a technical question about arc welders

jason hutcherson - Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 2:34pm

i need to build an adapter so i can use the 220 socket for our dryer to power the little red lincoln. it requires a 30 amp push just like the dryer and besides the shape of the plug i don't think there's any real difference. i was thinking that i could just pick up a replacement dryer cord (10 gauge/30 amp) and attach a socket that will fit the lincoln but i wanted to see if anyone had a better suggestion or if my idea has a flaw i'm not aware of.

i appreciate any suggestions that will save me or my house from harm.

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Except for the difference

eligius1427 - Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 2:56pm

Except for the difference between push/pull and twist lock, I was under the impression that different size/shapes of plugs correlated to different amperage and phase ratings. You might want to speak with a commercial electrical supply store or electrician just to be sure. I personally find all of the plugs and plug types very confusing.

Jake Balcom
Mettle Design
Lincoln, NE

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Extension cord

Imperial Wheeli... - Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 5:36pm

Basically you are describing making a 220 volt extension cord. Nothing at all wrong with that. Just make sure the wire is the right size to carry the 30 amps or larger.

All my 220V Millers come with a 50A male plug (even if they only draw 20A max) that has really simplified my shop wiring. I'll admit to violating code by having multiple 220 outlets on one circuit but as a one man shop, I know I'm only going to be using one device at a time so it's perfectly safe. The inspectors wouldn't like it though.

Kerry Pinkerton
Metalshaper

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No Big Drop

Frank Castiglione - Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 6:20pm

Hi Jason,
I made a 250 foot extension for my 220V Lincoln MIG and there wasn't a significant voltage drop. If your welder calls for a 30 Amp breaker and a certain size wire for the cord, satisfying this criteria should keep you safe for the appliance.Too much breaker capacity and/or too little capacity wire is what should raise concern.
Frank

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Sounds good!

visitor - Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 6:38pm

Jason,
I just bought a used AutoARC (millermatic) and needed 220v to run it. We just bought 70ft. of 10/3 wire and bought the appropriate plug/socket for ea. end. It wasn't real cheap, but works great. I just happen to have two dryers, so unplugging one isn't a big deal. Good luck.
Lorrie

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as far as i know

jason hutcherson - Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 9:01pm

as far as i know the clothes dryer and the lincoln have the same power requirements, just different shaped plugs. i'm picking up the welder sometime next week or the week after from my mom's place up in virginia and i'll find out the specifics then. if my thinking is correct the lincoln and the clothes dryer have the same power requirements, just different plugs.

thanks for the comments guys

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