50 amp extension cord welder.

[chrisrosenb]

I am going to put a 50 amp outlet in my barn for a small 235 amp stick welder. The specs say that the welder needs 230 volt, 47 amp input.  I do not do a lot of welding, just simple repairs. Anything major I have pros do it.

The problem is that no matter where I put an outlet or outlets, I will still need an extension cord to be able to weld something in the center of my barn.

The welding store has 25' & 50' premade 8/3 extension cords with molded on ends. They claim these cords are rated for 50 amp welders. They say these cords will work fine with my welder, because welders do not pull high current for long periods of time.

To me the wire is undersized, but they should know what the welder needs.

I would have to make my own 6/3 cord.

What size wire do I really need?   

 

 

[rvieceli]

My GUESS is that you would be ok with the 8-3 BUT Eastwood sells a pre made with molded in plugs 6-3 cable for $99 bucks for the 25 ft
http://www.eastwood.com/welder-extension-cord-25-ft.html

and a 40 foot for $169
http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-40-ft-welder-extension-cord.html?reltype=2&parent_id=49281

That appears to be only about $25 bucks more that the online prices of 8-3 cords.

Ron

 

[mike_aa]

Does your barn have beams that go over the area where you want to weld?  If so, can you run conduit overhead to an outlet on one of them where it would be reachable?  Would be safer not having a cord to trip over.

Mike A.

 

[chrisrosenb]

Ron, Thank you for the links. I did a internet search for 6/3 cords, but none came up.
I ordered a 40 ft cord from Eastwood. 

Mike,
The open area of the barn is about 40' X 40' X 14' tall. I have tractors, work truck & trailers parked in that area. Dropping form the ceiling is not an option. I will not be using the welder very often. The cord will be put away when not in use.