Moved: Welder question
#1
02-18-12, 10:22 AM
Join Date: Feb 2012
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Moved: Welder question
Im wiring a welder with a 50 amp draw. I need #6 wire but the plug only has 3 wires and no bare wire. There is a green the serves as the ground in the plug. Should I get 6-3 or 6-2 w ground?
#2
02-18-12, 10:26 AM
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Question....Im wiring a welder with a 50 amp draw. I need #6 wire but the plug only has 3 wires and no bare wire. There is a green the serves as the ground in the plug. Should I get 6-3 or 6-2 w ground?
#3
02-18-12, 10:35 AM
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It is always to start your own post rather then attach your question to another post.
All the welders I have seen use only 240 volts therefore you do not need a neutral. You only need 6-2 with ground (two hots and the ground wire)
All the welders I have seen use only 240 volts therefore you do not need a neutral. You only need 6-2 with ground (two hots and the ground wire)
#4
02-18-12, 01:31 PM
I have the same type of welder and I think I used 8-2 copper [maybe it was 6, I wired it almost 20 yrs ago] One thing to consider though is how long you expect your welder to last. If I'm not mistaken all the new welders have a 4 prong plug. Using 4 wire would mean you'd only have change out the receptacle if you had to buy a new welder.
I'm not an electrician but I think this is correct 
Mod note: Not a welding expert but I can't see a reason why a welder would need both 120v and 240v. Can you provide a cite on that?
I'm not an electrician but I think this is correct 
Mod note: Not a welding expert but I can't see a reason why a welder would need both 120v and 240v. Can you provide a cite on that?
#5
02-18-12, 04:02 PM
Group Moderator
Mod note: Not a welding expert but I can't see a reason why a welder would need both 120v and 240v. Can you provide a cite on that?
#8 is OK for 50 amps if it is wired using THHN in pipe. If your using a cable then you need #6.
#6
02-18-12, 04:59 PM
O/t but I have always believed dryers and stoves have 120v components because they are also made in gas versions. Basically you have a 120v appliance that can have either electric or gas heat sources. That way they don't have to make two totally different appliances with different parts. With a welder though there won't need to be two different versions so you can use a 240v power supply for the electronics and a 240v motor on a cooling fan.
