Service supply lines

[MacDuff]

Hello All,

Just picked up my new welder and was going to start the installation of my electric service for the unit. I thought I could use 8 AWG like most normal 220 circuits, but I'm concerned that it may not meet the needs.

I will be putting in a dedicated branch circuit and it will be about a 35 foot run. Does anyone have experience setting up service for this welder? Would the 8 AWG get the job done or should I look at 6 AWG or larger?

Thanks in advance,

Mac

[cruizer]

And your new welder is a what??

[NathanH]

I am not familiar with the term AVG but I always use 6gauge wire. Seems to keep voltage drop down with and supply voltage more cosistantly. I use THHN.

[MacDuff]

And your new welder is a what??

My bad, it's the Tunderbolt XL 225/150

[MacDuff]

I am not familiar with the term AVG but I always use 6gauge wire. Seems to keep head down with and supply voltage more cosistantly. I use THHN.

That should have been AWG not AVG. Do you use fuses or a circuit breaker on your disconnect box?

[NathanH]

I use circuit breakers. You could use a slow blow fuse if that is what you have in your box. You could also get away with 8 gauge wire too. But might as well do 6 as you never know what the future holds for you as far as welders go.

[cruizer]

Yep at 35' you'll need #6 to cover your bases.

[Broccoli1]

I am not familiar with the term AVG but I always use 6gauge wire. Seems to keep head down with and supply voltage more cosistantly. I use THHN.

AWG= American Wire Gauge

[Broccoli1]

Hello All,

Just picked up my new welder and was going to start the installation of my electric service for the unit. I thought I could use 8 AWG like most normal 220 circuits, but I'm concerned that it may not meet the needs.

I will be putting in a dedicated branch circuit and it will be about a 35 foot run. Does anyone have experience setting up service for this welder? Would the 8 AWG get the job done or should I look at 6 AWG or larger?

Thanks in advance,

Mac

Just in case you look at the manual and see odd wire gauge/CB recommendations:
50amp Circuit Breaker and Minimum #12 wire

This is due to the Duty Cycle of the machine. NEC allows for using smaller wire on a dedicated run and following the conduit/wire guidelines.

The Power cord is probably #12.

Anyhoo- as already mentioned if you use #6 you will definitely be set for any future machines, 100% for any machine that comes from the manufacturer with a 6-50 Plug on the end of the Power cord.

http://www.millerwelds.com/om/o316t_mil.pdf

[MacDuff]

Thanks for all the input / responses. The manual is exactly what had me baffled. I may be in for more wiring than I planned as my box in the garage is on a 50 amp breaker and it looks like it was connected with 8 AWG. It's only money and time, right?