HH187 PWR Requirements

[ZnUSA]

Looking at getting the HH187 here soon and while checking the garage for a 220 outlet I came across this funky round outlet. Checking the breaker and with the builders of the complex I know its a 220v on a 20 amp breaker. If I adapt the outlet to work with the plub on the welder would it work. I know that the problem is with the breaker only being 20 amps and the wiring is probally the same wire that is used on 110v outlets. Just wandering if I can safetly run the machine without causing a fire.

[Wyoming]

The owner's manual calls for a 25 amp time delay breaker feeding 14 ga. minimum wiring to the receptacle. Your close enough right now with a 20 amp breaker on all but wide out welding. Do yourself a favor and check to see what gauge wiring you have to the receptacle...should be listed on the sheathing of the wire. If it is 14 ga. or larger...numerically smaller...install a 25 amp breaker and you should be good to go. Don't remember seeing a heck of a lot of selection down at the local box store for 25 amp breakers, so if the gauge wiring will support it, go with a 30 amp breaker...welder will only draw the max amps whatever the breaker installed.

[ZnUSA]

I checked the wiring and on the wires them selves I did not see any markings. How ever I see a cover over the wire that said 12/2. Am I too assume that this is a 12 guage wire. If that is the case I onle need to change the recipical it self right. Let me know before I start a fire. LOL.

Greg

[Hotfoot]

If the complex you are in is owned by someone else, I advise you to tell them what you are planning on doing before you set about changing their outlets...just my 2 cents worth! That 187 is great machine, from what I read!

[ZnUSA]

Its military housing so they shouldn't have a problem with it their concern is if it is safe or not which is my concern as well.

[Sberry]

That machine will run fine from a 12/20 circuit. If I am tailor wiring I use a 10 wire and a 30A.

[MichaelP]

However I see a cover over the wire that said 12/2. Am I too assume that this is a 12 guage wire.

Yes. But you need the third (ground) wire to do it properly.

[mikeb9550]

Yes. But you need the third (ground) wire to do it properly.

You should have a ground with 12/2. 12/2 should be two coated wires and a uncoated ground wire.

[ZnUSA]

That is correct I have 3 wires 2 black coated and one uncoated. So all I need to do is change the reciptical and everything will be ok? I will not be running the machine to its limits so I think the 20A breaker will be fine. The thickest I would be welding in the near future will be 3/16 carbon steel.

[MichaelP]

12/2 should be two coated wires and a uncoated ground wire.

You're right of course. Sorry!

[ZnUSA]

Thank you all very much. Now I just need to get the welder hopefully I can get it soon. Have lots of work that needs done and only a little time to do before I go out of town for a few months.