Hi. I have seen electric MIG welders that are rated, for example, from 50 - 100A, but have standard plugs and 13A fuses. Is it the case that such a welder would draw no more than 13A from my mains supply?

Thanks.

They have transformers in them that lower the voltage and up the available amps. Its highly unlikely that you'll blow a fuse with a 100amp mig.

The Torch end does not run at 240 volts. Or you would electrocute yourself.

Its probably about 24volts, in which case it can supply 100A.

ie 240V at 10 Amps is the same as 24V at 100 Amps ie 2400Watts. (assuming No losses in the transformer)

A 13amp plugtop will supply 3.25Kw at 240V (approx). If you lower the output voltage you get more current for the same power throughput.

Thankd for the information guys

as an aside, its easy enough to stick in a higher power outlet onto you comsumer unit. But as said, its unlikely to need it. My welder runs fine on a normal plug, but the plasma cutter i have (had, not rewired since i moved) on a dedicated lead and 32 amp breaker.

As previously stated, larger welders than a 100ishA MIG will require a dedicated supply, for example my 190A electric arc obviously has a dedicated power supply and quite a special extension lead!

Will

you can get around 150 A welders to run from a 13A plug.

much more than that, and you need to be looking at dedicated supplies.

a clarke 150Te will run fine on a 13A plug
tom

[Edited on 4/6/05 by indykid]

ah well, must be doing something wrong with my 230 amp mig plugged into a std socket then!!

(I do have 45 amp cable from the breaker in the consumer unit to the sockets in the garage!!)