Electric Help

TARider

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2011
Location
Concord
I have this receptacle wired to this breaker from when I had an oven in the garage for powder coating.

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Fast forward to now, the oven is long gone and I'd like to repurpose this receptacle for a welder.
So, is the best route replace the receptacle, replace the plug, get an adapter or none of the above due to the potential of tripping the breaker?
 
obullfish said:
Change out the receptacle and swap the breaker to the required size. Also verify that the circuit is on the proper gauge wiring while you are at it.
Click to expand...

Thanks. The breaker is a 40 and it looks like that's what it calls for (just found this info online). I will verify the gauge of the wiring.

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You can't put a #10 wire on a 40 amp breaker (per the nameplate pic). While #10 will carry the roughly 30A load of the welding machine, it will not be protected by a 40A breaker. You need a #8 wire for the 40A breaker, which is what should already be on it anyhow.
 
13bullets said:
You can't put a #10 wire on a 40 amp breaker (per the nameplate pic). While #10 will carry the roughly 30A load of the welding machine, it will not be protected by a 40A breaker. You need a #8 wire for the 40A breaker, which is what should already be on it anyhow.
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maybe I'm missing something but the PO never said it was #10 wire. The fact that it has 40A on it now suggests it shouldn't be.

I'm failing to see what the point/question of this thread is.
You have a 220A plug w/ a 40A service. You have both. Lets assume the wiring is 8ga like it should be.
Is it just that you need the 3-prong 220A female receptacle instead of 4-prong and you're asking if you can just change the plate?
 
My miller 210 has a odd narrow plug from the factory. At least that's what I call it. All my other stuff runs a bit wider 50 amp plug.
Rather than rework either I just spread the prongs and made it work. After several years no issues. Probably not code kosher but alteast one fits all now. I have a shortage of power outlets. Plasma, Dynasty, 210 Miller, and Rotary Phase converter for shear all have to share.
 
RatLabGuy said:
maybe I'm missing something but the PO never said it was #10 wire. The fact that it has 40A on it now suggests it shouldn't be.
Click to expand...
I was mainly just pointing out that he can't simply follow the nameplate information to the T.
 
RatLabGuy said:
Is it just that you need the 3-prong 220A female receptacle instead of 4-prong and you're asking if you can just change the plate?
Click to expand...

Yes. Was looking for the path of least resistance, whether that is:
a) changing receptacle
b) changing plug on welder
c) using an adapter
d) none of the above/you'll burn your house down
So far it sounds like a or b are viable.
 
Last edited:
Just put the standard 50A welder receptacle where the range plug is. Make sure the provided wire is actually 8 ga.
 
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