Extension Cord... ?

[WoodieSC]

Simple question...

I've got a Hobart 140 115v wire/Mig welder that's only got maybe an 8' power cord on it. In order to use the welder outside of the garage I need to get/assemble at least a 15'-20' extension cord to get from my 20 Amp wall socket to outside.

The power cord on the Hobart is a 14 awg cord with a standard 15 amp plug, which surprised me except that with the duty cycle around 20% I assume it's not an issue.

I was thinking about making a cord using 10-3 SJOOW, but is it safe to use a standard 15 amp plug on the cord since it won't be used for more than about a 20% duty cycle even if it draws up to 20 amps? I'm assuming it is since the welder already has one but thought I'd better check with some of you who know a helluva lot more than I do to be sure.

This way I'd be able to use this heavier extension cord for my small air compressor, which only has a 6' cord on it, and although I've got 2 x 50' air hoses there are times I'd like to locate the compressor farther from a plug... or not have to move it at all to plug it in, etc.

Just being safe...

Thanks.

[swampshooter]

Are you going to be using aluminum or copper for the extension cord.

[hightech1953]

I have never heard of a aluminum ext cord .

[swampshooter]

I have never heard of a aluminum ext cord .

He said assemble, I figured he may be using something laying around. Anyway, if you are using copper 10awg you should be good for 30 amps.

[hightech1953]

He said assemble, I figured he may be using something laying around. Anyway, if you are using copper 10awg you should be good for 30 amps.

Sorry ,If he made one out of aluminum it would be stiff as a wedding prick !!!

[Steelin' Ducks]

How do you make that little guy hitting his head on the brick wall again?

[Saltydog235]

Go buy a 12AWG 50' extension cord and weld away.

[WoodieSC]

Are you going to be using aluminum or copper for the extension cord.

Copper. The only aluminum around here I know about is the main feed to the house.

How do you make that little guy hitting his head on the brick wall again?

Salty, the only reason I hadn't just gone and done that was that I need a new/longer generator extension cord so I was thinking about using the old 30' 10 awg SOOW cord for the welder cord and a new 50' 10 awg cord for the 30 amp generator feed line.

The question remains, just to be sure...

I was thinking about making a cord using 10-3 SJOOW, but is it safe to use a standard 15 amp plug on the cord since it won't be used for more than about a 20% duty cycle even if it draws up to 20 amps? I'm assuming it is since the welder already has one but thought I'd better check with some of you who know a helluva lot more than I do to be sure.

[Gone South]

I have never heard of a aluminum ext cord .

It doesn't affect bearing pitting as bad