flexible drop (like ext cord) for welder?

[erics]

So I'm scoping out what it's going to take to run 220 in the garage for a new welder and I'm wondering if it makes any sense to run a flexible drop with a 220 outlet at the end (like a heavy duty extenstion cord) instead of going to the trouble of conduit and a hard box, and likely then using a heavy duty extension cord from there when needed.

it's a two stall garage and the breaker box is in the garage on the wall shared with the house. I work either in the stall away from the house or on a parking pad next to the garage (away from the house). So I can run conduit and hang a box under my workbench at the front of the second stall, and use an extension cord as neede. Or, I could run roughly 25' soft line directly off the fuse box and take it when and where I need it. When not in use I would hang it coiled on a garden hose hanger and flip off the breaker conveniently right there above it.

btw, thinking Hobart 187 which appears to me to only need a 30A 230V circuit.

any thoughts on this guys?

thanks

 

[nicholastheczar]

I have a HH187 and got everything I need for my extension cord from Home Depot. I think I used about 75 - 85 in materials including 25 feet of #10 wire, box, plug, and recepticle. Here is a link when I asked the same question.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=156250

 

[erics]

so you ran what amounts to a 25' extension cord made of #10 wire directy off the breaker box?

as I read your post again it sounds like you instead assembled an extension cord to run between the old box and the welder.... if so that's not what I'm asking.

 

[nicholastheczar]

I made a 25' extension cord to go from my 220v outlet out of #10 wire.

After reading your post, I thought you alredy had a 220v outlet. If you are needing to install a 220v to run a HH187 you will need to run 10/2 Romex wire with a 30A breaker.

I would run wire in the wall to a box, then use a extension cord. If you are talking about running a extension cord directly out of your breaker box, I wouldn't do that. I'm not an electrician, but it seems like that would be a fire hazard.

 

[erics]

thanks... anyone else?

 

[fj40charles]

I would install a receptacle mounted on the wall between garage and house. Make an extension cord and plug it into the receptacle.

 

[Pinion]

I use the dryer outlet and a larger diameter extension cord. Probably 30-40 feet. Im glad I have this set up until I upgrade my entire service. We're still running screw fuses.

 

[450 DUDE]

What do you think about making it a true ex cord set up?
Out of your main box install a double ganger and put the proper receptical in it.
That way you could plug or un plug the thing.

ken

 

[D'Animal]

I would install a receptacle mounted on the wall between garage and house. Make an extension cord and plug it into the receptacle.

X - 2

 

[Plowboy]

Breakers aren't really designed for off/on duty. Your best option is to install the 30 amp breaker, hard wire to HD off/on box with a 30 amp surface mount receptacle mount below the off/on box. Then plug your 10/3 w ground drop cord into the receptacle.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

How long are you going to be in the house? Forever? or just a few years?

If you'll be there indefinitely I'd go ahead and run the conduit and so on. If not, just put a receptacle off the main box and make an extension cord. I built myself a 50' extension cord using parts from Home Depot and have not had any problems running either my stick welder or my MM180 through it.

Ary

 

[REZARF]

X - 2

x3

I just got done doing this, now I am buying a 50amp extension cord from the welding supply place, it is a flexable 8/3 line.

I installed a wall socket directly below the the breaker box and will run the cord from there. Easy and safe.

Think fire prevention for you and yours.

Rezarf <><

 

[erics]

thanks all... here's what I ended up with:

wall socket mounted directly to bottom of breaker box = $12

40 ft extension cord... $12 box, $12 plug, and 40' of rubber 10/3 at $1.77 / ft at Lowes

all in a bit over $100

works good.... (at least the electicity part - no harrassment on the welds please)