Uncomplicating the AC Input on Welders

[Auto_Tech]

In multi-welder environments (such as mine) I sure wish Miller would simplify the AC input cords. I currently have three Miller Machines --- each with different 208/220/230V plugs --- a L14-30 plug on my CST 280, a NEMA 6.50 on my 211, and a NEMA 14-50 4-wire on the big machine. Is Miller going to standardize somehow --- perhaps with a modular arrangement like they've done to support 120V and 208/220/230V?

[H80N]

In multi-welder environments (such as mine) I sure wish Miller would simplify the AC input cords. I currently have three Miller Machines --- each with different 208/220/230V plugs --- a L14-30 plug on my CST 280, a NEMA 6.50 on my 211, and a NEMA 14-50 4-wire on the big machine. Is Miller going to standardize somehow --- perhaps with a modular arrangement like they've done to support 120V and 208/220/230V?

Most of the Miller commercial grade machines are shipped without any plugs.......

due to the variety of environments they live in.....

you get to supply the plug that matches YOUR Shop.....wiring... voltage and phase....

[ryanjones2150]

I don't think any of my machines came with a plug on it. My 120v Lincoln probably did, but other than that, I've put plugs on them all, including the plasma cutter. <br />
<br />
Just cut that sucker off and put whatever you want on the end. You could hardwire them all, then you won't have to worry about plugs at all.

[H80N]

I don't think any of my machines came with a plug on it. My 120v Lincoln probably did, but other than that, I've put plugs on them all, including the plasma cutter. <br />
<br />
Just cut that sucker off and put whatever you want on the end. You could hardwire them all, then you won't have to worry about plugs at all.

Fer instance.......................

My Dynasty 350 Tigrunner..... Dynasty 200DX....&.... Millermatic 350P..... All came without plugs from the factory

All now wear 6-50P.... my shop is 240 Single phase

Yours might be 480 3 Phase....So.............................. different plugs......

[Aeronca41]

3 of my 4 Miller welders came without plugs. As Ryan says, just put on whatever you want. I'm with H80N; with 230 single phase, I have all 6-50.

[ryanjones2150]

All of mine are 6-50 except for one, but that's only because I happen to have the plug and socket left over from something else and didn't see the need in spending another $50 to make it match. I wish I had now though! Helga will get hard wired, but she needs 195amps.

[Broccoli1]

If you are a Single phase shop YOU can standardize all the receptacles and then put one style of plug on the machines.

There is just no way Miller can standardize the machine plug for 3-phase and high amp Single phase because there are too many possibilities as well as some machines will draw too many amps for a plug/receptacle configuration and retire a disconnect/hardwire set up.

The 3 different plugs you mentioned can all be switched to 6-50.

[Burnt hands]

Here is NEMA chart of plugs and receptacles. Lots of choices.
May shed some light on why Miller shipped my Dynasty 210 and 350 without plugs.
Like H80N said, the plug must match your available power and phase or there may be lots of damage.

[xryan]

I've never bought a welder new that came with a plug, just a wire and you pick your own plug. As for me all my machines have 6-50P on them because I don't have 3 phase. When I was at 3 phase shops I've had lots of different plugs at different times, depending on where the machine was located, what had been wired in that area before for who knows kind of other equipment. If I take machines to work in someone else's shop for a job I don't even bother with plugs sometimes, it's easier to just wire a pigtail into an unused circuit box and put a cover plate on it.

[FusionKing]

They are standardized. No plug
That said, I looked everywhere trying to decide the most readily available low cost 4 wire plug so I could use it everywhere.
At the time I was mobile and shop both. I was simply using the 6-50 and the 115v standard 3 wire plug in the beginning.
I decided on the L14-30 for several reasons. First off it was a twist lock 4 wire plug. Second it is used enough that it is very commonly found. It is used for powering RV and off of many generators.
I will say I am NOT using it for it's intended purpose. Someone COULD plug into the power in my shop where I had one installed and blow all their stuff to heck or burn their whatever up.......because their wiring would certainly NOT match mine. Namely they would get the "wild leg" running into what they were expecting to be 115 v

But no one is powering up off of my stuff so I use it on all my machines. 200, 280, and 700 Dynasties along with the 350P

You can even buy extension cords already wired with it very reasonable.
I do have many "adapters" (like a dozen maybe) made with the L14-30 on one end and whatever else I may need on the other. I can roll into your laundry room or your kitchen and set up shop!! It works great for me and my employees and I recommend it highly to anyone who understands wiring, and the risks involved when working around people who don't.

[ryanjones2150]

Yup, those electrical pig tail adapters sure are handy.