Dedicated Circuit For Welder

[Mike Bean]

Ok, here is a good one for you. :rofl:

I have a Lincoln Pro Mig 175 Welder and everytime I hook up to house current I can never get a clean stable arc. When I hook up to my generator I get a beautiful clean stable arc.

Has anyone else had this problem or know how to fix it? I am plugging my welder into my dryer outlet which I made a heavy duty cable for.

Someone told me I need a dedicated ground for the welder. What does that mean and how do I hook one up off my fuse box if that is the case?!?!?

Thanks!

Mike Bean

[WOTracer]

Mike,

All my big amp draw tools have a dedicated circuit for that tool. Just like your dryer, there is no other appliance or tool (or shouldn't be!!) to that outlet. That's the basic meaning for dedicated line. As for your present outlet, and poor arc, can be a few things. The line may have enough voltage to run the mig but not enough amps to run a stable arc. What is the present amp for the circuit versus the amp needed for the mig? Secondly, if your running any type of extension cord, is it heavy enough to hold the current?
I think on a Lincoln 175 the circuit has to be a minimum of 60 amps.


Steve
Wide Open Throttle Racing


ps on your reincarnation (your 2nd BSR) did you still have your stool swivel??

[moto1fast]

Mike, what was stated by WOTracer is correct. To do this at your breaker box install a breaker and run heavy gauge wire to a seperate outlet just for the welder. Make sure you install a breaker big enough to run your welder! If you do run a extension cord do not go over 20' and use a Large gauge wire! Hope this Helps! :wave:

[Mike Bean]

Call me stupid, but if I unplug my dryer and plug in the welder is that not the same thing as a dedicated circuit for the welder?

Thanks,
Mike Bean

[moto1fast]

Mike, That would work as a deticated line if the breaker is large enough and the wiring going to the outlet from breaker box is large enough! Also make sure your ground wire is not tied into any other ground wires. That is what is known as a deticated ground. In your main breaker box go to a seperate ground block. Hope that works! :wave:

[Mike Bean]

ps on your reincarnation (your 2nd BSR) did you still have your stool swivel??

Steve,

YES! I still run the swivle. It keeps it interesting when going around corners at 40 miles and hour and riding on the side wheels.

:D :D :D

Mike Bean

[CJM]

Around here dryers are set up on a 30 amp circut with 10 ga wire. If WOT is right about it requireing a 60 amp servive you should have it on 70 amp breaker and at least 6 ga wire. Maybe you not able to get enough current for a stable arc.