Wiring 240V Lincoln

[Guttafixit1]

My father said I could hook up to his hot water heater line which is 240V. Just wondering if I use the Lincoln 180C and the hot water is on will it blow a circuit or fuse? The line goes from hot water heater right to the box and thats the only thing on that line. I've hooked up outlets of 120V but not any 240V. THE POWER WILL BE OFF. LOL Will 10/2 wire and have a 30 amp breaker be alright? Thanks Still learning and can never learn enough!!! P.S. I love this site

[bruceb]

It will more than likely pop the breaker.

[mla2ofus]

See if you can wire in a knife switch or something heavy enough to handle water heater current to turn it off when using welder. Just be sure to turn it back on when finished welding. You might be the one getting the lukewarm/cold shower!!!
Mike

[Sandy]

Hot water heaters are hard wired and one of the few truly "dedicated" circuits in a home. Tapping into that is not something that can be easily returned to it's original condition. It's also pushing the limits of reasonable alternatives.

Try to come up with something else if you can. :)

[MoonRise]

Not a good or all that safe idea on several levels. If you did do it, you most likely WILL pop the breaker. IMO, don't do it.

A better choice would be to use the outlet that supplies your electric dryer. Get the right plug that fits that outlet and make an extension cord with 10/2 cord. To use, just unplug the dryer and then plug in and run your Lincoln 180C.

Another choice would be to spend ~$50 or so and put in a 240V 30A breaker for the welder.

[Guttafixit1]

When he bought a new hot water tank he took out the dryer and used that line for it. I guess I will buy 10/2 wire and run my own line to the fuse box. He said I could put a switch in, to turn off the hot water heater but don't want to forget to turn it back on.:laugh: So I want to make sure I get this right. Run a line from the fuse box to the garage then to a 30 amp breaker then the line comes out of the breaker to a outlet? Is 30 amp breaker alright or should I go bigger? Thanks

[awright]

guttafixit1, your questions make me think you would benefit from reading one of the many, good, do-it-yourself books on home wiring before tackling this project. The principles involved are not complicated and I'm sure you could do it safely, but a few questions and answers on a forum like this is not enough to show you how to take care of all the details properly if you don't already have a basic knowledge of wiring procedures and principles.

We don't know how you intend to run the "wire" to the garage. Are you referring to an extension cord or a permanent branch circuit? If the former, it's not proper to feed a breaker box with an extension cord. If the latter (which is highly preferable), you have to figure out a route that is safe and suitable for the type of wiring you are going to use. The type of wiring you can use depends upon how protected or exposed the wire run is. I tend to favor running EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) and pulling a bundle of 3 conductors, but it depends on your situation. As I said, not complicated or difficult, but there are lots of details you have to be aware of and take into consideration if you want a safe, legal installation.

The input current of the 180C at 240 volts and rated output at 30% duty cycle is 20 amps, so a 30 amp breaker and #10 conductors will be fine.

I agree with the others that it is a very bad idea to put the welder on the same circuit as the water heater. If you are human, pretty soon you will forget to turn the water heater back on or will get involved in an extended session and when your folks get a cold shower you will be persona non-grata in your own home.

Have fun and be safe.

awright

[Tailshaft56]

If you are out of breaker space you may be able to use half width breakers. four of these will give two 220 volt ckts. Gang the the top and bottom for 1 ckt and the two in the middle for the other. the tie bar for the top and bottom is sort of donut looking as it wraps around the inner breakers. one rhing to keep in mind is the amperage of the panel. Might be time for an upgrade if it's a 60. If you don't upgrade panels at least you could kick off the W/H when your welding.

[gnm109]

A current Code-Wiring Book will answer all of your questions. I suggest a dedicated welding line with 8ga wire from the box to your plug for the welder. Also a 60 amp breaker might be enough. That's what I have on my Vintage Idealarc TIG/Stick and I've yet to pop the breaker in 15 years.

[Guttafixit1]

Looked at the panel box today and its an old one. So going to call a master electrician and have him install new box. And have him wire it up. Thanks for all the inputs.

[Tailshaft56]

I was refering to a 60 amp panel. I did suspect the panel may be in need of an upgrade since you had to disconect the dryer to connect the W/H. 60 amp panels were installed in a lot of older homes. Be sure electrician pulls the permits and gets the work signed off by the city inspector.

[landmapper]

Anyone know roughly what an electrician would charge to install a 240V outlet? Mine would be on the other side of the wall from my main box, inside the garage.

[Aceman]

Maybe $200 dollars if it's right by the panel. Just depends on what the electrician has deal with to get the job done. Best bet is to get a bid from a couple different outfits.

[Guttafixit1]

Lucky for me I know a master electrican. Just forgot about him. I should of just called him in the first place. :dizzy: