How to get a bigger amp supply at home ?

[tedmagnum]

I'm a little confused

I've just started a welding class with an idea to start my own Motorcycle fabrication business (Im a motorcycle tech already). I already have a large workshop on my own private property and have been getting along fine with my standard 13amp sockets.

I'm looking to buy a Portamig 215 but I won't be able to weld the big stuff with my piddley 13A supply.. Will I ???

What do I need to do to get more amps ??? Get a proper sparky in and give him a load of cash ?? (Which I don't have).

I'm not an "Arthur Job" or want to be known as a "Bodgit & Scarper LTD" set up.

Can anyone explain the principles to me. Anything I can do myself to keep costs down ??

Many many thanks in advance.

 

[tigler]

The higher current supply will need to be fed via a seperate spur from the domestic consumer unit, on it's own circuit with a 32 amp MCB. Unless your workshop has a seperate feed of adequate size already.

 

[urban]

Depending on the classification of your private property you will more than likely have to get a spark in to do it to be in compliance with part p.

sounds like you're looking to install a 16A or 32A plug socket/s in your workshop area. This mainly depends on what your existing installation is like and can only really be judged by actually looking at the job/installation.

 

[octo0072000]

I'm a little confused

I've just started a welding class with an idea to start my own Motorcycle fabrication business (Im a motorcycle tech already). I already have a large workshop on my own private property and have been getting along fine with my standard 13amp sockets.

I'm looking to buy a Portamig 215 but I won't be able to weld the big stuff with my piddley 13A supply.. Will I ???

What do I need to do to get more amps ??? Get a proper sparky in and give him a load of cash ?? (Which I don't have).

I'm not an "Arthur Job" or want to be known as a "Bodgit & Scarper LTD" set up.

Can anyone explain the principles to me. Anything I can do myself to keep costs down ??

Many many thanks in advance.

might help if you put your location in your profile quite a few sparkies on here

 

[cumbriasteve]

I run a 235 Portamig on a normal 13amp supply.. mainly at about 180amp for short runs up to 100mm long.

I have though run it at full power occasionaly for the same type of distance.

Yet strangely a 150 amp SIP used to blow fuses on full power.

I should imagine frame building is a lot of set up then short runs so you may get away with it.

Anything more than that and it's bound to be better having a dedicated supply.

and if anyone says they will show you a trick with the plug fuse... I am sure you know the correct reply.

 

[tedmagnum]

Well, my workshop is next to the house. A separate brick built building. I think it's circuit is already a spur off the main fuse box. Our electrics are all original 1950's stuff.

As you can tell, I'm no electrician.

I'm in the Merseyside region.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Well, my workshop is next to the house. A separate brick built building. I think it's circuit is already a spur off the main fuse box. Our electrics are all original 1950's stuff.

As you can tell, I'm no electrician.

I'm in the Merseyside region.

Yeah sounds like the usual 'I'll find an empty fuse and run a wire to the shed' type job.

In that case well worth getting a proper supply installed

 

[urban]

Well, my workshop is next to the house. A separate brick built building. I think it's circuit is already a spur off the main fuse box. Our electrics are all original 1950's stuff.

As you can tell, I'm no electrician.

I'm in the Merseyside region.

You'll definitely need an upgrade of the earthing system, you'll either need an upgrade of consumer unit to current regs or a separate unit installing to run the new supply from.

Depending on size, type and condition you may get away with using the existing cable but I doubt that. If your system dates from the 50s I'd definitely get a spark in to take a look and would think about upgrading the whole installation.

 

[Robotstar5]

Well, my workshop is next to the house. A separate brick built building. I think it's circuit is already a spur off the main fuse box. Our electrics are all original 1950's stuff.

As you can tell, I'm no electrician.

I'm in the Merseyside region.

I'd recommend you get an EICR first to find out how safe your electrics are.

 

[brightspark]

I'd recommend you get an EICR first to find out how safe your electrics are.

i wouldnt even bother getting a test on it just get it rewired period and if u dont just run a new seperate feed to the garage and your not responsible for the bad wiring and it can be just left

 

[cracker666]

I run mine from my cooker socket 32amp ohh and a extension

 

[tedmagnum]

i wouldnt even bother getting a test on it just get it rewired period and if u dont just run a new seperate feed to the garage and your not responsible for the bad wiring and it can be just left

If I win the lottery tonight... Will do

At the moment, I'm struggling with finance with my venture so money is tight.

I'll see what the spark says.

 

[madkayaker]

Don't forget that if its your "business" then the electricity at works regs apply and it's often a stipulation of business insurance that electrics are tested and in sound condition

 

[tedmagnum]

I have some more stupid questions. Thanks in advance.

Bought my (second hand) compressor today. That needs a 30amp supply also.

It has a standard UK plug on it with the ' fuse-wire bodge' on it

I'm going to need to change that plug right ? The cable from the compressor switch doesn't look like heavy duty 30amp cable either. Should it be 6mm ??

Does all 30 amp cable have to be 6mm twin and earth ??

Will my MIG welder and compressor have to be hard wired into an isolator/consumer unit ??? When I buy the portamig, will it have a special plug on it ??

Confused

 

[madkayaker]

4mm will stand 30A (unless in insulation etc) however twin and earth is not suitable for a compressor you want 4mm flex

 

[wheresmejumper]

Will my MIG welder and compressor have to be hard wired into an isolator/consumer unit ???
Confused

a 32amp plug and socket will suit

portamig might get away with a 16amp plug and socket depending on a few variables

 

[Spark24]

I've just got a portamig 255. Set up in garage. 32amp breaker. 10mm t&e ( spare out the van) into blue 32amp commando socket. Connect welder wire to blue 32amp commando Plug bobs ya uncle...

Saying that I'm a spark so I had all the cable left over from job, knocking about in the van. I'd imagine the 215 you'd get away with a 4mm cable but I'd go to 6mm just to be sure.

I only put 10mm in because that's what I had knocking around.

Depending on length of run I'd expect it to cost you around 150 quid to put that type of circuit in yourself. Upwards of £300 to get a spark in and sign it of for you. I'm in Liverpool if you want me to have a look.

 

[tedmagnum]

I've just got a portamig 255. Set up in garage. 32amp breaker. 10mm t&e ( spare out the van) into blue 32amp commando socket. Connect welder wire to blue 32amp commando Plug bobs ya uncle...

Saying that I'm a spark so I had all the cable left over from job, knocking about in the van. I'd imagine the 215 you'd get away with a 4mm cable but I'd go to 6mm just to be sure.

I only put 10mm in because that's what I had knocking around.

Depending on length of run I'd expect it to cost you around 150 quid to put that type of circuit in yourself. Upwards of £300 to get a spark in and sign it of for you. I'm in Liverpool if you want me to have a look.

Hi..

Cheers, I appreciate the offer. If I had £300 I'd definitely have you round.

My mate is a spark but I've yet to hear back from him.

I need to do everything on the cheap. I'm out of work and trying to set up this new venture is crippling me.

I'm on the Wirral.

Ted

 

[Dave3066]

You'll definitely need an upgrade of the earthing system, you'll either need an upgrade of consumer unit to current regs or a separate unit installing to run the new supply from.

Depending on size, type and condition you may get away with using the existing cable but I doubt that. If your system dates from the 50s I'd definitely get a spark in to take a look and would think about upgrading the whole installation.

As long as the installation is safe, and if a place of work complies with the EAWRs as madkayaker says, then there is no requirement to bring it up to the latest standard. It is however advisable to get a competent electrical contractor in to at least carry out an inspection if the installation is as old as you say and you want piece of mind.

I'd recommend an ECA Member or NICEIC approved contractor. Either can be found via the respective organisations websites.

Dave

 

[ronan]

Hi tedmagnum
What on a motorcycle will you be welding that you need such a big welder ? I have a small miller inverter that i run off a 13 amp supply and can weld anything i need to on a bike no problem.