Connecting a Welder to the Mains

[ASJ]

I plan to run a spur from my cooker cable, out to the garage and in to a blue c-form 32 amp socket. I then plan to plug in my welder which has a recommended fuse rating of 30 amps.

Due to the initial surge of the welder, it has been suggested that I fit a Type D 32 amp MCB in place of the old 30 amp fuse wire at the mains.

Does this sound OK? Should I also fit a PCB in the circuit somewhere?

 

[plugwash]

DO NOT use a type D breaker without doing appropriate earth fault loop impedance testing first! I doubt you will find a type D breaker to fit your CU anyway.

also if you must spur off the cooker circuit it would be a very good idea to put in a changeover switch so that the cooker and the welder cannot be used at the same time.

 

[ASJ]

Many for the advice Plugwash. I will certainly add a changeover switch as suggested.

I have managed to find a type B breaker that would fit my CU. Would it make sense to swap that for the existing fuse wire or would I still need to do an earth fault impedance test?

 

[JohnD]

You have a CU with fusewire?

then it is likely to be very old and quite likely the earthing arrangements and tails are in need of upgrading.

You would do better to have a new CU fitted that's suitab;e for supplying your welding gear, and an entirely new, dedicated cable to the workshop.

 

[Steve]

I plan to run a spur from my cooker cable, out to the garage and in to a blue c-form 32 amp socket. I then plan to plug in my welder which has a recommended fuse rating of 30 amps.

Due to the initial surge of the welder, it has been suggested that I fit a Type D 32 amp MCB in place of the old 30 amp fuse wire at the mains.

Does this sound OK? Should I also fit a PCB in the circuit somewhere?

Frankly none of it sounds ok, and you sound like you havent the foggiest.

 

[dannyboi2003]

ASJ - What you are proposing is a complete lash up!

From what you describe your existing electrical installation is in need of testing and updating, please for your and others safety contact a few local electricians (get at least 3 quotes) to come and provide a proper power supply to your garage and test/update your existing electrics.

Dan

 

[ASJ]

I recently had the all of the electrics tested and certified by a reputable, qualified electrician, prior to renting the house out for a while. Everything was considered to be safe and OK.

I'm not sure why running a cable through the wall to a socket in the garage is being considered as a complete lash-up? Fuse ... cable ... socket - it's not rocket science ;o).