> and something to discuss: this is a 300 amp input machine.
Wow ! Are you sure that's 300 amps input ? 300 out is a good size welder, but
300 in is freakin huge (like 1000 out). For example, the biggest TIG I found on
Miller's site is the Synchrowave 350, which draws a maximum of 120 amps at 220v
single phase.
> but can I run a 100 amp breaker off a 200 amp box?
I believe the answer depends on the box. AFAIK nothing in the code prevents it,
but you have to be able to buy a breaker that fits the box in the capacity you
want.
> I can't imagine it being the
> case, but might the lower current hurt the welder - like a 'brown out'
> condition?
Should be no problem, as long as the wire you use will carry the current your
breaker is rated for. That keeps the welder from seeing a brown-out, it either
gets full voltage or nothing.
> am I going to need to shut off the house to weld
Not if you're welding at any reasonable current.
> I suppose I could let an electrician do this and wire that surge
> supressor at the same time...but that would be wrong. and so far I'll
> be doing good to get somebody out here week after next. can't wait that
> long to play with the new shiny-shiny.
Someone already suggested : buy some suitable connectors and Romex cable at Home
Depot, make up an adapter/extension cord to run from your dryer (or kitchen
range) outlet. Might not be enough current to go to full output on your welder,
but you're presumably not going to be welding that battleship right off the bat
either.
Frankly, I'd leave rewiring the breaker box to an expert. Even with the main
breaker off, there are lethal voltages present inside the box, and mistakes can
be expensive. If you accidentally bridge the input to the main breaker to
ground, chances are good that the fuse at the transformer will not blow and
you'll have an electrical fire on your hands (not to mention the damage to the
box). Chances are good that this will not meet with approval from SWMBO nor the
local fire marshal.
Randall
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