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Another Beginner, What 220V receptacle to install?
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Mikey
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    Mon Oct 05, 2020 6:23 pm
  • Location:
    Golden Colorado

I am a retired Electrical Engineer, retired 3 years ago, turns out it was to soon, going a little crazy without a purpose...
Remember "the grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side of the fence".
I just had my Garage extended and had three 220Vac outlets installed, only one has the receptacle installed, the electrician will return and install the other two receptacles as soon as I tell him what I want. I do not yet own a welding system, that will be another post...
I e-mailed Miller to ask what NEMA number receptacle I should install, I advised miller that I am thinking about their Millermatic or Multimatic 200 to 300 amp system, after 10 days no reply, called them twice today and was hung-up on both times.

My Question, What NEMA receptacle should I have installed on my two 220V 30 amp circuits to be used for welding?

Circuit 1 & 2: 220V, 30 amps, NEMA ??? receptacle.
Circuit 3: 220V, 50 amps, NEMA 14-50R receptacle.
The 50 amp circuit was installed as a "future proof" to be used as an electric car charger outlet when the house is sold but might end up as my welder power source.

My welding experience is minimal, probably less than 3 hours total of Mig experience in a welding class, one thing I learned from my class, I will likely never weld as good as I want to but I like to build stuff and can hold my own when it comes to automotive restoration, I have always been limited when it comes to metal fabrication.
As a hobby welder I am thinking about light (up to to 1/2") steel but of course you & I both know I will try to weld something that is beyond my systems capability and or my experience level, and I know better than to weld a joint that may effect my or someone else's health.

Thanks for any advise you may offer.
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Garage almost done, now about 1800sq feet. Bigger than living area, as it should be.
Garage almost done, now about 1800sq feet. Bigger than living area, as it should be.
IMG_0395.JPG (84.84 KiB) Viewed 528 times
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cj737
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    Thu Sep 29, 2016 8:59 am

NEMA 6-50 is what their MVP plugs take for 240v.
NEMA 5-20 is their 120v plug.
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User avatar
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    Thu Dec 26, 2013 12:41 am
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    Laredo, Tx

Yup 6-50R, and a breaker matched to protect the wire conductor, or as specified by the owner's manual should it be a smaller requirement to provide additional protection for the welding machine.
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Mikey
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    Mon Oct 05, 2020 6:23 pm
  • Location:
    Golden Colorado

Thanks All!
I originally specified the NEMA 6-50R but the electrician was concerned about having a 50 amp receptacle on a 30 amp circuit and possible issues with the final inspection. The Final inspection is now complete, the electrician advised he will com back and install what ever request, I will again request the NEMA 6-50R for the two 30 amp circuits.
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Poland308
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    Thu Sep 10, 2015 8:45 pm
  • Location:
    Iowa

Plugs can be rated to handle higher voltage and amps just not less.
I have more questions than answers

Josh
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