Questions About I-Mig 140

[performance]

You'll need a 30 amp breaker.

[zoama]

Maybe my hobart transformer doesn't put out the amperage it claims. performance, in the above post is an Everlast tech while I'm just a hobby welder so always take the Everlast company advice over mine.

[esg612]

You'll need a 30 amp breaker.

This may be a question for my electrician but if it is a 20 amp breaker can I just switch the breaker out for a 30 amp? Or would that be pointless because the wire gauge going to the outlet is most likely for a 20 amp?

[Rambozo]

This may be a question for my electrician but if it is a 20 amp breaker can I just switch the breaker out for a 30 amp? Or would that be pointless because the wire gauge going to the outlet is most likely for a 20 amp?

NO! do not just swap the breaker. As you said the wiring will be only rated to 20 amps. The breaker is to protect the wiring, not the load.

You can go ahead and use that 20 amp circuit for welding at most power levels. You may trip the breaker on extended welds at max power, but you might not. Just try it and see before you decide to add a new circuit. A lot depends on the length of wiring and the voltage at the panel, and any other loads on that circuit. Try to have the welder be the only thing on that breaker when welding. Also keep in mind the duty cycle of your welder. You don't want to exceed that. 3.5 minutes welding, 6.5 minutes cool down at max power.

[performance]

If the outlet and circuit is only used for running the unit, it shouldn't hurt. In fact when running the unit only pulls about 20 amps, but the inrush is higher, so you have to have a larger breaker. Now with that said, the wire requirements ARE reduced per the NEC according to section 630.