180amp mig, 13amp or 32 amp supply?

[blacksmithstris]

Hi all, am relatively new here. I'm just setting up a new workshop and been running into shall we say, differences of opinion...

I've got a second hand eutectic and castolin 180 amp mig, have the manual it states,

" should be wired into a switch isolator with 20 amp re-wireable fuses" and "can be used on 13 amp supply but noted that the maximum welding output must be reduced and it will not be possible to use the spot weld faciilty"

I have asked for a dedicated 32amp supply. The electricians seem to think I'm being a daft girl who doesn't really know what I am doing to ask for such a frivolous thing...

Will I be able to get by on the 13amp supply, or am I right to demand a bit more power!? please help!

 

[Iain Westland]

how big are you welding?

tell him that you respect his electrical knowledge and as such would like him to return the compliment viva vee your welding requirements. If you want to push the welder you will need a 20A supply. Thank him for his time, point to where you want it and ask for a quote as jones the sparks coming around later to give you a quote as well.

Iain

 

[bigbadbugga]

Tell him you will let him do it his way as long as he signs a disclaimer saying that every time your welder blows the fuse he will personally fix it within 30 minutes free of charge.

I bet he asks how many 20A sockets you want.

 

[Iain Westland]

thats an even better solution ...

 

[zzr1200]

Tell him you will let him do it his way as long as he signs a disclaimer saying that every time your welder blows the fuse he will personally fix it within 30 minutes free of charge.

I bet he asks how many 20A sockets you want.

Plus he makes the coffee/tea as well.

 

[rtbcomp]

And compensates you for downtime.

 

[Jake SS]

You are the one that is paying him to do the job, so tell him to put in the 32A supply, as you may need extra later. Can always reduce your breaker size if wired for 32, but cannot increase it if wired for 13A.

Cheers

 

[blacksmithstris]

Thanks, I will press on for the 32amp supply. I will be pushing the limits of this welder on occasion and I may want to upgrade in the future.

 

[Robotstar5]

Ask for 32A socket like this, and add in couple of 16A ones while he's there, always come in handy!

edit - while he's at wholesalers ask him pick up a plug to match for your welder.

 

[blacksmithstris]

The sparkies came today and did the job, put in the 32 amp supply and put a new plug on my welder for me. It's just as possible they did not want to argue with a woman with a hammer in her hand as when they turned up they said "oh, ya, you will need a bit more grunt for that" Ummmm, ya, I did say that in the beginning! It's a bit like that Harry Enfield sketch...

 

[pedrobedro]

I use a short extension with a 13 amp plug and a 16 amp caravan type socket on the other end to connect to the domestic supply when I need to. They are available from camping suppliers.