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I have a MIG welder that runs on 240volt/30amp. My electric panel Breaker is 220 volt/30 amp and the receptacle is a NEMA 6-50r. I want to use a 40 ft extension cord to get closer to the welding job. Is 10 gauge wire good enough or do I have to upsize to 8 AWG for the welder extension cord?

ThreePhaseEel
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Scott Treace
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1 Answers1

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The real question would be - How much amperage or load does your welder actually pull? It's probably less than 30A. However using the total connected load of 30A and assuming you want no more than 3% drop. You would need to use a #8 conductor. Check the nameplate and see if there is a RLA (run load amperage) or other amperage rating, and you might get away with a smaller conductor.

Hope this helps.

Retired Master Electrician
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