Miller 200DX -- 20A or 50A circuit?

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I'm just moving into a new space and have the choice of 20A or 50A single phase 220V circuits for my Miller 200DX.  According to the specs in the manual the maximum draw will be 16A so the 20A circuit should be fine, but does anyone have experience with this welder that shows it tripping a 20A breaker when at maximum output?  The wiring of the 20A circuit is actually sized for 30A (i.e. #10) so I could install a 30A circuit breaker, but would rather not waste the time and money to do so if it isn't necessary.
Reply:Just run it on the 50......Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:If you want to reserve the 50 amp circuit for another machine, then you should be good to go.  Either way, on both circuits, check voltage on each leg. My local utility delivers a really stiff 128 volts, which is GOOD Don't hesitate to open the main panel and check breaker wire inserts are clean and tight-same for outlets....Just use proper safety measures.
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopJust run it on the 50......
Reply:If you machine has a certain type of plug and there just happens to be the same identical wall out let, I say go for it. Save your money, don't change anything.You didn't say what kind of plugs and receptacles they were, likely it will cost more than $20.Say your machine has a problem some day like a ground fault or short circuit, would you rather find that problem out if your 16 amp machine with it plugged into a 20 amp breaker or a 50 amp breaker?old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Originally Posted by mad welder 4 Say your machine has a problem some day like a ground fault or short circuit, would you rather find that problem out if your 16 amp machine with it plugged into a 20 amp breaker or a 50 amp breaker?
Reply:Couple of questions. are we talking about a maxstar 200DX? 115 vac 230 vac or 460vac?single or three phase  Line power. Big difference in available line power from 115 to 230 volts.
Reply:Originally Posted by ccawgcCouple of questions. are we talking about a maxstar 200DX? 115 vac 230 vac or 460vac?single or three phase  Line power. Big difference in available line power from 115 to 230 volts.
Reply:According to the spec sheet ( http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/spec_sheets/AD4-8.pdf ) you will be fine with a 20 amp wiring and breaker.   At rated TIG output (150 amps at 60% duty cycle) it's input is around 15 amps on 230 volts.   The rated output on stick is only 130 at 60%, but that draws 20 amps.  If this is used as a welding circuit (only the welder is allowed on it) you can go above 20 amps on a 20 amp breaker for a limited time.  It's critical that the wire in the wall is allowed to cool between running beads if you run it above 20 amps.Dan----------------------------Measure twice.  Weld once.  Grind to size.MIG:  Lincoln SP100 TIG/STICK:  AHP Alphatig 200X
Reply:Not to seem like a nag, but make sure to check both the breaker and outlet for clean tite wire connections...You don't want a high resistance connection on a heavy load, especially on just one leg of 240. It will cause big voltage sag and imbalance that quickly gets worse till something releases it's magic smoke.
Reply:Originally Posted by dbstooAccording to the spec sheet... It's critical that the wire in the wall is allowed to cool between running beads if you run it above 20 amps.
Reply:This should answer any power questions you may still have.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveThis should answer any power questions you may still have.
Reply:Originally Posted by wornoutoldwelder According to it, if he has a stiff 120V on each leg(which most of USA does), then max pull with his welder will be less than 15 amps.
Reply:Originally Posted by MCTigI'm just moving into a new space and have the choice of 20A or 50A single phase 220V circuits for my Miller 200DX.  According to the specs in the manual the maximum draw will be 16A so the 20A circuit should be fine, but does anyone have experience with this welder that shows it tripping a 20A breaker when at maximum output?  The wiring of the 20A circuit is actually sized for 30A (i.e. #10) so I could install a 30A circuit breaker, but would rather not waste the time and money to do so if it isn't necessary.
Reply:Originally Posted by kidtigger24I run my Dynasty 200DX off a 220 volt 20 amp circuit and have never once tripped the breaker running full bore 200 amp output.You will be fine with the 20 amp, but 50 wouldn't hurt for a bigger machine in the future.
Reply:Don't mix up the 3 phase ratings with the single phase ratings. according to the posted chart. Max current draw is 35 amps on a 230 volt line. This is the value you have to design to. The next column over says effective current is 16 amps at 230 volts.Not sure what the mean by that. I would use your#10 wire, make it a 30 amp circuit with a 30 amp plug and not think about it again. 30 amp service will allow you the full output of this machine for it's duty cycle limit. At 200 amps you are limited to 2 minutes with a 8 minutes rest. 35 amp load on a 30 amp breaker will not cause it to trip in two minutes. Unless the breaker panel is in full sun and it is 100 degrees outside.With a 115 volt plug you can weld TIG weld at 100 amps for 2 minutes before a 20 amp 115vac CB will trip. Stick weld 80 to 85 amps.Dynasty and Maxstar are sister machines. only difference is the AC switch, front panel and software.
Reply:Originally Posted by ccawgc according to the posted chart. Max current draw is 35 amps on a 230 volt line. This is the value you have to design to. The next column over says effective current is 16 amps at 230 volts.
Reply:It will weld a little higher on 115 volts. But the breaker will trip.You could tack weld  at 140 amps. for quite a awhile. Just depends on the trip curve of your breaker. Tripping breaker doesn't damage welder. Just wares the breaker out.
Reply:Originally Posted by MCTigI'm just moving into a new space and have the choice of 20A or 50A single phase 220V circuits for my Miller 200DX.  According to the specs in the manual the maximum draw will be 16A so the 20A circuit should be fine, but does anyone have experience with this welder that shows it tripping a 20A breaker when at maximum output?  The wiring of the 20A circuit is actually sized for 30A (i.e. #10) so I could install a 30A circuit breaker, but would rather not waste the time and money to do so if it isn't necessary.
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1Not sure where yer looking in the manual but in the Electrical Service Guide section it indicates a 25amp Time  Delay Fuse which would be the same for a Circuit breaker. (30amp CB)