220VAC plug wiring

[BlazerFRS]

OK, I just bought a HH 175 for $470 (shipping included) off ebay, and I'm looking to wire the outlet now (that way I can use it as soon as it gets here).

I was guessing I'd be looking at a 40-60 amp circut, and was all ready to run 6 or 8 AWG wire the 40 ft out to my garage, when I downloaded the manual for the HH 175. It says all I need is a 20 amp 14 AWG imput line??!! Is this a typo or something? I mean, 14 AWG seems pretty tiny (to a novice) to run a WELDER off of, don't you think?

Thanks,
-BlazerFRS

[James D. Clark]

BlazerFRS;

That was no typo. A 20 amp 2 pole breaker or 2-20 amp fuses in the power panel is all that is required to supply HH 175 and MM 175 welders. I know the minimum recommended wire gauge is 14. The wire size selection depends also on the distance. Longer runs require larger wire. Another way to think about it is are you ever going to need more power in the garage? You could use the heavier wire and then you would never need to upgrade. What little more heavy wire will cost compared to the time and digging, why do it over later. At least go for 10 gauge.

I, myself, went 6 gauge. It's a bit harder to work with but if I ever decide to go bigger than my MM175 the electric supply will be there. What I had to do to run the wire is something I only want to do one time.

[Sberry]

2 things here. First, they do allow 14 for the 175, but require a number 12 ground. 14 is too light for my tastes even if it is legal. The other thing, the electric code only allows 1 multi wire circuit to detatched garages, you cant run a 120 circuit or a coulple of them and a seperate 240 circuit. If it was mine I would mount a panel and go with minimum number 6, 4 is better, 3 is even better and would likely use number 2 alum if it is some distance to save on cost. If you can get by with 6 spaces in the panel for now you can use a main lug panel, they are really cheap. Minus the wire, Homeline stuff the whole deal is under 50$. You could hve a welding circuit, even a space or 32 for a comp, 1 for lights and another for general use recepts.

[bruisermac]

sberry is on the ball. run #6 and a 60amp subpanel and that will suit ur needs 4 years 2 come