Electrical wiring advice.

katoranger · 03-24-2017, 10:21 AM

My shop has a 100 amp panel. I have a 50amp breaker that is wired to two nema 6-30r receptacles. One is only 12 inches from the panel and the other is 50 feet away and has an old AC unit plugged into it that doesn't work. I would be okay with eliminating that one.

I am anticipating getting a 220v stick welder. Would it be okay to change the receptacle close to the breaker with the appropriate one for the welder? I would install heavier wire also.

Bruce's · 03-24-2017, 10:38 AM

That would work fine ,some people plug stick welders into 30-40 amp dryer receptacles and they work ok .My bigger welders are 50 amp input ,but 200-250 amp output so unless your looking for a bigger welder than that you should be golden .

Biker_Andy · 03-24-2017, 01:52 PM

It all depends on exactly what welder you get. The welder will likely work on your existing receptacle without needing to change a thing. Dryers, welders, AC unit and heaters often use the 30A receptacle that you mentioned. If your concerned that two plugs are on one circuit don't be. It's common to have a dozen 15A outlets on a single 15A breaker. I have seen industrial welders that need 50A 600V plugs. There's nothing that would allow you to connect one of these welders up to residential power. We use 50A 600V receptacles for all our welders here.

katoranger · 03-24-2017, 06:08 PM

Pretty much an old one of these.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...aiRhoCdCzw_wcB

Bruce's · 03-24-2017, 06:23 PM

That would have the 50 amp plug ( nema 650r) required for that machine .

Biker_Andy · 03-24-2017, 06:54 PM

That Lincoln welder needs a 50A outlet (6-50R). You can use the existing breaker if you run the wires only to the welder outlet (else you need to replace both outlets). I would simply replace the outlet that's in the best location for the welder and disconnect the other one. #8 wire should be sufficient for either length. You can use the old wires to help pull the new wire in. Just make sure you have the breaker off when your disconnecting and connecting the wires and you should be good to go!

katoranger · 03-24-2017, 09:45 PM

Ok. The one I want to use is located right next to the box. The other outlet is of no use to me.

03-24-2017, 10:21 AM	#1
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	Electrical wiring advice. My shop has a 100 amp panel. I have a 50amp breaker that is wired to two nema 6-30r receptacles. One is only 12 inches from the panel and the other is 50 feet away and has an old AC unit plugged into it that doesn't work. I would be okay with eliminating that one. I am anticipating getting a 220v stick welder. Would it be okay to change the receptacle close to the breaker with the appropriate one for the welder? I would install heavier wire also. __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
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03-24-2017, 06:08 PM	#4
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	Pretty much an old one of these. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...aiRhoCdCzw_wcB __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
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03-24-2017, 09:45 PM	#7
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	Ok. The one I want to use is located right next to the box. The other outlet is of no use to me. __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
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03-24-2017, 10:38 AM	#2
Bruce's Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sudbury ,Ontario Posts: 855	That would work fine ,some people plug stick welders into 30-40 amp dryer receptacles and they work ok .My bigger welders are 50 amp input ,but 200-250 amp output so unless your looking for a bigger welder than that you should be golden .
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03-24-2017, 01:52 PM	#3
Biker_Andy Join Date: Oct 2016 Posts: 347	It all depends on exactly what welder you get. The welder will likely work on your existing receptacle without needing to change a thing. Dryers, welders, AC unit and heaters often use the 30A receptacle that you mentioned. If your concerned that two plugs are on one circuit don't be. It's common to have a dozen 15A outlets on a single 15A breaker. I have seen industrial welders that need 50A 600V plugs. There's nothing that would allow you to connect one of these welders up to residential power. We use 50A 600V receptacles for all our welders here.
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03-24-2017, 06:23 PM	#5
Bruce's Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sudbury ,Ontario Posts: 855	That would have the 50 amp plug ( nema 650r) required for that machine .
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03-24-2017, 06:54 PM	#6
Biker_Andy Join Date: Oct 2016 Posts: 347	That Lincoln welder needs a 50A outlet (6-50R). You can use the existing breaker if you run the wires only to the welder outlet (else you need to replace both outlets). I would simply replace the outlet that's in the best location for the welder and disconnect the other one. #8 wire should be sufficient for either length. You can use the old wires to help pull the new wire in. Just make sure you have the breaker off when your disconnecting and connecting the wires and you should be good to go!
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