Miller 200

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I recently moved into a new house, swapped my receptacle on the welder power supply to fit the new box, plugged it into the dryer 220 outlet and I get nothing, just a low buzz. Any suggetions?thanx ahead,HotSpot
Reply:do you have both hots connected? i would go over the wiring from the panel to the outlet, make sure it's grounded properly alsoStangnetShop Full Of Stuff. Joey
Reply:Thanks I will try that, yes both hots connected. It seems like the power given to the welder is not enough to run it. The spool does not turn either, but there is just enough power to make a buzz sound. The welder worked fine in the same application at my old house. Is there something I might try with a multimeter?hotspot
Reply:Hi Hotspot,Have you used your multimeter to check the outlet and make sure you're getting 220 volts between the two phases (usually the red and black wires) with 120 between either of the phases and the neutral (white)?  If you're getting those voltage readings and your plug is wired correctly you should be ready to roll.  If the outlet voltage readings aren't correct you would want to check the wiring at the outlet and panel as suggested by VipermanZ.  The two phases are fed by separate, usually ganged, breakers.  Perhaps one is tripped or bad causing you to miss one of the 120 volt phases?  You could check that at the breaker panel metering at the wire clamp screws but be careful with the probes and your fingers.Let us know how you make out.TinkerTinkerCentury 135GS, ThermalArc 250GTS
Reply:There is a 30 amp breaker at the box however, there is low voltage at the outlet, I am not an expert electrician, so what might be the minimum volts to amps required to operate a Millermatic 200 on low effectively enough to run a nice bead on mild steel no thicker than .25 in. Oh yeah, my dryer runs fine on the same outlet, is there any correlation twinxed the two.You guys rock by the way!H.S.
Reply:Since the dryer runs OK I'd double check the wiring on the 220v 30a plug (dryer style) that you put onto the welder.  According to the Millermatic 200 manual it looks like the primary power wires are color coded black, white and green.  The black and white being the 220v wires and the green being the ground.  The black and white must be connected to the two large angled slots on the dryer outlet putting them across 220v.  The green welder wire must be connected to the outlet neutral, the small angle shaped connector.  Sorry if I'm going into too much basic detail.So...Welder Black -> Large Angled Plug Blade (L1)Welder White -> Other Large Angled Plug Blade (L2)Welder Green -> Small "L" Shaped Plug Blade (Neutral/Ground)Almost sounds like the welder is buzzing trying to run on 120v instead of 220v.  Need to make sure all the connections are correct.So what voltage are did you measure at the dryer plug?  Between the two large angled slots (should be ~220v) and between each angled slot and the small "L" shaped hole (should be ~110v)?The manual showed jumper adjustments for both 220v and 200v so I'd say it's pretty particular about voltage.  The specs show that at full output it draws 40 amps at 220v.  They're recommending 8 gauge wire with a 60 amp breaker.  There wasn't enough info in the manual to determine how much output you can get with fewer amps input but you'll find that out when you start welding.  If your breaker keeps popping you'll have to take it easier.Let us know what you find out on the plug wiring and the specific outlet voltages you measure.TinkerCentury 135GS, ThermalArc 250GTS
Reply:I had the green hooked to a large angled prong and not the Nuetral, I was assuming this was correct based on the installation directions provided by the receptacle manufacturer, however I guess I should invest in a manual for myself. It worked like a champ and I have been welding all night breakin a sweat all thanks to you guys! I am new to the forum, but I think it is awesome that you guys are willing to help us rookies out. You guys rock once again!Thankx,H.S.
Reply:Glad we could help steer you in the right direction to get your rig up and running.  You can get the manuals for the Millers and most of the other welders off of their web sites.  You might want to download and print the one for your unit.  They usually have the manuals as well as technical bulletins and updates that may be useful.  Your particular manual had a lot of how-to detail on welding with pictures of beads and different techniques.  You never know what you're going to find in them.TinkerCentury 135GS, ThermalArc 250GTS