Transformer TIG power and input current

[harvs]

Hi guys

I'm toying with the idea of getting an old transformer based TIG (eg Miller Dialarc). I understand these are pretty big and take a lot of power. The maximum RCD I think I can get for my consumer unit is 40 amps. Does anyone have a view on what power output from the welder I might be able to get before the fuse goes?

I'd mostly be welding aluminium, but likely only a few mm thick. I'm not expecting to be able to weld half inch thick blocks etc.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Cheers

 

[brightspark]

Hi guys

I'm toying with the idea of getting an old transformer based TIG (eg Miller Dialarc). I understand these are pretty big and take a lot of power. The maximum RCD I think I can get for my consumer unit is 40 amps. Does anyone have a view on what power output from the welder I might be able to get before the fuse goes?

I'd mostly be welding aluminium, but likely only a few mm thick. I'm not expecting to be able to weld half inch thick blocks etc.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Cheers

rcd is a residual current device . eath leakage do u mean an mcb . minature circuit breaker ??what make of db is it as quite a lot will take a 50 amp

 

[harvs]

Ah yes, I meant MCB - thanks. DB is a MEM Memera 2000 AD. Be good if there's a 50amp MCB, every little helps!

Cheers

 

[Robotstar5]

Remember the rest of the house when your welding, if someone turns on a shower or oven, your service fuse may go they can be as low as 60A

 

[harvs]

Service fuse is 100 amps so hopefully a bit of room for manoeuvre

 

[Robotstar5]

Service fuse is 100 amps so hopefully a bit of room for manoeuvre

The writing on the carrier will have 100A on it but it may be fitted with 60, 80 or 100A fuse, there is no way of telling without removing it which is NOT advisable unless you know what you're doing.

 

[Fazerruss]

I have a Marshall Dynabolt which is exactly the same machine as a dialarc. On full power it would need 99 amps input for 315 amp out. It runs fine on a 50 amp type D mcb. I have welded alloy wheels with it no probs ( around 10-15 mm thick). Its a great machine that has the grunt when you need it.

 

[harvs]

The writing on the carrier will have 100A on it but it may be fitted with 60, 80 or 100A fuse, there is no way of telling without removing it which is NOT advisable unless you know what you're doing.

The main fuse is basically a black box with a fuse plugged into it and tamper wired in. The label on this fuse says 100A, so I'd hope that is correct. I'm not planning to try taking it out!!

I have a Marshall Dynabolt which is exactly the same machine as a dialarc. On full power it would need 99 amps input for 315 amp out. It runs fine on a 50 amp type D mcb. I have welded alloy wheels with it no probs ( around 10-15 mm thick). Its a great machine that has the grunt when you need it.

Great, thanks - good info. The Dynabolt (great name!) looks nice, I'll add that to the list of things to investigate...

 

[brightspark]

The main fuse is basically a black box with a fuse plugged into it and tamper wired in. The label on this fuse says 100A, so I'd hope that is correct. I'm not planning to try taking it out!!



e...

i wouldnt wurry about it .if u ever blow them just phone up and they will come out and change it free they only charge if u do it twice then they ask what load u have put on them or is there a fault on the wiring all u say is u have had the elecrics tested and its ok , ive got the seals and fuses so just change them . its quicker