Determining wire size for 230v welder outlet in garage
06-30-2006, 02:55 PM
#1
Determining wire size for 230v welder outlet in garage Been a while since I've had circuits in college. Can anyone help me determine what size wire to run for a new 230v outlet for my MIG/TIG welder? I'll have about 75-90 feet of run from the fuse box to the outlet, and the welder probably doesn't draw more than 50 amps. Will a 10/2 work or should I go 8/2? Since copper is more expensive than gold now I don't want to put more in than I need.
Thanks for any help!
Craig
Thanks for any help!
Craig
06-30-2006, 04:17 PM
#2
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I don't remember, but go into home depot and they have a guide of what size to use. The size is based on the current (amps) not the voltage. You do need 3 wires for 220V though (2 hots and a ground).
Good luck
Good luck
06-30-2006, 04:54 PM
#3
Thanks.....I know its based on the amp draw + the length of the run due to more resistance. I'll check and see what they have. I'm pretty sure it doesn't need to be 3 wires though since the plug is only a 3 prong plug just like a 110v outlet....just 2x bigger.
06-30-2006, 06:46 PM
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in a 110V outlet there is 1 hot, 1 nuetral, and a ground. 220V is 2 hot, 1 nuetral, and 1 ground. The ground wire (when you buy wire) doesn't count. I wired up 220V in my garage for a subpanel, air compressor, oven, and welder.
BTW, where are you from in MO? I used to live in KS and met a guy at a racing shop once with a Pewter T/A, was that you by chance?
BTW, where are you from in MO? I used to live in KS and met a guy at a racing shop once with a Pewter T/A, was that you by chance?
06-30-2006, 10:55 PM
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#6 wire You will need #6 copper wire, 3 conductor (2- hots, 1 neutral). #10 wire is good for 30 amps. #8 wire is good for about 45 amps. #6 is good for 60+ amps. (All of these assume conductors in conduit or common sheathing)
The reason why you should use #6 wire is because the wire should be sized such that the load does not exceed 80% of the wire's ampacity. Install a 60 amp breaker (or fuse), #6 wire (THHN), and a standard 60 amp receptacle and everything will work smoothly.
I have, in a pinch, connected a welder to a 30 amp dryer service. It "works" but you can't use the welder to it's full capacity. If you are going to spend the money, you might as well do it right the first time.
The reason why you should use #6 wire is because the wire should be sized such that the load does not exceed 80% of the wire's ampacity. Install a 60 amp breaker (or fuse), #6 wire (THHN), and a standard 60 amp receptacle and everything will work smoothly.
I have, in a pinch, connected a welder to a 30 amp dryer service. It "works" but you can't use the welder to it's full capacity. If you are going to spend the money, you might as well do it right the first time.
