Another welder

[Bill G]

Is this a limiting factor? 50 amp welding plug 6-50p. What is the next step-up plug for Amps greater then 50?

View attachment 460733

That is the correct plug.

 

[Bill G]

I know. Just seems radical going from 60 to 90. But if the wire can handle it, then why not. BUT if all that being true why was the circuit originally wired for greater current, but only a 60 Amp breaker was installed? I'm no electrician, and think about this for a while before jumping.

What size wire is running from the meter to the breaker panel?

 

[OnlyStihl]

What size wire is running from the meter to the breaker panel?

2 AWG copper.

O

Post in thread 'Another welder'

Apr 20, 2025

Pulled the panel for the home wiring. To the garage the pair of cables is 2AWG which can support 95Amps. The wire from the street is (my guess) twice as thick (or really really thick). I'm going to pick up a heavier duty breaker for the main breaker panel. Looks like I have more than enough capacity to use the IdealArc at full power.

And I tried several times to call the utility company and ask about the service. The wait was endless and I gave up after 10 minutes or so, and after multiple attempts said F'It.

• OnlyStihl

• 

 

[Junk Meister]

2 AWG copper.

View attachment 460807

O

Post in thread 'Another welder'

Apr 20, 2025

Pulled the panel for the home wiring. To the garage the pair of cables is 2AWG which can support 95Amps. The wire from the street is (my guess) twice as thick (or really really thick). I'm going to pick up a heavier duty breaker for the main breaker panel. Looks like I have more than enough capacity to use the IdealArc at full power.

And I tried several times to call the utility company and ask about the service. The wait was endless and I gave up after 10 minutes or so, and after multiple attempts said F'It.

• OnlyStihl

• 

Utility companies have a different book of standards (So I Hear) before the weather head (Overhead service) NEC takes over after that and dictates details like grounding/bonding insulation, conduit size/fill different states have different requirements but the NEC is the basic cornerstone

 

[OnlyStihl]

Utility companies have a different book of standards (So I Hear) before the weather head (Overhead service) NEC takes over after that and dictates details like grounding/bonding insulation, conduit size/fill different states have different requirements but the NEC is the basic cornerstone

There are many many exceptions to most all accepted truths. All one can do is take it all in, understand it as best one can, and leave a margin for error.

The problem comes when you are a new homeowner buying someone else's problem. When I bought my place the previous bidders had a home inspection, before not being able to secure a loan. I got a copy of the inspection report, and there were things like the aerator on the bathroom faucet is slightly clogged. *** Gosh *** Really? Like anybody could see that by turning on the faucet. I highly doubt this so called "Inspector (it's a scam)" was pulling the breaker panel cover and measuring the AWG vs the breaker rating.

 

[Bill G]

Does the service also feed your home?
What is the minimum the power company will allow on a new install or remodel?

 

[OnlyStihl]

Does the service also feed your home?
What is the minimum the power company will allow on a new install or remodel?

20A 240V breaker into the house. It also acts as a service disrupt. Not sure how that works, 20A is the main feeding to the house, 20A to the water pump and currently the 60A breaker to the garage.

 

[Bill G]

Can you take some pictures of your meter base and the path through

 

[thompsoncustom]

I'm wondering if it's the welder and not the breaker. I can run 180amps on my stick and not pop a 40amp breaker.