Im going to need to run my welder off an extension lead, will a regular run of the mill lead be ok or do i need a heavy duty cable?

SIP migmate 130 Turbo if it matters.

we run ours off a fairly light duty extension reel (cassette type) and it seems to cope quite well in running a similar specced clarke. Used mainly for bodywork welding, but also for gates and fences with prolonged welding.

Just make sure it's fully unwound to keep the cable cool. After all it's a 13 amp plug and the cable should be rated similarly.

Tom

Either use a very heavy-duty extension lead, or make up a special lead for the purpose.

The problems can include:
- Lightweight extension leads can overheat, to the point of melting the plastic and/or catching fire (or unwind it fully, as Tom says)
- If it's too lightweight or too long it can reduce the volts at the far end, enough to stop the welder working properly.

What I did was get a length of really heavy-duty flexible cable and fitted a good-quality plug at one end, and a similar quality single rubber socket at the other. Don't use a cheap plug and socket - the metal's so thin inside that they can overheat as well - use MK or similar. Worked out as cheap as buying a heavy-duty extension lead, and is always ready for the welder.

rgds,

David

[Edited on 25/10/04 by David Jenkins]

Under the advice of a welder we plugged ours in to the cooker socket with the cooker off.This is a dedicated supply so you shouldn,t overload other curcuits in the house.This is not my advice but from someone who knows better as im hopeless with electrics.

I had to run a spur from the distribution box for my 'big' welder - it takes 25 Amps flat out! Used an industrial-grade socket at the end.

rgds,

David

i used a regular 13A extension with no trouble. if you need more power, just do as David says. use a 13a cable with a 10a fuse, see what happens!