Topic: Extension Cord for Welder?

[854x4]

I own a small harbor freight flux core welder, this thing is perfect for what I need it for except it only reaches 10 feet.The plug on it is just a 110 plug and I have it pluged into either a 15 or 20 amp breaker. I want to use a extension cord so i can move it out of my garage. The manual says I need 12 awg and 20 amps minimum up to 30 feet for a extension cord but all I can find around here are 12 awg cords rated at 15 amps.Also the specs say the power consumtion is 120vac,24amps. Can I use a extension cord rated for 15 amps if I only use 25 feet or less? What kind of cord do i need? I have tried to provide as much info as possible I hope someone can help.

[dizzydevil]

I have a Lincoln 110 wire feed welder that i run off a 12AWG 25' extension cord ( regular cord you buy at home depot)all the time and have never had a problem. I have welded body panels and cages together with it. 

[howdy]

I have a lincoln 175 and a plasma cutter that I run off of 50' of 10/3. I just went down to Lowes and bought the commercial grade heavy duty 10/3 and cut the plugs off and put on the plugs I needed for my welder and dryer outlet. You should be fine with some 12/3.Its probably rated 15amps because of the plugs.

For wire size check out this link.

http://www.elec-toolbox.com/calculators/voltdrop.htm

[86bobbedtoy]

go to lowes or home depot and pick up any 300amp 3 core round wire usually black or yellow like .79-2.55 per foot. but im using 45' of 300 amp 1.35 per foot for my lincoln 220 promig175 and the wires have never gotten hot and works great.  Heres a tip, wire it into a 220 outlet (washer) just eliminate your neutral wire and 1 hot. that way your outlet isnt getting overheated, let me know if you need any help.

[jimbo74]

if your welder is like mine, or ctengs welder, then an extension cord is fine... if actually got mine plugged into a crafstmen 3 plug outlet thing, on a reel.... its got its own breaker on the tap though so if it trips, i jsut reach down and reset it.... just dont use like 18 guage.... 12 or 10 will be fine