Questions About I-Mig 140

[zoama]

The prongs or outlet has nothing to do with 110v or 120v. The one sideways prong type limits you to a 20 amp outlet only. 110 or 120 volts is determined by your local power grid. You will get maximum performance on a 20 amp breaker.

[esg612]

The prongs or outlet has nothing to do with 110v or 120v. The one sideways prong type limits you to a 20 amp outlet only. 110 or 120 volts is determined by your local power grid. You will get maximum performance on a 20 amp breaker.

Got it, I was going to find the breaker that the outlet in my barn is on and check to make sure it is a 20 amp breaker, if it is then can I trust that the wiring going from the breaker to the outlet is enough to carry the load when the welder is at maximum amperage?

Appreciate the info, thanks

[zoama]

Got it, I was going to find the breaker that the outlet in my barn is on and check to make sure it is a 20 amp breaker, if it is then can I trust that the wiring going from the breaker to the outlet is enough to carry the load when the welder is at maximum amperage?

Appreciate the info, thanks

I would say yes given the duty cycle of the machine. I've never tripped a breaker with my little hobart.

[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.

[Doc Pete]

Got it, I was going to find the breaker that the outlet in my barn is on and check to make sure it is a 20 amp breaker, if it is then can I trust that the wiring going from the breaker to the outlet is enough to carry the load when the welder is at maximum amperage?

Appreciate the info, thanks

If it helps, I have two 140e's and they will blow a 20amp circuit breaker. However, they have more power than the 180 lincoln and 190 hobart that I had before. The IGBT inverter circuitry gets a ton of power from 120v.
Pete