 A Brkr is 10 AWG. Specs conflict as it says 20.5 A demand yet recommends 14 AWG. Max bkr for 14 AWG is 15A

This machine has a 20 or 30% duty cycle, if it ran 100% of the time it would need a wire heavier than the 14 which is a code and nema spec for THIS type of machine. Not many think this minimum is a good idea though, a 12 would be passable but I too like a 10/30 setup for these machines, they are small and can use all the help they can get.