Electric Service Install For Dialarc 250

[Hoko]

My Dialarc 250 is about 130' from the nearest breaker box which is mounted on the power pole. The manual says I can run my input conductor for a maximum of 78' using 8ga wire. I would probably still come up short even using 6ga wire. How do I deal with this?
I'm thinking I may have to run another service line and breaker box where the welder is.

[WillieB]

Huh? I had 50' of #4 THHN copper on a 100 amp breaker coming from a 200 amp service, it was barely enough. Dialarc 250 is a monster! You could build bridges with it!

[Broccoli1]

Huh? I had 50' of #4 THHN copper on a 100 amp breaker coming from a 200 amp service, it was barely enough. Dialarc 250 is a monster! You could build bridges with it!

The specs in the manual call out minimum 70amp breaker @ max 78' feet using 8g wiring.

[Country Metals]

Run heavier aluminum wire and put another box in close to the welder.

[Hoko]

Run heavier aluminum wire and put another box in close to the welder.

Why aluminum?

[Synchroman]

deleted..................

[WillieB]

I believe conduit is good workmanship wherever you are. In northern climates I consider it essential. I've never heard of an underground cable failing in summer. I probably average two a year calls from people in January about a cable that has failed underground. In every case they are installed by amateur electricians. It will cost a little more to do it right now, preventing the need to do it again later. I can't understand the obsession with wanting to do it wrong.

[Synchroman]

deleted.

[Country Metals]

Like WillieB said, a proper install is best the first time.

If I am running long distances, I would rather purchase over amp aluminum wire (IE 6ga copper is approx 3 ga aluminum so purchase 1ga or heavier for later demands) and make a new box to box run. It is cheaper, easier to run, but a huge PITA to make connections being so thick.


I do this because I never say I just need X amps, and run minimum with copper since it is pricey. Just make sure you follow ALL codes and good wiring practices in doing any work.

Common Sense > $$$$ ---- always makes sense.

[Synchroman]

I believe conduit is good workmanship wherever you are. In northern climates I consider it essential. I've never heard of an underground cable failing in summer. I probably average two a year calls from people in January about a cable that has failed underground. In every case they are installed by amateur electricians. It will cost a little more to do it right now, preventing the need to do it again later. I can't understand the obsession with wanting to do it wrong.

In California and other warm states, underground cable is universally used for housing developments. The cables are sticking up from the ground just prior to the foundations being poured.

Apparently the builders are obsessed with using underground cable.

[WillieB]

Developers are more concerned with price than durability. Once sold the failure rate isn't their concern. New home buyers seldom know the difference. In a warm climate a failed cable can be dug up any time of year to replace. Of course, with conduit properly installed it won't need to be replaced.

[Sberry]

if there is already power to the building you need to upgrade it. 1 power supply to a structure.