Kenny P Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 I have the old Montgomery ward 230 welder. I’m wiring my shop and don’t see information on what it draws so I need to know the wire size and breaker size to set up. thanks. ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 Welcome from the Ozark Mountains. If you don't have an owners manual, you can download one from here. I believe the 230 draws a max of 230 amps. I would go with a 50 amp breaker & # 8 copper wire. I'm sure Steve will be along to correct me if I'm wrong. http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=20781 I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny P Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 46 minutes ago, Kenny P said: I have the old Montgomery ward 230 welder. I’m wiring my shop and don’t see information on what it draws so I need to know the wire size and breaker size to set up. thanks. ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 and here I come along lol 230 amps is OUTPUT not the draw. which would be more than 99% of what all houses have available. According the the welders back plate I found on the internet, it draws 48 amps max, so connecting to a 30 amp dryer plug will work for most things, the 50 amp stove plug for anything it is capable of doing What plug is on it now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike BR Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 If you google it, the NEC has a special table for calculating the required wire gauge for dedicated welder circuits. You can get away with a lighter gauge since the limited duty cycle at high settings prevents heating the wires as much as a constant load would. Of course, there's no problem with using heavier wire than required, but copper isn't cheap these days . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 Breakers are sized for the wires used, dont short cut it to save a few dollars, thats how fires happen most installiations require 8ga THHN for 50 amps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimw3326 Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 1 hour ago, Mike BR said: You can get away with a lighter gauge since the limited duty cycle at high settings prevents heating the wires as much as a constant load would. This only works if you adhere to the duty cycle by watching the watch. The new welders have a cutoff when you get it to hot, but the old welders just start burning varnish. Ask me how I know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 Thanks Steve, at least I got the wire gauge & breaker right. I never thought of looking for the welders back plate with specs. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.