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    biggun1156's Avatar
    biggun1156 Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 15, 2010, 12:12 PM
    What size wire for 220v 100 amp service at 100 feet
    I am running 220v 100 ft to a 125 amp sub panel. A welder would be the heaviest thing used. (around 200 amp welder) what size copper wire would I need running in pvc underground
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 15, 2010, 06:42 PM

    Well not to be a dull blade, but how do you plan to run a 200 Amp welder on a 125 Amp feeder?

    The 125 Amp breaker will not support a 200 amp load.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #3

    Apr 15, 2010, 06:52 PM

    He means 200A secondary. My stick welder is a 230A welder.
    Missouri Bound's Avatar
    Missouri Bound Posts: 1,532, Reputation: 94
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    #4

    Apr 15, 2010, 07:27 PM
    A 230Amp welder generally requires a 50Amp circuit. And depending on the project it may never be turned up to full capacity.
    biggun1156's Avatar
    biggun1156 Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Apr 16, 2010, 09:29 AM

    A welder won't draw all 200 amps... im not building ships in my garage. I figure with all my equipment the most I would ever draw would be 50 amps. I just need to know what size wire I would need to run
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #6

    Apr 16, 2010, 01:42 PM
    I took the opportunity to measure the amp draw of a 200 amp welder, on a 50 Amp 240 volt circuit, set at the proper welding setting, while a seasoned welder used 1/8" stick and joined 1/4" steel , and got 18 amps.

    Based on 50 amps at 120 volts or 50 amps at 240 volts, I suggest #2 aluminum will work fine.

    This can be 3-#2 Al with XHHW insulation and 1-#6 AL XHHW Green.

    Min conduit will be 1-1/4". I suggest 2" PVC Sch 40 for this length.


    The panel in the garage will need a main breaker, ground rod connected to the equipment ground bar for bare or green grounds only, and do not bond the neutral bar to ground.
    biggun1156's Avatar
    biggun1156 Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Apr 16, 2010, 01:47 PM

    Sir I appreciate your time and thank you for the answer... that is just what I needed
    bungal251's Avatar
    bungal251 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    Oct 25, 2010, 07:23 AM
    One must always check the input rating of equipment and not what amperage they expect from the equipment. I once bought a 50 amp breaker as that is standard for a welder. Of course, I was giving the welder its own breaker. I failed to see that it recommended a 60 amp breaker!! All wire ratings are for the amp usage and length of wire. Any workshop or garage should be serviced with 220-240v. This cuts down on amp use and wife loss. Earl
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