Extention Cord

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So I've got some wire that I want to either make into an extention cord, or just replace the existing plug on my welder. The question is, is replacing the existing plug a better option? I'll have the added hassel of dealing with the overly long cord. Or I can do the extension cord and be able to take it off and keep it out of the way when needed. What do you guys think?There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:I'd keep things separate.Matthew MortonTexas A&M '06Logsdon Seminary '13"Who Dares Wins""AFTF""WH2PH"SA 200 (Code: 5337)TB 302CP 302 w/22A Wire FeederMillerMatic 200Miller Syncrowave 200MillerMatic 252BurnTables 4x4 CNC MachineHypertherm 65
Reply:I would replace the existing welder cord, if it is not in good conditions.I do not like the extension cords, because I think about safety first.Mauricio
Reply:The existing cord is perfectly fine. No damage at all. Just wish it was longer.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Originally Posted by mauricio_daniel_62I would replace the existing welder cord, if it is not in good conditions.I do not like the extension cords, because I think about safety first.
Reply:Originally Posted by ThorsHammerSo I've got some wire that I want to either make into an extention cord, or just replace the existing plug on my welder. The question is, is replacing the existing plug a better option? I'll have the added hassel of dealing with the overly long cord. Or I can do the extension cord and be able to take it off and keep it out of the way when needed. What do you guys think?
Reply:Ok Ed, your the electrical guy so I will ask the question. Is it better to have a short cord on the machine, and run it on an extension cord when needed or just put the 75' of cord directly on the machine at all times.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:I had a Weldpak 155 that I put 50' of 3/6 (or is that 6/3, 3 strand 6guage) and it was the most useful thing I ever did....until I got another 220v welder and wanted to use it outside the garage too.It costs a bit more, but make the extension cord.  Hobart has a really nice 3 prong 250 amp female end too, btw.  I found it at Coastal Farm and Ranch.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:I'm not Ed nor an expert but it would depend on the cord conductor size.  If properly sized, it wouldn't matter either way and would simply be a personal preference and/or convenience question.Personally I would go with a proper size conductor extension cord for the largest anticipated load so I could use it for other machines if needed/desired.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1What is the difference between a Long power and a short Power cord with an extension?
Reply:Originally Posted by TozziWeldingOk Ed, your the electrical guy so I will ask the question. Is it better to have a short cord on the machine, and run it on an extension cord when needed or just put the 75' of cord directly on the machine at all times.
Reply:Originally Posted by mauricio_daniel_62THE STATISTICS The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSO) estimates that each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms. About half the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions, or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. Thirteen percent of the injuries involve children under-five years of age; electrical burns to the mouth accounted for half the injuries to young children. CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage, and/or misuse of extension cordsExtracted from  http://www.retractable-extension-cor...rd-safety.html
Reply:my extension cord is 100 ft of 6/4 direct ground burial  multi soft strandLincoln Power Arc 4000 Thermal Arc Fabricator 252 iThermal arc 186Thermal Arc 26 tigTweeko 200 amp spool gunHobart AirForce 400WP-17V-12R
Reply:We use these all the timehttp://www.profoto.com/us/products/g...ro-8a-2400-airNotice the male Connector built in?No power cord even attached to the Strobe unit.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ower_Pack.htmlBUT you would think it would come with a power cord at this priceEd 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:The cord is 12/3 type S those are the only markings I can find on it. It was used as a power line for a 5th wheel camper. The power cord on the machine is 12/3 as well. The new cord is approximately 24'. where as the power cord is 10'. I'm not looking to pull the machine to the other side of the property. Just be able to work around my trailer without having to re-position the trailer every time I need to work on one side of the other.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:I made an extension cord for my machine with some 10/3 ... depending on your load, 12/3 may be OK or too light.How many amps does your welder draw?
Reply:here's what the website says.Amprage range 25-210Amprage imputs at rated load 60hz230 v - 24kVA - 5.4kW - 4.6Max Open Curcuit voltage - 34VI bought my Handler 210 right before they switched to the MVP so I can only assume it's the same.I'm going to just use it as an extension cord. putting it on the machine itself just doesn't appeal to me. I don't want a long cord to worry about if I don't have to. As for the safety warnings about extension cord usage. I'm going to chalk that up to the darwin effect, in combination with a cross generational Darwin effect. AKA Stupid people and stupid parents.Last edited by ThorsHammer; 10-10-2012 at 11:35 AM.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:I want to replace the cord on my 110 MIG, currently has a 20A plug and rated to draw 25A. If I want to use a 50' cord, what size should I use?Lincoln 175HD
Reply:Originally Posted by mauricio_daniel_62THE STATISTICS The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSO) estimates that each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms. About half the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions, or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. Thirteen percent of the injuries involve children under-five years of age; electrical burns to the mouth accounted for half the injuries to young children. CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage, and/or misuse of extension cordsExtracted from  http://www.retractable-extension-cor...rd-safety.html
Reply:Originally Posted by ThorsHammerThe cord is 12/3 type S those are the only markings I can find on it. It was used as a power line for a 5th wheel camper. The power cord on the machine is 12/3 as well. The new cord is approximately 24'. where as the power cord is 10'. I'm not looking to pull the machine to the other side of the property. Just be able to work around my trailer without having to re-position the trailer every time I need to work on one side of the other.
Reply:Originally Posted by slotardI want to replace the cord on my 110 MIG, currently has a 20A plug and rated to draw 25A. If I want to use a 50' cord, what size should I use?
Reply:My Miller 185 came with a 6' coard which sucked. I replaced it with a 20' and now it gets me around the shop for most things and stil winds up on machine. Also made a 50' extension coard that gets me outside.     To keep coards out of the way I have J or bicycle hooks in the cieling that I use a stick with a nail in it to hook coards. Hooks were originally installed to hang parts from for paintingMiller 180,Esab 300I TIG Lincoln Stick [1950's} Victor Torches, Dewalt chop saw, Enco 9x48 Mill,  48x60 home shop with Gantry crane and Pit.
Reply:I have done both and much perfer the extension cord.Miller Diversion 180Lincoln Mig Pak 5000 HDHypertherm 45Uni-Spotter Stud WelderOxy Set-up with Harris TorchMiller 30FX Arc StationMiller Elite - Hockey Canada Helmet
Reply:I prefer to limit the number of plug-in connectors in a run simply because that is another source of resistance.  Now if they are big connectors that are rated much higher in amperage than the cord itself, then no biggie."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 OldendumI prefer to limit the number of plug-in connectors in a run simply because that is another source of resistance.  Now if they are big connectors that are rated much higher in amperage than the cord itself, then no biggie.Originally Posted by Broccoli112/3 would be fine.The biggest problem with 120v machines is the Receptacle/Circuit it is fed from since most 120v receptacles are not a dedicated Circuit: one circuit breaker feeds a few receptacles and if anything else is ON on that circuit ya sorta starve the welder for power.Which machine do you have that is RATED @ 25amps 120v?
Reply:In my garage addition, I used mostly Pass and Seymour 20A 120V outlets.  Those things do not want to let go of a plug.  Not your 69 cent outlet from a bin at the homey despot."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 Broccoli1What is the difference between a Long power and a short Power cord with an extension?
Reply:Originally Posted by mauricio_daniel_62THE STATISTICS The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSO) estimates that each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms. About half the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions, or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. Thirteen percent of the injuries involve children under-five years of age; electrical burns to the mouth accounted for half the injuries to young children. CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage, and/or misuse of extension cordsExtracted from  http://www.retractable-extension-cor...rd-safety.html
Reply:Originally Posted by skeletonizerBased on this maybe extension cords should be classified as a disease or possibly a weapon?
Reply:Lets try to stay on topic guys...There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:If you make an extension cord, you can use it for several different things.If you add the cable to your welder, it becomes a dedicated long cord on your welder.What I did was wire a 50 Amp Range receptacle in my garage workshop, and I made a 20 foot cord of 8 Guage SO Cable with  a 50 Amp plug and receptacle.  I use it to power either my saw or welder, whichever I am using at the time.  In my opinion this was the best setup for me.Your situation and circumstances may be different fom mine, and this advice is worth exactly what you are paying for it.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:I did the extension cord. it's far more versatile. If I want I can change the male end and be able to weld in the garage instead of the shop by plugging into the dryer outlet. as well as be able to take the welder to other peoples houses as needed and swap out the plug to fit the outlet.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:I cannot help you with, "Is this wire gauge big enough for the power I am going to put through it," but I have a thought on the extension cord.I would definitely recommend having heavier-than-necessary plugs on extension cords.I seem to remember the length of 75 feet earlier in the thread.  How about leaving the equipment cord as it is, then making both a 25-foot and 50-foot extension cord (all of heavy enough gauge for a 75-foot cord plus the length of your equipment cord).  Then, you have a great deal of versatility.  You can have a 25-, 50-, or 75-foot extension.KevKevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:I put a longer cord on my little welder. Here's the thread with all the details:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=87641
Reply:I just went to a fire today caused by an extension cord, so this thread was on my mind.  Looks like Thorshammer already made up his mind, so I'll just throw a couple of things in for others.Extension cords are one of the leading causes of fires.  That's usually caused by wear and tear.  Don't use extension cords as permanent wiring.  They will all eventually wear out and short.I don't believe you can daisy chain extension cords by code.  Each set of connectors can add a resistance point.  (Read heat spot)I'd still rather use an extension cord when needed than fight a too long cord everyday.And for those of you with fish tanks, watch where you put the powerstrip under the tank.  I've been on several fires now caused by saltwater splashing into a powerstrip over time.
Reply:Cafyrman,I don't daisy chain cords. it's not smart. and 95% of the time I wont be working outside of my shop so making the power cord longer just doesn't make sense. The extention cord is best solutions for my needs. Also It's improper use of extension cords that causes fires and accidents. If you leave a rats nest of cord in the middle of the walk way someone is going to trip. If you don't watch kids properly, they'll get hurt. If you uses them in ways they weren't intended you're asking for trouble. simple as that.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Exactly.  I saw you had already made up your mind, so I just posted that for the next guy who picks up this thread in a search since I had recent experience.
Reply:I know. Just pointing out that extension cords aren't the devil is they are used properly. people just don't use them properly. The same concept goes for doing christmas lights. You don't kneed 8 runs of light on 1 plug.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli112/3 would be fine.The biggest problem with 120v machines is the Receptacle/Circuit it is fed from since most 120v receptacles are not a dedicated Circuit: one circuit breaker feeds a few receptacles and if anything else is ON on that circuit ya sorta starve the welder for power.Which machine do you have that is RATED @ 25amps 120v?
Reply:I have a question about using  an extension cord. I have a dedicated 50 amp plug right below my breaker box with it's own dedicated breaker. My stick welder uses that same dryer style three prong plug. My hypertherm plasma uses a different style plug for 210 volts. I want to make a 20 foot extension cord with 8/4 gauge cord. I am planning on using a male 50 amp plug on one end to go into the outlet. on the other end i was going to use the same dryer three prong 50 amp recepticle. That way the stick welder can plug right in no issues. Here is the question. Can I make a short patch cord that will adapt the plasma cutter 30 amp cable to the 50 amp plug? Will all these plugs cause to much resistance in the line?  One note, This is a hypertherm plasma that already uses a patch cord/ adapter to change the cable from 110 to 210.
Reply:I use 2/0 in 100' Lengths.I forgot how to change this.
Reply:Originally Posted by gator9329I have a question about using  an extension cord. I have a dedicated 50 amp plug right below my breaker box with it's own dedicated breaker. My stick welder uses that same dryer style three prong plug. My hypertherm plasma uses a different style plug for 210 volts. I want to make a 20 foot extension cord with 8/4 gauge cord. I am planning on using a male 50 amp plug on one end to go into the outlet. on the other end i was going to use the same dryer three prong 50 amp recepticle. That way the stick welder can plug right in no issues. Here is the question. Can I make a short patch cord that will adapt the plasma cutter 30 amp cable to the 50 amp plug? Will all these plugs cause to much resistance in the line?  One note, This is a hypertherm plasma that already uses a patch cord/ adapter to change the cable from 110 to 210.
Reply:Found this at HomeDepot, nice to have around.http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/cata...atalogId=10053 Attached Images