Topic: Welder Extension Cord (Read 5601 times)

connor0770 · « **on:** March 31, 2014, 07:39:31 PM »

So im picking up a welder this weekend and need to build an extension cord.

Its a Lincoln 180HD 220V with gas. I was wondering if I can get away with 10/3 SOOW wire instead of 8/3. Kind of on a budget.. Some guys have said they buy the 100' contractor 10/3 wire and chop the ends off for 220.

Any ideas?

Heres what ive found:

http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Outdoor-Durable-Flexible-Cable/dp/B00EUH4Y60/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1396319578&sr=8-5&keywords=portable+power+cord+outdoor+durable+flexible+600v+10%2F3

http://www.amazon.com/Cooper-Wiring-S80-SP-L-Commercial-10-30-NEMA/dp/B000MIAMDK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396320028&sr=8-1&keywords=commercial+grade+angle+universal+power+plug+with+30+amp

http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Ea-1252-Receptacle/dp/B001HWDW5K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396320060&sr=8-1&keywords=ea+1252+receptacle

timatoe · « **Reply #1 on:** March 31, 2014, 08:19:27 PM »

Can you? Yes. Should you? No not really. I certainly wouldn't get a 100' one. But for starters you'd be ok for a little bit. Try to find a RV extension cable on sale somewhere, or used on craigslist.

Like this one..... http://reno.craigslist.org/rvs/4384905013.html

connor0770 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 31, 2014, 08:40:38 PM »

Ok I'll look into it.

KingofBeers · « **Reply #3 on:** April 01, 2014, 03:05:10 PM »

You could use the 10/3 safely if you change the breaker protecting the circuit to a 2 pole 30A. FWIW i ran my old miller 175 off a 20A circuit. Only tripped the circuit once in 2yrs. Checkout cyberweld...they sometimes have smokin' deals. I bought a 25' 8/3 for $64 last year. Ive been doing electical work for 14 yrs

norcal_chris · « **Reply #4 on:** April 01, 2014, 03:24:39 PM »

I trip 20a breakers quite often with my little 110 welder.

KingofBeers · « **Reply #5 on:** April 01, 2014, 03:51:17 PM »

Quote from: norcal_chris on April 01, 2014, 03:24:39 PM

I trip 20a breakers quite often with my little 110 welder.

current draw from a 110v machine is higher than that of a 220v machine at similar output levels. Are you working with that 110v cranked up?

Mr.B · « **Reply #6 on:** April 01, 2014, 07:50:54 PM »

I converted a 50A (Shhh!) Docutech 15' cable for my welder. I gave it to autumnxtoxsehsa when I sold him my welder. I know he got rid of the welder, but he might still have the extension cord.

connor0770 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 01, 2014, 09:19:27 PM »

so i should really shoot for 8/3?

KingofBeers · « **Reply #8 on:** April 01, 2014, 10:51:59 PM »

Quote from: connor0770 on April 01, 2014, 09:19:27 PM

so i should really shoot for 8/3?

what size breaker is protecting the circuit? If 30a, 10awg. If 50a, 8awg.

KingofBeers · « **Reply #9 on:** April 01, 2014, 10:54:56 PM »

http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-3-25-220-Volt-50-Amp-Heavy-Duty-8-3-Welder-Extension-Cord-MIG-TIG-Plasma-/271418845456

BAM! under $60.

sneakyjap96 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 02, 2014, 01:10:12 PM »

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?11537-HOW-TO-make-a-220V-extension-cord

connor0770 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 02, 2014, 06:24:31 PM »

Family friend has a 10/3 already set up for my drier that he's gonna let me use! Pretty excited. The welder comes with a full bottle of CO2. Any chance airgas will let me trade it in for a CO2/Argon mix?

sneakyjap96 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 02, 2014, 06:52:49 PM »

If you pay the difference lol no probably not wat are you welding? Co2 is fine for steel

connor0770 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 02, 2014, 07:13:14 PM »

Just steel. Right now just practicing

sneakyjap96 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 02, 2014, 08:20:50 PM »

O use all of the Co then don't waist money on mixed tell your done playing around lol

bigsquat · « **Reply #15 on:** May 05, 2014, 08:24:35 PM »

never tripped my 220v welder on a 20 . but now i have it hooked up to a 220v/30amp receptale and use a 10/3 cable.

i would only go bigger if you need a long cable where voltage drop would be a problem. when i hook up welder feeds for
on the job they always spec 50 amp recptacles and #6 wire. but for or size welders its way over kill. the only time i ever tripped a breaker was with my old stick burner cranked way up to burn holes.

norcal_chris · « **Reply #16 on:** May 05, 2014, 08:56:45 PM »

I have a 50amp plug in my garage. I have 25ft of 10/3 . My welder can pull 250amps. The welder cord looks massive. Like a garden hose. Is 10/3 gonna cut it?

timatoe · « **Reply #17 on:** May 05, 2014, 09:43:46 PM »

I re-looked at my original post and I'm pretty sure I was thinking 12/3 with an extension cord. I have a 25' 10/3 that started life as an RV extension cord, I think it's more than plenty. I would run it even with your new machine Chris.

bigsquat · « **Reply #18 on:** May 09, 2014, 08:53:34 PM »

10/3 is fine.

connor0770 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 12, 2014, 10:16:37 PM »

So I wired my 10/3 cord tonight to my 4 prong dryer.

My setup is a 15ft cord to a 25ft cord on a 30 amp breaker. Think I'll be alright? I'm only skeptical about using 2 cords but I have to.

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Author Topic: Welder Extension Cord (Read 5601 times)