I need to wire a 220 plug to hook up a welding machine. The plug that it takes is a 3 prong plug - 1 round on top and 2 legs which are ~1 inch apart. Since I am guessing there is 1 ground and 2 hots what type of wire do I use. A 2 hot wire 1 ground wire set up. What size would you use for a 20Ft length. The welder plug is rated for a 50A plug. On the breaker box it is a square D. Would I get a 2 pole or 1 pole 220 50 amp breaker. I see on the plug receptical where the 3 wires go but where do they fit into the breaker. Could I use this breaker at times and then remove it when I need to ( by popping it out). Thanks for your help.

I will tell you what I know, so that I don't give you wrong information. You should use 6 AWG wire if you're pulling 50 amps. And you need a double pole breaker. Also, there are usually wiring diagrams in the hardware/electrical supply stores where you would be going to buy your breaker. I would attach one if I knew how. I hope this helps you at all. There are terminals on the breakers for your hot wires though.

Please post the specifications for the welder