[MachineMonkey]

At the service panel, I have a Cuttler Hammer BR220.

The assigned receptacle is a twist-loc 250V 20A type (NEMA LS 20-R).

The welder I want to use is a Tri-Arc 160 which is rated for 208/230. This plug does not match the wall receptacle.

What is the path of least resistance to turn this into a compatible power chain?


Thanks,
Kalo :confused:

[stanfortyman]

What plug is on the welder cord?
What are the INPUT specs of the welder?

If it is a 160A output welder the input amps will likely be much higher than a 20A circuit will provide.

[MachineMonkey]

What plug is on the welder cord?

I don't have the welder in front of me, but I'd describe it as being visually similar to the American house plug while being twice it's size (or thereabouts). It has 2 spade contacts and a round ground post. The spades are either parallel or perpendicular to one another, not inline.

What are the INPUT specs of the welder?

Not certain. Googling doesn't give me much (it was remarketed as an Airco Dipstick 160). I did find this at a Hobert forum, though:

"Input is 230V 60 amps for stick and 30 amps for MIG."



If it is a 160A output welder the input amps will likely be much higher than a 20A circuit will provide.

So, I'll need to change the breaker to something with a higher amperage rating for a start. The receptacle, I'd change at the same time, I guess.

Can I change/upgrade circuit breakers without bringing PG&E into it?

Thanks


My house service panel has a main of 200A, so that's OK.

[stanfortyman]

So, I'll need to change the breaker to something with a higher amperage rating for a start. The receptacle, I'd change at the same time, I guess.

NO!! You cannot simply change the breaker and receptacle and use the same wire. This should be obvious.
You are a welder. What happens if you use a 3/32" rod at 180 amps? The same thing will happen to the wire in the wall if you run too many amps through it.
The wire in the wall is rated at 15 or 20 amps. You need a 50A circuit.

Can I change/upgrade circuit breakers without bringing PG&E into it?

Certainly, but like I am saying, it is far more than that.
You need to run a new larger circuit to this welder. As I suspected it will require a 50 or 60 amp circuit run with #6cu wire. Typically we would use 6/2NM cable.
The plug you describe is a standard 250v/50a plug used on many welders.

[MachineMonkey]

NO!! You cannot simply change the breaker and receptacle and use the same wire. This should be obvious.
You are a welder. What happens if you use a 3/32" rod at 180 amps? The same thing will happen to the wire in the wall if you run too many amps through it.
The wire in the wall is rated at 15 or 20 amps. You need a 50A circuit.

Got it.

Certainly, but like I am saying, it is far more than that.
You need to run a new larger circuit to this welder. As I suspected it will require a 50 or 60 amp circuit run with #6cu wire. Typically we would use 6/2NM cable.
The plug you describe is a standard 250v/50a plug used on many welders.

So, I need to have an electrician run new wire from the service panel to the existing receptacle (or new receptacle, if a new circuit run is easier or beneficial).


Thanks again.

[stanfortyman]

Exactly. Very good choice. :)