Extension cable for large Mig

[printcom]

I am finding that I am unable to get my Mig to where I want it to be due to the mains cable length, The machine is a SIP IC350w single phase beast and I am extremely happy with it. The machine is rated at 63amps, I would like to either make up an extension cable that is about 10meters long or replace the mains cable with a longer one - whats best? I believe I need 10mm2 cable to handle the current but I cant seem to find any (unless I want to buy a few miles of it from chin chong land) I thought about using 6mm2 but I am regularly welding 15mm steel and am not sure if it will handle the current. Anyone got any suggestions?
Thanks

 

[madkayaker]

Go into a electrical whole sales and ask for 10mm sy cable. Just make sure your sat down when you get the price!

 

[normspanners]

I Know it may not be the best way to do it but how about doubling up on the flex ie two lengths, you can get 4 mm flex which would then give you 8mm or use a multi core and double up the live /neutral.?

 

[madkayaker]

That can be done when there is no other reasonable option but one conductor would be best

 

[printcom]

SY, That's the bit I was missing!!
I've already worked out if it got copper it it it's going to hurt
Many thanks

 

[madkayaker]

It's very good stuff. The outer braid wants earthing then you have a very good level of electrical safety. There is no glands needed if your going into compression gland on a bs4343 plug and its a lot more flexible than swa with safety level the same (if you earth the braid!)

 

[zzr1200]

Buy>Re-plug>Sorted.

Not cheap but a electrical wholesaler should be cheaper.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/63a-10m-e...al_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item2c6d3ff3c9

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/63-AMP-24...al_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item27d0acd461

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/63-AMP-3-...al_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item35c4e2d243

 

[madkayaker]

First one is three phase and machine is single phase

 

[printcom]

That's great chaps, thanks for the info. If I replace the mains cable I do away with the need to buy a plug and socket but would having 10meters coiled up when i don't need the extra length cause me any problems ? Or am I just penny pinching.

 

[madkayaker]

Coiled cables are not good if it tight as they get hot. A loose coil on the back of machine is not an issue

 

[printcom]

Thanks chaps, I'll order some tomorrow.

 

[octo0072000]

cheap 63amp lead

one here for cheap cheap

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/63-AMP-24...al_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item1e783a6877

 

[steve.h]

have you tried tlc_direct.co.uk

 

[printcom]

Damm, I got outbid on flebay and it was just around the corner from me
TLC don't seem to list it at that size. Best I have found is electric-cable.com at £4.25 per meter. Oh well out comes my flexible friend.
But thanks for all the assistance - you've been great.

 

[octo0072000]

just sent you a pm about some more cable

 

[printcom]

Just you give you an update, before I ordered this SY cable I stuck an clamp ammeter on the mains board and measured the current used while welding a bit of 12mm scrap plate - the highest reading was 36amps with 260 amp showing on the welder. With this in mind I decided to go for 6mm instead of 10mm ( I know- penny pinching) Well I have just done an afternoons work sticking a few bits of 12mm angle together and there is no sign of the cable heating up. I had the welder turned up to max using 1mm wire using the synergic program settings. I have been told that I need to use 1.2mm wire to use full power. As 15mm is the heaviest I have needed to weld I think I should be safe.
The 6mm cable is about half the price of 10mm cable.
Thanks for all your advice.

 

[Mr Otford]

I realise that you have already bought your cable, but it might be worth noting this site http://essentialsupplies.co.uk/acatalog/ho7cable.html for future needs.

They were very helpful when I was looking for an extension cable for my Arc welder (a Lidl 'special' discussed elsewhere on this excellent forum and which requires a 32A supply). They, ES, were particularly helpful about the true ratings of cables as compared with the published ratings - which are, necessarily, the ratings for the worst usage scenarios to avoid inadvertant overloading or underspecifying of cables. For example: according to Essential Supplies the cable manufacturer states that the free air rating of the 4mm HO7 cable is 45A but they (ES) quote a 'cautious' figure of 25A.

As it happens I was given 3 x 5m lengths of 6mm HO7 cable fitted with 32A Commando plugs at one end and strange US plugs at 'tother from what appeared to be a military X-Ray unit and didn't need to go with EssentialSupplies but would have done so if the bargain hadn't appeared.

HTH

Richard