help with new welder

[Al Kaholick]

I just got a lincoln sp-175 to upgrade from my 135. I didnt realize that there was 230v and 208v and I guess I need to change something in the welder according to which I have. How can I tell the difference? Alos what gauge of wire should I use for a 20 ft extension cord, and would it be better to use an extension cord that adapts the plugs or would it be better to hardwire a 20 ft cord into it with the appropriate plug?

Thanks,
Josh

[DHONDAGOD]

voltage check should be easy. just use a digital dvom and see whats there.. on the cord i hard wired mine on my sp100 with a plug for the wall end... was cleaner and cheaper than haveing multiple plugs..


chris:cool2:

[Al Kaholick]

also on the 230/208 input issue, if i plug the thing in and run some beads and its set up wrong, will it hurt it?

[Al Kaholick]

update since i cant believe im the only person withh this problem.

10 gauge wire is sufficient according the welding store, so I made a 25 ft adapter/extension cord with the male dryer (nema type 10-30) plug and the female welder plug (nema type 6-50). The male dryer plug is easy to find at lowes or home depot, but the female 6-50 is not sold at any of the hardware stores I checked, but is available at my local weldoing supply store (barnes supply). I still havent resolved the voltage issue, but Im going to get a volt meter and should be welding today

for the searchers: 220 volt welder 208 230 adapter extension cord plug

[78jeepstang]

As far as i know residential electricity will end up being 230v. Your nominal household voltage is 115v, so take that times two and you get 230. 208v is usually used for industrial/commercial places (I guess its a derivative of some sort of 3 phase power).

[Al Kaholick]

thanks, i measured it too, and youre right. Wish id had known that before though and saved the trouble of finding a volt meter.

[twistedtj]

I just bought a Hobart 175 from a friend and I took the stock plug and cord out. I replaced it with 25 feet of 10/3 flexible cord and put the 4 prong (only using the X, Y, and G) 30A twist lock on the end which is also found on most generators, some have the 20A plug, but you can make a small adapter if needed. I bought the female outlet for the garage and wired it up with a 30amp double circuit breaker which measured is 240V. Works great! And if I ever buy a generator and have to use the welder with it, I will be ready to go. :)

[PAToyota]

208V is usually when you are running single phase off a three phase setup. My household wiring actually measures 240V when tested.

[guidolyons]

220V Extension cord for welding: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=433205