IdealArc tig-300/300

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Hey guys, I just bought a IdealArc tig-300/300.  I got a great deal on and it came with everything I need to weld.  I got a 5ft tall tank of argon, benard cooler, multiples of all the consumables, owners manual, thumb amptrol, stainless brushes, filler rod, stick rod, and a tool box to store it all in.  I used it at the sellers house but I could only run it for about minutes before it blew the 30 amp line he had it on.  Anyways, after I got it home I noticed that there was a green ground wire screwed to the front cover of the machine.  Its not anywhere near the power cord.  Do I need to drive a ground rod into the ground for this?  The breaker box is on the other end of my house, with the ground rod, which is about 38 feet away.Chris Allredwww.UnusualFabrication.com
Reply:And one other thing, I already have a 230v line ran out to the shop for my air compressor.  Its a 50 amp breaker with about 46 feet 10-3G NM-B wire.  I bought a 14-50R hoping I could just swap the wall box out and run off that line (the welder already has a 14-50P) until I add a second 230v box.  If you think its to much I'll drop another 230v box and wire now as I want two 230v boxes anyways, one for the compressor and one for the welder.  If 10-3G is to small what size should I run?  Thanks!Chris Allredwww.UnusualFabrication.com
Reply:Originally Posted by UnusualFabricationAnd one other thing, I already have a 230v line ran out to the shop for my air compressor.  Its a 50 amp breaker with about 46 feet 10-3G NM-B wire.  I bought a 14-50R hoping I could just swap the wall box out and run off that line (the welder already has a 14-50P) until I add a second 230v box.  If you think its to much I'll drop another 230v box and wire now as I want two 230v boxes anyways, one for the compressor and one for the welder.  If 10-3G is to small what size should I run?  Thanks!
Reply:UF - I bought a 300/300 new in 1977, paid $1350.00.  I have moved many times and am a veteran of the breaker wars.  If memory serves me correctly at max. output it will draw 105 amps.  I reasoned that if I was welding at less than 1/2 output, a 50 amp. breaker should suffice.  I continued to pop the breaker, even at low output.  I finally called a welder service tech friend and he explained that even at rest the machine draws relatively high input amps. because it is continually charging the capacitor bank, consequently a heavy breaker is required.  -  OpusLast edited by OPUS FERRO; 08-04-2010 at 12:20 PM.Reason: form
Reply:Great advice as usual, I figured the 10-3 was much to small for the job!  Going though the manual they do list input wire sizes.  Now it seems that welding AC above 230 amps draws the most, with the PF Capacitor, 109 amps.  So I should be able to use a 100 amp breaker and be fine.  Then it lists the 2 input wire size with PF Capacitor and shows 3 and one ground wire at 6.  Are these numbers gauge sizes or what and do they make a wire with all three, or four with neutral, wires inside?  The last column shows Super lag fuse amps with PF Capacitor 150.  I was planning on running just the breaker and line to the 14-50R, do I have to have a fused shut off or something?  Do I need one of those expensive 100 amp pin connectors or will a 50 amp plug and outlet be fine?  Oh and lastly, can I just sink in a ground rod for the machine chassis?  There aren't any water lines, conduit, or any steel structure to connect to.  The shop is stick built and the service box is in the house.  Sorry for all the questions I just want to be well informed before I go and buy everything I need for the project.  I am very capable of doing the work myself, its just a 230v line just more amperage than I'm used too!Chris Allredwww.UnusualFabrication.com
Reply:yes they are wire sizes. most TIG installation guides call for a local ground rod.the extra wire you found connected to the case was that wire. also the welding table can be connected to the ground rod.The electrical system ground still has to be connected to the welder. this will make sure the breaker trips in the event of a short to the case.The local ground rod is to keep the HF for leaving the welding area.Get the big breaker and wires and hard wire the welder to a local disconnect switch.No plug. Pin and sleeve plugs that size are very expensive.
Reply:Well I got everything wired up and fired up the TIG torch!  Burned though a filler rod on some scrap and everything seemed great.  I would really like a foot amptrol, anyone know where I can find one at or something that will work?  Also, is it normal for the machine to make a slight buzz when the power is off?Chris Allredwww.UnusualFabrication.com
Reply:post the code number.If your unit has push button on, then there is a transformer that is hot all the time. you might be hearing that. Foot control for that unit depends on the age. get me two pictures.one of the front panel and the other of the right side top right corner. inside.The early units need a foot control with a large rheostat in it. later they added a pc board.those units can use a modern foot control. just have to match up the plugs.If you try to use a modern foot control and you have the older unit. The foot control will die real fast.Get me the info and we will see what can be done.