Welding cable extension question...

[jzilla]

Now that I am living at my in-laws in Edmonton if I want to use my welder I need another extension cord.
So please help me decide on the best option...
1) 50ft cable from princess auto http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product/8313090/50-Ft/50-ft-Welding-Extension-Cord-with-Lighted-Ends
2) Welding cable at KMS is $189
http://www.kmstools.com/2-welding-cable-4720
3) home depot cable I think is about 2 something per foot for 10/3

I already have about 40 feet of home depot cable that is about 11 years old, it is 10/3, 300v.

I will need another 50 ft in addition to my 40 feet.
Can I just get 60ft of KMS cable and plug it into my 40 foot extension and call it good?
Thanks for thoughts, I want to start welding this weekend!
J

 

[wrongway around]

Connecters can be differrent ,try to get the ones that are removable(fixable ) if you have a trailer you might want to put the money on the other end ( with a plug extension). Personally I shop for that stuff at the local wrap yards ,better cable longer lengths (if you can get it before they cut it up ) and way better prices. Even if you just missed the cable ,do yourself a faver and at least buy the conecters and clamps

 

[slowandsteady BJ]

When I priced this out a couple of years ago, the Kms pre fab cord was the cheapest route.
I priced out all the bits at an electrical supplier and the cost was quite a bit more. A Sparky buddy of mine let me use his account at the supplier which changed everything although the ends of my cord dont light up.....

 

[wrongway around]

Scrap yard not wrap yard, might want to compare steel prices too.

 

[roalco]

Hi J!

You're going to have to consider the voltage drop on that length of extension, maybe go to a #8 cable, but I'd contact the welder manufacturer, they'll tell you cable size for that length.
BTW, I saw in the diesel section a fellow in Calgary is looking for guidance on a 3B turbo project... Right up your alley!

R

 

[jzilla]

Hi R!
So the Kms price is for the arc welding cable, called them today.
The 50 ft roll of 8/3 cable is $179 AT KMS, the 50ft roll of 8/3 cable at Princess auto is $189
At work the welding extensions are made from 8/3 cable (same as I saw at Home depot yesterday). Home depot cable is 10/3, my bad!
About 6.50 per meter...

 

[jzilla]

So according to this calculator http://www.paigewire.com/pumpWireCalc.aspx,
I can run up to 153 feet on 10/3 with my millermatic 180 drawing 21.7 amps...
If I did it correctly, so 100 feet total should be ok I would think...

 

[Fantom]

You want to have about a 30% safety margin over what you need in case of spikes. And once you're up and running monitor the temp of the cable after long welds. Also, minimize any chances of coiling the extension cord as that will be a problem spot and heat up under large loads.

 

[wrongway around]

Is there any zellers , closing out up there ? Might be a good time to cash in the club z points.