Help w/ Circuit breaker tripping on a 140HD

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i have a lincoln 140 hd, but an having problems with it tripping the circuit breaker. i just got it back  from  repair  where  the trigger stays live all the time, but it is now fixed.i have it plugged into a dedicated 20a breaker, but it keeps tripping. would the problem be because the outlet is a gfic? the gfic isn''t tripping, but the main breaker is. i can only use it for about 45 seconds before this happens, but when i start  and  stop in short intervals, it doesn''t trip.Any Help?thanks
Reply:what other loads are on that 20a breaker? is the question that comes to my mind.. if the GFCI isn't tripping, that isn't the problem... I would suspect that the 140 pulls at least 20a by its self.  a breaker can take an over load for a few seconds., to allow for a motor to start, for example. If you are welding at maximum output, you may be limited in how long you can run.-- fredLincoln 180C MIG
Reply:Did it ever work properly on this outlet before?Rufus
Reply:Originally Posted by bbb18c1 i can only use it for about 45 seconds before this happens, but when i start  and  stop in short intervals, it doesn''t trip.Any Help?thanks
Reply:I had the 20amp outlet put in because it would trip my 15amp outlets. So there is nothing else running off of it.I'm running 0.35 wire, wire speed 1, voltage setting C, welding 1/8 steel.should I try 0.30 to see if it makes any difference?thanks for the replies so far!
Reply:Solid or Fluxcore?Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:sorry forgot to mention that....fluxcore
Reply:"In order to utilize the maximum output capability of the machine, a branch circuit capable of 25 amps at 120 volts, 60 Hertz is required."You may just be at the maximum output, heck the rated output of 90amps draws 19.5ampsThe .035 wire needs some juice to burn off.Your duty cycle goes to sheite above 90amps also.The 120v machine ratings suck a.s.s- they do a good job on light gauge material and I have luck sticking "heavier" stock  together  but they put the 25amp requirement as a footnote .can you take it to the repair shop and have them run a test bead?Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:I just got it back from the repair shop and tested fine.What exactly is a 25 amp circuit?I thought 20 amps was the max for the 120v plug the machine comes with.I know there are 120v 30 amp breakers, but the receptacle for a 30 amp circuit is not the same as the 20 amp one.I also know that breakers are rated only at 80% of the rating on the breaker.so that may be a problem.Do you think the 0.30 would make a difference? I hate to buy a rool and have it do the same thing.thanks
Reply:Breakers are not rated at 80%- the 80% thing comes around because people read the Code wrong.In any application where a load is going to be continuous for 3 or more hours you have to derate the circuit to 80%.( I'm not a sparky so someone can check those numbers but that is the gist of it)This is for things like Store lighting which is usually on for more than 3 hours.If this a dedicated Circuit you are allowed to put in a 30amp Breaker as the Duty Cycle allows for a Bigger Breaker matched with the 12g wire.The Repair shop may have just pulled the trigger to check their work, no real need to run a bead.Try some .030 and see what happens.Good LuckEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:I give the 0.30 a try and see what happens.If all else fails i'll trya 30amp breaker.....only things is, is 12ga okay for 30 amps?I was under the impression that 30amp requires 10ga.  also what would i do about the receptacle. Run a 30 amp breaker with the 20 amp receptacle?
Reply:"I give the 0.30 a try and see what happens.If all else fails i'll trya 30amp breaker.....only things is, is 12ga okay for 30 amps?I was under the impression that 30amp requires 10ga. also what would i do about the receptacle. Run a 30 amp breaker with the 20 amp receptacle? "IIRC there is an exception for low duty cycle loads (IE Welder) where you can under-size the wire.  The outlet should be marked "for welder only" or some such before someone plugs in 30a of continuous load. that WILL burn your house down . . . . I am sure a sparky will comment . . .-- fredLincoln 180C MIG
Reply:Originally Posted by fredf"I give the 0.30 a try and see what happens.If all else fails i'll trya 30amp breaker.....only things is, is 12ga okay for 30 amps?I was under the impression that 30amp requires 10ga. also what would i do about the receptacle. Run a 30 amp breaker with the 20 amp receptacle? "IIRC there is an exception for low duty cycle loads (IE Welder) where you can under-size the wire.  The outlet should be marked "for welder only" or some such before someone plugs in 30a of continuous load. that WILL burn your house down . . . . I am sure a sparky will comment . . .
Reply:Thanks for the advice!I'm going to install a 30 amp breaker and run the 10 ga wiring to be safe. Its not that much wire i need to run anyways (about 5 ft.) But i'm going to use the standard 20 amp  receptacle so i don't need to modify the plug on the welder.
Reply:I ram the 10ga wire today and installed the 30amp breaker and that solved the breaker tripping problem!thanks for all the help!