New plasma cutter arrived

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Hi,Yesterday my new Hypertherm Powermax 1000 arrived, and I can't wait to get this metal melting monster fired up. Before I do, I need to come up with an extension cord that has the capacity to satisfy the power requirements. The owners manual states that I should use 8/4 cable up to 50' long, 6/4 for 50'-100', and 4/4 for 100'-150' for 230 VAC operation. It also shows the input current at 8.4kw output for 230 VAC to be 44 amps, and the input current during arc stretch (whatever that is) to be 75 amps. Here is a question I have........ I have a 35' piece of 10/4 SJ something cable and wondering if I could get by using it without damaging anything. I am willing to get the larger size cable if needed, but figured I could save some money if I could use the 10/4 cable I already have. Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated...........thanks.
Reply:Pat arc stretch on this machine would be if you cut the max thickness at a 2" standoff. I called Hypertherm last week when mine came in. That is how they explained it to me.Don't think #10 wire will be heavy enough but not sure.Still lookin for Rock!
Reply:when you figure your run in feet for a cord you have to also include the run from the main panel....so lets say you got a 50' run of 8/4 from your main panel to your outlet .....you can't put another 50' of 8/4 extension cord on it .....you already got your run.....look and see what you got feeding your outlet
Reply:Alden,Thanks for the arc stretch info. I learn something new every day.Boilerman,I think I am just going to get a 40-50' piece of the 8/4 cable to put my nerves at ease. This is probably one of them areas that a person is better off paying now instead of later after the equipment or wiring system is damaged. Just for info though, I have a 200 amp service in the basement. From the basement there is an approx 20' run of #8 wire that goes under the breezeway and into the garage where it connects to a Square D QO load center. From the load center there is an approx 1 foot run to the 50 amp outlet. I don't know if this makes any difference or sense, but from the load center to outside the garage there is a very thick bare copper wire that connects to a steel rod that is pounded into the ground (a ground in the ground? ) From what my limited electrical knowledge can tell is that the load center appears to be grounded already to the main 200 amp service (ground overkill?)..............thanks again.
Reply:if you already got a 20' run you can only add another 30' ...that will put you at 50' for 8 wire
Reply:Boilerman,Thanks for pointing that out. It looks like I will have to order the 8/3 cable. Both menards and Home Depot only go to 10/4 or 10/3 cable, and the electrical supply stores in my area are out of sight on their prices.......................thanks again
Reply:If there is a ground rod at the second panel you should check for proper connections.  Its not needed and I would be suspect of the proper connections in the sub.  How many wires feed this sub in the garage?  It requires 4 with a seperate equipment ground bar in the panel, and,,, no neutral to ground bond screw installed.  The second rod wont hurt anything,,, provided that the rest of it is wired right.  I was wondering,, you did mean 3 conductor? There is also a difference between cord and cable.  Number 8 is going to be plenty.  You are working in your garage attatched to your house its unlikely you will tap this machine any where near its capacity.  (the 10 would work but not really legal)Last edited by Sberry; 04-20-2004 at 10:21 AM.www.urkafarms.com