220v common

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I have a 300 amp airco AC/DC.  It is a 1969 model +/-.  purrs like a kitten, I love it.We recently wired up a 220v receptacle and were checking the wiring on the welder itself.  We noticed that only the 2 powers and the ground were hooked up to the welder but that the white common on the power cord was not connected to anything.Is this of any concern?  If so where should the white common be hooked up?I can upload a picture if necessary.Thanks,PG
Reply:I'm not familiar with that machine, but most welders do not have a neutral, just plain 240V.In which case, it only needs a three-wire cord anyway, two hots and a ground, like most welders.  Even when plugged into a four-wire receptacle, nothing needs to be plugged into the neutral's slot.
Reply:Mac,Thanks for the reply.  I figured as much especially since the Airco is the biggest machine in the shop by far so it shouldn't be needing a neutral to send surplus amperage back to the panel.PG
Reply:I don't follow your reasoning on "surplus amperage" or the size of the machine having anything to do with it, but like I said, if it's a straight 240V machine, it won't need the neutral.  There are lots of big machines that do, though.
Reply:I wonder if the original power cord was replaced?Ed 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:I am not sure about your welder but I wouldn't be suprised if that is normal. My 2008 syncrowave 200 has two hot leads and a ground. I thought it was odd when I replaced the original cord with one that was slightly longer, but after talking to a electrician friend, I found that that is correct.IanMiller Syncrowave 200