Can I stop my home breaker from tripping?...

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Hello all, this is my first post as I've welded exactly 2 weeks in school and am loving it..Today I purchased a Lincoln Power Mig 210 and attempted to stick weld at home and repeatedly tripped the breaker(not extension cord), now I DO realize this is not an ideal welding venue and I know I cant go up on the amps for the breaker, first I will replace the breaker with a new AMERICAN made breaker in the 27 yr old home, if this doesn't work am I SOL?...thanks in advance yall, cheers - Marshall
Reply:assume you are welding on 120v?Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:sorry yes 120v, 1/8'' 14'' 3/8 metalLast edited by Dallasnewb; 12-20-2014 at 07:25 AM.
Reply:Good idea to replace it.Probably sol but if you thought to replace it you must have thought to not have other stuff drawing power from the breaker while welding.
Reply:ok so its in the garage does that mean only the light is using that circuit or could it be other stuff inside?
Reply:Does the garage light go out when the breaker trips?  If it does, then there's the answer....   Is the electrical panel in the garage, and is it possible to add another circuit?  You're going to max out any 15 amp house breaker even if there's nothing else on the circuit.  If you could add a 20 amp dedicated circuit for your welder you would get an improvement in performance.Lincoln Precision TIG 185.Flex-Loc 150 torch.Super-Flex hose.Lincoln MIG 180.Victor Oxy/Act torch set.DeWalt Bandsaw with SWAG stand
Reply:The breaker is there to protect the wiring- it is doing it's job.  The correct approach is to have another circuit run for the welder.
Reply:Originally Posted by stoneaxeThe breaker is there to protect the wiring- it is doing it's job.  The correct approach is to have another circuit run for the welder.
Reply:Welcome !    More information would help. Is the outlet from the breaker panel in the garage that you are using ? If panel is in house , how long of approximate wire run is there to outlet ? Breaker size ? Wire size ? I think you will need at least a 20 amp dedicated breaker with #12 wire. Check manual. I would try 3/32 rod for a start . A long wire run will compound the issues. If the panel is close replace wire and breaker with larger size.
Reply:I bet the manual gives a warning to NEVER use a welder on a circuit supplying anything else!!!!! That said, a dedicated circuit with one piece of cable from breaker panel to welder will be makeshift at best. I believe welders with 120 volt capability are designed for one function; to separate you from your money. I don't believe a 120 volt machine delivering 2400 watts surge power before factoring inefficiencies can weld 3/8" steel. Have a professional install a properly sized 240 volt circuit specifically for the welder. That's the only way to avoid wasting the money you paid for the welder.
Reply:Yes. Your simply over loading that small 15 amp 120v electrical circuit. Your welder is drawing more than 15 amps on that 120v circuit thus tripping the breaker. The breaker is doing its job. The real solution to your problem is to put in a dedicated welder circuit. I suspect that a 230v 40 amp circuit would be plenty for your welding machine. Your machine will also perform much better with more power and a higher duty cycle running on 230v.Last edited by snoeproe; 12-20-2014 at 10:23 AM.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Would the 40amp version require new wiring? It is 15 on the other one and I WILL dedicate one of the remaining empty circuits to the welder, now I guess this will require installing a plug? Now we are at electrician territory so I've called him, thanks everyone so much this is a great forum...Btw is the 40amp necessary? I guess might as well
Reply:If your electrician knows what he is doing, he will either calculate your load, or size it to supply your next welder. I'd go 50 amp 240 volts.
Reply:does anyone have a video link I could check out for upgrading wire? the plug is only 5 feet away and I got the proper wiring 10g best brand
Reply:Is the main power supply into your garage 120 or 230 volt? Going to the dedicated  230 plug is the way to go, but could involve more wiring and panel work if your garage is just a 120 circuit off the house panel. Before you get too carried away with extension cords, find out which voltage your electrician is recommending because a 230 volt circuit will require a much larger plug than a 120.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:Look on the electrical forum on here and you will probably find more information than you need to do it.
Reply:Go to Lowe's, Home Depot or your local library and get one of those books on electrical wiring.  Well worth the price of admission. Wiring can be straightforward BUT there are a few "gotchas". I bought the book and wired a two car garage addition with 3 rooms over and a 100 Amp subpanel.  15 separate circuits. But, I engaged a friendly local electrician for about $40. an hour to advise me and do the main panel and subpanel hookups."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by DallasnewbWould the 40amp version require new wiring? It is 15 on the other one and I WILL dedicate one of the remaining empty circuits to the welder, now I guess this will require installing a plug? Now we are at electrician territory so I've called him, thanks everyone so much this is a great forum...Btw is the 40amp necessary? I guess might as well
Reply:Oops, double post.  "USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I would have your electrician write up a estimate. Have him sow you exactly what he will be doing step by step. Then decide if you are qualified to do it.
Reply:If you bought10 guage wire you will be limited to 30 amps but that will be a big improvement over 15 amps at 110 volts. Most electrician probably have scraps of wire for  a job like this .Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Originally Posted by farmshopIf you bought10 guage wire you will be limited to 30 amps but that will be a big improvement over 15 amps at 110 volts. Most electrician probably have scraps of wire for  a job like this .
Reply:But what if my house is only 120 I can't run 240 then right? If that's the case I think I'm going to go with a 40/120, electrician coming before the game tomorrow at noon