Ok, it's dumb question time! Does anyone make a 220V extension cord for a welder, or am I going to need to make my own? I tried looking online at the local box stores, but no dice. If I do have to make my own, can someone spec out the multi-strand wire gauge size? Welder in question:
I made my own out of rubber cord, 10 AWG 3-conductor + gnd. Got the plug and outlet at a hardware store. Check what the maximum primary current is listed for your welder, mine was 50 amps for a 230 amp machine. NEC allows you to use undersized wire for welder primary circuits because a welder is considered an intermittant usage device. You don't weld at 100% duty cycle at full power.
I don't know if someone makes one just for welders. I would think so, but I made my own. Don't remember the gauge wire but it's big. Will try to get a pic on here today. I have the same model welder, it is a 220.
Glad you guys chimed in cause I didn't know that it IS a 220v. I have one also and I plug it into a regular wall outlett. I assumed those outletts are 110v. I DO notice a slight difference when using a extension cord so I try to use the short one I have. The plug end isn't anything special like my Miller so I just assumed, sorry. Edit: I looked at the extension cord scrapper has posted and mine doesn't have that type end and didn't think ATOs had that either...
Not all welders are 220 volt.. It depends on what you have. A normal wall outlet is 110v. I've made several 220v extension cords, one runs a big Miller tig about 6 times the size of that one on a daily basis. Very easy to do, just match each color wire with the corresponding terminals on each plug, make sure you get the screws cranked down nice and tight. Do like bmcdaniel says. I think my boss ordered the ends out of the McMaster-Carr catalog. I'm sure you can get them at most hardware stores though.
Gene it is a 175 amp welder which would be 220v. Yours is probably a 130 or 140 amp model which is 110. ATO not sure which plug you have, might check your local RV dealer they will have 30 and 50 amp models. I think there is a Camping World near you.
here is a search on ebay just pick your length...I also remember seeing these at either harbor freight, northern tool, or at tool place in piegon forge. I made my own, used 8-3 with ground stranded flex cable, when I build my welding cart on wheels I added 2 220 boxes and a 110 to the cart and wired the extension directly to it. I have a hobart 175 and a airforce 400 plasma cutter attached to it. I dont use both at the same time so there isn't any problem and the added 110 that I pull off one leg lets me run the hand grinder without having to run an extension cord. Since I dont see a cart...project time....build a cart and wire it onto it...just my 2c worth. Robert http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&catref=C6&saaff=afdefault&sacur=0&sorefinesearch=1&fcl=3&frpp=100&from=R10&saslop=1&fss=0&mppfqy=ford+defroster&mppfqy=ford+defogger&mppfqy=ford+grill&mppfqy=ford+grill+rear&mppfqy=ford+grill+rear&satitle=welder+extension&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=37772&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&salic=1&fhlc=1&fsop=2%26fsoo%3D2&fgtp=
Just out of curiosity, I would like to see his plug end... I only say this cause I looked at what I thought was ALL of them models as the one he (and I) have, with the handle and size. I don't recall seeing any "220v" plug ends on any of them, not saying there aren't any, just never saw one. Begening to be sceptical...
I use a piece of 10-3 standard electrical cable. I put a plug on one end that fits my wall socket, and a socket on the other end. It's a little stiff, but coils up pretty easy when I get through with it.
Thanks for the replies guys! I'll probably end up making my own unless I can find a suitable one for cheaper.
