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240 volt 3 prong female plug to a 240 volt 4 prong male twist type connector

240 volt 3 prong female plug to a 240 volt 4 prong male twist type connector


  #1  
Old 11-08-15, 12:56 PM
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240 volt 3 prong female plug to a 240 volt 4 prong male twist type connector

Own a vintage 155 Lincoln MIG welder, with a 3 prong 240 male plug that I would like to use with my generator. The generator does not have a corresponding receptacle and would it be possible to swap out the plug on the MIG welder for a plug that corresponds with the receptacle on the generator? If so, I purchased a 10 foot, extremely heavy gage extension cord that match the plug on the MIG welder and rather than swap out the plug on the welder would it be possible to swap the plug on the extension cord? If it can be done, would the there be a significant voltage loss due to the gage and length of cord??

Existing Plug:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...L._SL1289_.jpg

Replacement Plug:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...L._SL1302_.jpg

Due to the size of the cords I would have an electrician change the connector.

Comments/Suggestions appreciated.
 
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Old 11-08-15, 02:14 PM
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What gauge is the extension cord? How many amps does the welder draw? What is the output rating of the twist lock receptacle on the generator?
 
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Old 11-08-15, 02:50 PM
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Extension cord: 8/3. The spec plate on the Lincoln 155, 20 amp @ 230V. Generator twist lock outlet 240 volts 30 Amps. Interested if the current combination of cords-amp-output is sufficient, although, currently searching for generator that puts out minimum of 10K watts.
 
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Old 11-08-15, 04:12 PM
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The cord size is. Cord is rated for 40 amps under normal service but could handle more then that when used for a welder depending on the duty cycle of the welder.
Due to the size of the cords I would have an electrician change the connector.
No need for that. It is easy to do. We can walk you through it. Please post a picture of the cord you actually bought and the two ends.
 
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Old 11-09-15, 09:44 AM
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Cable did not want to cooperate in attempting a photo shoot, pic's of the female end did not come-out, if additional photo's are needed let me know?

In terms of an electrician, thought due to the size of the individual wire strains a special crimping, or similar tool, would be required?

Thank you for the information:
 
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Old 11-09-15, 10:06 AM
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thought due to the size of the individual wire strains a special crimping, or similar tool, would be required?
No, it would be screws.

Plug below is for illustration only. There would be no wire connected to the silver screw for your application. Only wires to the two brass screws and the ground.

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Last edited by ray2047; 11-09-15 at 10:34 AM.
  #7  
Old 11-09-15, 10:46 AM
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ray2047,

Can't thank you enough, pic's, and all; especially the 'how to' connect the 3 wires to the 4 prong plug. Intend buying the plug tomorrow at the hardware store, I probly should remove the 3 prong male plug and pull back the insulation to determine the gage wire, not sure if the replacement plug come in different sizes for the large gage wire. I am not that knowledgeable but from the pic's and information I should be able to swap plugs and save the cost of an electrician.

Again, thank you
 
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Old 11-09-15, 11:34 AM
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The plugs should take #8 but check. You said the cord you had was 8-3.
 
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Old 11-09-15, 01:43 PM
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Found a couple web-sites where customers ask similar question and appears 10 is the largest gauge recommended. Although I would like to put the 3-8 extension cord to use, I can swap the male connector on the MIG power cord, which is around 5' long and 3-10.

Thank you!!
 
 

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