Need to know what breaker to use

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I have a 220/240 volt single phase, 200amp tig welder and my electrician is asking me how big of a breaker does he need to run for it. Anyone know? I contacted the manufacturer of the welder and they didnt know off hand, said their tech was out and they'd have to get back with me. Any reccomendations or am I shooting in the dark? Really old (&faithful) Lincoln SA-250 Diesel, &Longevity 200P
Reply:RTFM.  It says what size breaker to use.And the manufacturer of the machine only has ONE tech who knows the answer or is able to look it up in the manual?!?  Of course if you actually -listed- the make/model of the machine you are asking about, someone might be able to give you a better answer.  My sketchy answer based on your sketchy info so far would be a sketchy 30-50 amp breaker.  Probably.  But that is a guess based on missing/sketchy information.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:How old is this unit?Even the oldest units I have seen came with some sort of label on it stating what the input and output of the unit is. Find the label that has your serial number on it and you'll most likely have found the label with the input requirements? Ie on my Century 125GL wire fed welder those requirements are listed on the label found on the front of the unit. On most units its on the back or bottom of the unit.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Originally Posted by MoonRiseRTFM.  It says what size breaker to use.And the manufacturer of the machine only has ONE tech who knows the answer or is able to look it up in the manual?!?  Of course if you actually -listed- the make/model of the machine you are asking about, someone might be able to give you a better answer.  My sketchy answer based on your sketchy info so far would be a sketchy 30-50 amp breaker.  Probably.  But that is a guess based on missing/sketchy information.
Reply:No wonder the manual doesn't say squat.  Hard to find imports with good manuals, let alone using proper English."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammNo wonder the manual doesn't say squat.  Hard to find imports with good manuals, let alone using proper English.
Reply:Originally Posted by WS6HUMMERYeah I guess thats the sacrifice you make to save a buck.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammOh Man, it's everywhere.  Case in pointManual page for Cayin A-100T amplifier.  Not a cheap item, but made in China.  They have the gall to sell this high dollar stuff without the courtesy of hiring an English speaking technical writer to write the manual.
Reply:Seriously though.  Somewhere on the back it should show input amps.  A lot of stuff now shows it at 50hz, and 60hz because of differing power supplies in different countries where it's sold.  The amps should be on the same line as the volts.Good luckAll else fails, go to Longevity forum, and maybe someone there can help."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Gesssssshhhhhhhhhh Farmer that thing reads like something out of an IRS manual at taxtime.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Originally Posted by specterGesssssshhhhhhhhhh Farmer that thing reads like something out of an IRS manual at taxtime.
Reply:A 200 amp inverter should be fine with a 30 amp breaker.  You can go ahead and install a bigger breaker if you want to be absolutely certain and it should only cost a bit more for the larger wire size.  I have a 200 amp HTP inverter and it runs fine at full power with a 30.Rene
Reply:ThanksReally old (&faithful) Lincoln SA-250 Diesel, &Longevity 200P
Reply:I have no clue what your chinese built machine is. A transformer machine will need 50 amps to run it's full 200 amp capacity. An inverter will do fine on 30 amps. If you intend to run any other tool on the same line at the same time you will need more capacity (amps) for either. It is kind of like building a closet or barn. Figure out what you need and then double the capacity. Down the road you will probably wish you had it. It will be expensive now but much more expensive when you decide to upgrade. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
Reply:Originally Posted by OldtimerI have no clue what your chinese built machine is. A transformer machine will need 50 amps to run it's full 200 amp capacity. An inverter will do fine on 30 amps. If you intend to run any other tool on the same line at the same time you will need more capacity (amps) for either. It is kind of like building a closet or barn. Figure out what you need and then double the capacity. Down the road you will probably wish you had it. It will be expensive now but much more expensive when you decide to upgrade. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
Reply:Personally, I'd wire that sucker up with a 70-100A breaker.Makes for a better fireworks display when it decides it's time to "let the smoke out".I can't believe that they're allowed to market that crap in this country without informing the buying public what input current is required.  Hope their "tech" guy never gets sick or has an accident.  Sounds like they'd be SOL.Secondly, I can't believe anyone with "hummer" in their user name would buy such a "poorly supported" piece of equipment.  As far as the recommendation to use a 50A breaker.  They're either "shooting in the dark" or that's one extremely inefficient inverter machine.  A Miller Dynasty 200 DX will run on a 20A, 230V circuit.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:"Ah So, you need someting lik this" Attached Images