Gauge of HF ground wire?

[Zman0690]

I'm trying to hook up my HF ground on my PP256 and was just curious what gauge is recommended. I will also be using a 50' extension at times so if a lower gauge would be needed based on that I would appreciate it. I tried searching through the forums and have not seen this topic discussed or I don't know the correct terminology to search for. Thanks!

Josh

[Zman0690]

Well I found some documentation that states 10 and some that states 12. Anyone wanna chime in? I know bigger is better but bigger at 60' is considerably more expensive.

Josh

[geezer]

If you are refering to the ground stud on the back of the case to a ground rod, I would think that an old extension cord, with all the wires braided together would make a suitable ground wire to the ground rod.

[zoama]

The HF bolt on back of the welder is connected to common ground (chassis) inside the welder and allows you to add a shorter ground path through a rod driven into the ground close to your welder.
The HF ground needs to be shorter than your service ground or it serves no purpose. 12ga wire will be fine.

[Zman0690]

Alright well if the HF ground and power are grounded to the welder chassis what is the point of the HF ground. Wouldn't it ground to whichever is the cable of least resistance? Or is the HF ground just a redundant ground for safety and if not then can someone explain what the benefit is of hooking it up? Thanks!

Josh

[zoama]

Alright well if the HF ground and power are grounded to the welder chassis what is the point of the HF ground. Wouldn't it ground to whichever is the cable of least resistance? Or is the HF ground just a redundant ground for safety and if not then can someone explain what the benefit is of hooking it up? Thanks!

Josh

It allows a shorter ground path by placing a ground rod close to your welder, otherwise the welder would ground though your electrical panel with everything else that's connected.
If you're in a shop with it's own ground and no sensitive electronics then there's no need to worry with the HF ground.... If your welder pulls power from your house where there are televisions, stereo equipment or computers in use, then connecting the HF ground closer than your houses electrical panel will stop (or greatly reduce) the HF from interfering with your sensitive electronics.

[Zman0690]

Thanks, that makes perfect sense. Fortunately I have a shop in the back with its own panel and the only electronic in there is a stereo.

Josh

[ASE_MasterTech]

The HF ground needs to be shorter than your neutral or it serves no purpose. 12ga wire will be fine.

I am not sure I understand this statement.
What 'neutral' are you referring to?

[zoama]

I am not sure I understand this statement.
What 'neutral' are you referring to?

I see your point... in a 240v circuit there is no neutral, just a ground. I'll edit my post and take my Geritol.

Feel free to be direct. I'm not easily offended.