pipeline welding lead gauge?

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got inta a debate with some guys  iam working with,  one insist that you should run 2/0 leads, the other guy says 1/0 leads work just fine, where talking 100 to 150 feet of welding leads on pipeline, sa 200s. any thoughts on this , does it really matter? thanks for any input
Reply:Could be at those distances and probable currents you're right at a transition point, where 1/0 is okay but 2/0 would be better. Remember 50 foot of lineal distance is 100 feet in the lead loop, so if a guy was to argue you'd really have to establish a more fixed scenario with not so many variables. Let's say you have a 100' of lineal lead for a loop of 200' and the other guy has 150' of lineal for 300 feet of loop. That's a 100 foot difference. Then is any given gauge 'fine' at the amps of the day or at the max that might be called for. Big difference between 300 feet of loop running 125 amps and the same leads at 225 amps. Next is temp, are your leads laying on 80º dirt or laying on 116º dirt?  Black leads laying in the sun in the desert can get up to egg frying temperatures. What I'm saying is that there are a ton of variables out there, which also include operator preferences and machine characteristics. http://www.pacificcabling.com/Specia...rage_chart.htm
Reply:When in doubt, err on the heavy side.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I have 2/0 on the machine but my stinger has a 20' piece of #2 so my arm don't fall off after working all day.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."