Breaker size for 255EXT?

Just wondering what breaker size I need for the 255EXT, The site says max inrush @ 220v is 33.6A, So should I get a 40A breaker?

Thanks :)

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Originally Posted by Seshan

Just wondering what breaker size I need for the 255EXT, The site says max inrush @ 220v is 33.6A, So should I get a 40A breaker?

Thanks :)

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I have mine hooked up to a 30A breaker and have never blown it yet I have welded at 220A to 250A for 3 to at least 4 minutes the odd time. A 40A can't hurt.

lcome, Seshan! Are you getting a 255?!

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Originally Posted by Kempy

I have mine hooked up to a 30A breaker and have never blown it yet I have welded at 220A to 250A for 3 to at least 4 minutes the odd time. A 40A can't hurt.

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Perfect, thanks. I'll get a 40 amp just to be safe.

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Originally Posted by DaveO

lcome, Seshan! Are you getting a 255?!

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Yes I'm planning on it :D

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Originally Posted by Seshan

Just wondering what breaker size I need for the 255EXT, The site says max inrush @ 220v is 33.6A, So should I get a 40A breaker?

Thanks :)

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If you do, make sure your cable is #8.

Cheers,
rivets

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Originally Posted by Rivets

If you do, make sure your cable is #8.

Cheers,
rivets

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Yes, the breaker is there to protect the wire ,not the machine. So do not use a bigger breaker than what the wire is rated for. I have my welder outlets wired for 50 amps and breakers to match. That way I can plug any single phase welder and plasma in that I have. there is no problem plugging in a machine that only draws 35 amps into a 50 amp circuit. I think the 255 comes with a 50 amp cord end on it or no plug at all and the purchaser needs to buy a plug.

If it's not a lot more money, I would go with a 50 amp. Like Gary said it is there to protect the wire, the unit will protect itself. But a 50 amp will allow bigger machines down the road if needed.

I don't think I will need bigger machine anytime soon, and when I do I'll probably be living somewhere else (aka not my parents house :P ).

I was also thinking that since we (north america) are actually on 240v that the machine would draw less amps, about 3.05A less, (if I did my math right), so about 30A inrush.

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Originally Posted by Seshan

I don't think I will need bigger machine anytime soon, and when I do I'll probably be living somewhere else (aka not my parents house :P ).

I was also thinking that since we (north america) are actually on 240v that the machine would draw less amps, about 3.05A less, (if I did my math right), so about 30A inrush.

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Yea, if not your house, no reason to improve it too much. But a 50 would allow of a plasma cutter and maybe air compressor as well.

50A would be standard for any welder circuit and allow additional products to be used on the circuit that might require mor such as Mike said, a plasma.

If its anything like US actual voltage is more like 230-235v. Not all 8ga copper wire is equal it seems. I've seen some rated at 40 amps and some 55 amps.

There is a thread where I asked all the same questions with a lot of good explainations for wire size and breakers. Just search for my posts. The guys helped me a lot.

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Originally Posted by res0r9lm

If its anything like US actual voltage is more like 230-235v. Not all 8ga copper wire is equal it seems. I've seen some rated at 40 amps and some 55 amps.

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Hi res0r9lm,

Could you provide a link where it is stated that 8ga wire is rated at 55 amps?

Thanks,
rivets

It's not up to the wire, it's the NEC that sets how much current is allowed for what size wire runs. There are different rating for different temperature insulation ratings, along with raceway type and distance calculations. You local codes will also supersede the NEC for some things.

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Originally Posted by Rambozo

It's not up to the wire, it's the NEC that sets how much current is allowed for what size wire runs. There are different rating for different temperature insulation ratings, along with raceway type and distance calculations. You local codes will also supersede the NEC for some things.

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Ah yes. Here's the simplified, (meaning other factors are ignored) relevant chart.

http://www.usawire-cable.com/pdfs/NEC%20AMPACITIES.pdf

Thanks for pointing that out.

rivets

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Originally Posted by Rambozo

It's not up to the wire, it's the NEC that sets how much current is allowed for what size wire runs. There are different rating for different temperature insulation ratings, along with raceway type and distance calculations. You local codes will also supersede the NEC for some things.

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Gotta love the local codes and people. If he does it properly that is.

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Originally Posted by performance

50A would be standard for any welder circuit and allow additional products to be used on the circuit that might require mor such as Mike said, a plasma.

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My 250EX, 255EXT, MTS250S, PP80S and 325EXT all have 10-AWG wire on them from the factory I put then all on different Breakers 30A, 40A and 50A yes it is more money but I don't have to keep unplugging each machine to use it.