220v amp plugs.

[Babaganoosh]

So my welder has a 50 amp plug, but my dryer receptacle on the wall is one of those 110/220 30 amp plugs.

Now here is my question, I have a home made extension cable, would it be OK if I swap the male end from a 50amp to a 30amp so I can start welding?

 

[sweetk30]

lots of dryer plugs wiring in walls is under sized for amp draw of welder . best to check gauge of wire in wall first . then check breaker spec or you might get to welding and pop / reset / pop / reset you get the idea.

 

[Babaganoosh]

I want to say it's a 30 amp breaker. I would assume the wiring would support it, but I have yet to check it. What would be a acceptable gauge? it's not a very far run.

 

[blazinzuk]

I have a couple of adaptors I have made over the years

 

[skunked]

I checked the wiring in the wall and made an extension cord.

With the Hobart there was a grid that listed the recommended wire size for a given length. You can probably find that online from Miller since I assume you didn't get the manual with yours.

 

[jekquistk5]

If you have an old transformer based welder it will pull more current on first arc than the new inverter type units. You may get away with an adapter, but may trip when your welder is cranked fully. What does the sticker on the back say for max A?

 

[Babaganoosh]

The house was made in 06, so it should have a up to date transformer. I'll peak around tonight and find out more info.

Thanks guys.

 

[sweetk30]

welder you dumby . . . . not the house . for the transformer.

older welders draw a lot at start up .

newer stuff dosnt.

 

[Babaganoosh]

oh, well crap it helps if i read... If my memory serves right its a 98 unit. Ill report back later today with the proper info.

 

[shady]

Just try the extension cord and see if it pops the breaker on some test welds... Your welder will probably never hit 50 amps unless you crank it to the max and use the biggest wire/stick it can handle. Probably not even then if it has a 50 amp plug on it. I wouldn't recommend it if your going to run 3' long beads, but normal welding would be fine. If your house was made in 06 and was done to code the wire will be big enough for the 30 amp breaker feeding it and the wire is under rated technically so it won't start melting if it runs at 29 for a while before the breaker let's go. Up to YOU if you trust the breaker it's self though

 

[jekquistk5]

Depending on how long the extension cord is and what gauge of wire you use you may experience voltage drop. Either way try it and go from there

 

[Babaganoosh]

It works, nevermind my crappy weld.