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Outside Welding Area
- Thread starter erikmannie
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2017
- Messages
- 2,131
I wanted to buy an extension cord but I'm too cheap. I had 20' of outdoor overhead 6 gauge that I put plugs on both ends. That gets the welder about 6 feet out the shop door. It's not ideal, but I weld approximately once every four years, so it should be fine for several decades.
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2018
- Messages
- 6,832
I've run my welders, plasma, and compressor on extension cords for years. I made them out of good wire and hardware store plugs and receptacles. Never had any problem, even when I ran my shop out of a cargo container on 75' of cord. Now, I have my big boy's shop wired for sound, so I only need one if I'm working on a trailer outside or something. Get the wire to carry your real-world amperage and you'll be fine.
Your outdoor setup will be much healthier for you and your equipment. Use your welding screens as barriers against wind and those fire-starting ballies. You'll be able to work year-round in Santa Rosa's climate. I think it is a great idea, and I still prefer to be outside or as close to a roll-up door as possible when I weld and grind.
Your outdoor setup will be much healthier for you and your equipment. Use your welding screens as barriers against wind and those fire-starting ballies. You'll be able to work year-round in Santa Rosa's climate. I think it is a great idea, and I still prefer to be outside or as close to a roll-up door as possible when I weld and grind.
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2019
- Messages
- 4,392
Even though I don’t have any money right now, I was looking around for 50’ extension cords. This one is the best deal that I have found so far:
www.evseadapters.com
It has three copper 6 gauge wires in it. 6 gauge is sure to stay cool at 230V, 50A.
The second cheapest extension cords have 8 gauge wires for the same price; 8 gauge is also okay for 50A.
Heavy-duty NEMA 6-50 Extension Cord, 6 AWG 50A for Welder or EV – EVSE Adapters
www.evseadapters.com
It has three copper 6 gauge wires in it. 6 gauge is sure to stay cool at 230V, 50A.
The second cheapest extension cords have 8 gauge wires for the same price; 8 gauge is also okay for 50A.
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2019
- Messages
- 4,392
This thread needs this wire size calculator:
In particular, this calculator:
Using this calculator above, I would choose 6 gauge wire for 220V welding 50’ from the outlet, this for cool temps & minimal voltage drop.
Online Wire Size Calculators & Tables
This wire size calculator will calculate the appropriate wire gauge for a circuit based on amps, voltage, distance, and load. This website provides a wire size calculator, voltage drop calculator, wire ampacity charts and more.
wiresizecalculator.net
In particular, this calculator:
Online Wire Size Calculators & Tables
This wire size calculator will calculate the appropriate wire gauge for a circuit based on amps, voltage, distance, and load. This website provides a wire size calculator, voltage drop calculator, wire ampacity charts and more.
wiresizecalculator.net
Using this calculator above, I would choose 6 gauge wire for 220V welding 50’ from the outlet, this for cool temps & minimal voltage drop.
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