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Thread: 240v Electrical Cable Thickness?

  1. #1
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    240v Electrical Cable Thickness?

    My 15amp welder said in the user manual not to use extension cords. I need one tho!

    Is 20m 15amp 3 core 1.5mm2 thick enough to account for voltage drop or should I be looking for some 5 core and use 2 wires for active & 2 for neutral? I need prob about 15m of extension cord in total. I don't mind putting in a 20amp point if needed. As my existing 15amp point is near the metre box so it’d be easy to add a 20amp if needed.
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    Ideally you shouldn't use extension cords with welders But I have done it on countless occasions and all I have had to do is crank the amps up a bit
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    A friend suggested 4mm flex but we weren’t sure if the plugs would fit or I needed bigger plugs
    "Land Rover - making mechanics out of everyday motorists for nearly 70 years"

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    Just get yourself a standard 15m 15a extension cord and don't try to overthink this
    You only get one shot at life, Aim well

    2004 D2 "S" V8 auto, with a few Mods gone
    2007 79 Series Landcruiser V8 Ute, With a few Mods.
    4.6m Quintrex boat
    20' Jayco Expanda caravan gone

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    We run extension leads all the time as there is never an outlet where you need it onsite. Sometimes trips, most of the time we don’t trip.

    What rods to you need to burn?

    I recently had to do a heap of welding on my garden edging at home, ran 30m ext. lead burning 2.5mm rods with out issue.

  6. #6
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    Homestar is offline Super Moderator & CA manager Gold Subscriber
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    Over 20 meters in 1.5mm is fine - simple voltage drop calculator says just over 4%, and that’s assuming you have the welder cranked up and drawing 15 amps.
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    If you need to contact me please email homestarrunnerau@gmail.com - thanks - Gav.

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    I have a 135amp mig/arc. I need to weld brackets onto my 120mm retaining wall posts so I can attach my 3m x 90mm carport posts. Building a carport in the easement that’s having 1 side attached to my existing concrete retaining wall. I’m going to buy the mig torch/gas/gauges so this job will be my 1st mig welding job.

    I’ve run extension cords for my old arc without s problem
    "Land Rover - making mechanics out of everyday motorists for nearly 70 years"

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    You can buy 15 Amp 2.5mm extension cords.

  9. #9
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    So a 2-4% voltage drop is ok?
    "Land Rover - making mechanics out of everyday motorists for nearly 70 years"

  10. #10
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    Homestar is offline Super Moderator & CA manager Gold Subscriber
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    Yep, no problems at all.
    If you need to contact me please email homestarrunnerau@gmail.com - thanks - Gav.

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