OT: 230v welder wiring, using a dryer circuit Options

[bondo]

I just got a millermatic 175 welder. 230v, 19.5 amps. I'm going to make an extension cord for it and was wondering what guage wire I should use. Is 12ga enough? (going about 30 feet, just enough to get all the way around the garage, and into the driveway a bit)


Also, the dryer outlet is neutral grounded. Should I use it as is or add a second outlet with a real ground?

[r_towle]

the industry has changed from 3 wire to four wire.

Im MASS, the code now calls for 4 wire.

Get a flexible wire...

I run 100 FT of extension for my 220 machinery.

With the welder, it does draw alot more amps while running than a typical machine due to how it is using the electricity.

I would say that you hard wire it to as close as you can with the stiffer 8 or 10 guage so you experience less voltage drop.

You will feel the voltage drop, and you would notice it more if you were starting a larger motor on a saw/mill.

With this voltage drop your welder will perform less than it should.

The hard wire larger guage will let the voltage to flow easier.

Think of it like water...it flows better through a larger pipe.
With less resistance you will have a better solution.

then you can plug the welder in directly to a plug.
Wire it directly to the circuit box, it will be a better solution.

Rich