[rams99]

What circuit breaker can you recommend for a welding machine..
The problem is I don't know the specs..

[smoothy]

what circuit breaker can you recommend for a welding machine..
the problem is i dont know the specs..

You need to know the specs... not only of the welder.. but of the cable being used to wire it up.

[rams99]

That is the problem... the owner wants me to install wiring for a welding machine.
He said its only used for round bars..
Is 60 amp breaker excessive?

[smoothy]

That is the problem... the owner wants me to install wiring for a welding machine.
he said its only used for round bars..
is 60 amp breaker excessive?

Without any other information... yes. You really HAVE to have other information. Such as at a minimum.

What size wiring are you intending to use... what is the voltage of the welder.. and what is its maximum amp capacity.

You HAVE to know those things or you can create a hazardous condition where a fire might result.

[rams99]

I'am intending to use no. 10 wire with a 60 amp breaker.
Or just wait till he can give me other specs of the welding machine...

[rams99]

He said it is a 200 amp welding machine.

[smoothy]

I believe NEC (National electric Code) calls for a #6 (6 guage) copper wire for a 60 amp circuit I assume the distance is fairly short... or that wire size will need to be larger depending on distance if its not.

I'm an Electronic Engineer, not a Master Electritian... so if I'm wrong someone will correct me.

Change your wire size from a #10 to a #6 (larger) and a 60 Amp breaker should be good for that application.

[rams99]

#6... got it... its only half a meter distace by the way..
Thanks..

[smoothy]

#6... got it... its only half a meter distace by the way..
thanks..

Half meter is very close... has to be much longer than that before distance becomes a factor in sizing.

[tkrussell]

Here is a spec sheet for a plain vanilla 230 volt input welder with a 200 amp output.

Northern Industrial Welders Arc 200 230 Volt Stick Welder — 200 Amp Output | Arc Welders | Northern Tool + Equipment

Shows it draws 41 amps at the 230 volts.

So, choosing the 60 amp circuit for a typical welder is fine.

I do have to say I am glad your asking the question, your comment that you had planned to use #10 wire on a 60 amp circuit breaker leads me to believe your not an electrician.

#10 wire on a circuit amp circuit would be a serious hazard.

Smoothy is correct, #6 copper wire can be used on a 60 amp circuit.

Before any electrical circuit is installed, the installer should have the specifications of the device, appliance, or machine that needs power.

[stanfortyman]

That is the problem... the owner wants me to install wiring for a welding machine.
he said its only used for round bars..
is 60 amp breaker excessive?

I'am intending to use no. 10 wire with a 60 amp breaker.

Are you an electrician?
What is your profession?

I am getting the impression that you really have no place doing wiring for customers for pay.

[rams99]

I'm still a student.
but I know about installing light and outlets.
our school haven't really taught us about the higher ampacity loads yet.
and I'm doing this for experience only.. ^^^

[stanfortyman]

I'm still a student.
but i know about installing light and outlets.
our school haven't really taught us about the higher ampacity loads yet.
and I'm doing this for experience only..^^^

The you should NOT be doing it. You are obviously not nearly experienced enough yet and need to learn from someone in the field before venturing out on your own. Even for something as seeming small as this.

[tkrussell]

Exactly, no student should be doing ANY electrical work without proper supervision.

A little bit of knowledge is dangerous.

You intending on using #10 wire on a 60 Amp breaker shows that you have not gotten to #10 wire ampacity in your course study.

I am glad you asked the question, I need to inform you that you need to stay in school, and never do any electrical work for anyone until you have completed the course, completed your apprenticeship, and obtain the proper license.