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Thread: 30 amp breaker for PM205

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  1. #1

    Default 30 amp breaker for PM205

    Getting close to ordering a PM 205. I have purchased my argon tank and I am wanting to make sure my 30 amp 220 outlet is going to be ok.
    I don't plan on ever going over 5/16" of thickness for plasma cut or welding with this unit. Hope to use for both mild steel and aluminum. I have a 50 ft extention cord that will plug in from my receptical to the unit itself. Is this too long and is the 30 amp eneough? ....thanks wayne

  2. #2

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    That is just enough, actually a little under, but I think,(maybe a electrician can weigh in) that the breaker is still within acceptable limits.

    Now the extension cord is another matter. What gauge do you have? It would need to be a minimum of 8 gauge wire for that distance run.

  3. Default

    It wouldnt be hard to chage the 30 to a 40 amp breaker but the only concern would be come what is the gauge of wire and how far does it run to the plug.

    Is this plug put in for the welder or other 220 shop equipment or is it something like a dryer plug?

  4. Exclamation

    Quote Originally Posted by Tallguy64 View Post
    It wouldnt be hard to chage the 30 to a 40 amp breaker but the only concern would be come what is the gauge of wire and how far does it run to the plug.
    I'm not an electrician, but PLEASE don't even think about changing to a larger breaker unless you know exactly what you are doing, and are taking into consideration the wiring that runs from the breaker to the outlet. The breaker is there to protect the wiring (as in keep it from melting and causing a fire.)

    As far as I've been able to tell, welders are a special case in the electrical codes. Because welders have a limited duty cycle (say 40% or 60%), a higher amperage may be OK compared to something like a dryer.

    Remember the power cord on a PM 205 is only 12 gauge. That does NOT mean you can run a 12 ga extension cord to it. Running an undersized extension cord will result in a voltage drop that will damage the electronics in the welder,

    I hope someone with better credentials can step in to make recommendations.

    Doug in Vancouver

  5. #5

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    thanks so far folks.....to answer a few questions to your responses the extention cord is 12/4 90 c cable. I have 30 amp plugs on it and I could shorten the length to 25' if this will help for keeping my welder in good condition. I realize that the thickness of this cable is not idea but I am thinking I will not be running the welder under load for long periods of time but not really sure if I should spend the money on an extra length of thicker cable. I have this cable allready as it is something I have use for going from my generator which has a 30 amp type plug receptical but it only outputs I think 20 amps. I was hoping to use the same cable for both applications but if I need to shorten it or buy thicker cable I will. If I buy thicker cable How thick and how long?.....iI would like it to be atleast 25 feet to go from my receptical to outside of my workshop. ....wayne

  6. #6

    Default

    You'll need 10 gauge to go 25 feet. 12 gauge is only good for 20 amps at 25 feet.

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