Extension cord length

[jarheaddoc]

How long of a cord can I make for 30 amps 240v before voltage drop becomes an issue? The 10 awg cord I have is 100 ft. long. Which is better, a longer extension cord or longer leads on the welder?

[duaneb55]

Your 10ga is pushing it for my liking at 240V/30A. I don't like more than a 3% drop at full load and that's where 30A at 100' falls with 10ga.
http://www.gorhamschaffler.com/volta...alculator.html

The recommendation would be 8ga for 100' at 30A.
http://www.gorhamschaffler.com/wire_...alculator.html

[SuperArc]

Originally Posted by duaneb55

Your 10ga is pushing it for my liking at 240V/30A. I don't like more than a 3% drop at full load and that's where 30A at 100' falls with 10ga.
http://www.gorhamschaffler.com/volta...alculator.html

The recommendation would be 8ga for 100' at 30A.
http://www.gorhamschaffler.com/wire_...alculator.html

You're above link doesn't work. Could you please repost the correct URL? Thank you.

[duaneb55]

They work for me.

[SuperArc]

Originally Posted by duaneb55

They work for me.

Ah, works now. I did something wrong earlier I guess. Hey that is a neat calculator! Thank you for posting that!!!!!

[Silicon-based]

Always better to use longer extension cord than longer welding leads, by a factor of about 3 to 1.

MIG performance is more sensitive to voltage drop than stick or TIG.

John