supply for welder

[outinthestix]

Hi folks, i currently have a 180 amp arc welder which just about runs on a 13 amp socket outlet. Suspect it needs a bigger supply as it blows a fuse now and then. However i could do with a bigger welder for occaisional heavy jobs such as a 250 amp and wondered what size supply cable and fuse would cope. Also what type of plug as the welders i have seen say they are portable ? Thanks, stix.
P.S if anyone has any experience of welders which aren't worth buying please offer your advice.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Hi folks, i currently have a 180 amp arc welder which just about runs on a 13 amp socket outlet. Suspect it needs a bigger supply as it blows a fuse now and then.

I'm not surprised - there'll be a surge when you strike the arc. Is that when the fuse goes?

Or when you've had an arc going for a while? What's the output voltage when the arc has been struck? Multiply that by 180 and if it's much more than 3kW that'll put the fuse at risk too.

What do the instructions say about supplying it?

However i could do with a bigger welder for occaisional heavy jobs such as a 250 amp and wondered what size supply cable and fuse would cope.

Whatever the makers say. A dedicated circuit on a C32 would cut down the risk of the breaker tripping. D would be better, but you'd struggle to get the fault loop value low enough.

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=76467#76467

Also what type of plug as the welders i have seen say they are portable ?

At a guess, 16A or 32A EN 60309.

P.S if anyone has any experience of welders which aren't worth buying please offer your advice.

Try the tools and/or car forums.