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Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 6:03 am
by buguy
Does anyone know the names of these? I don't have a 220v outlet for my welder in the garage. I do have an spot where my whole house generator plugs in. The electrician told me if I just flip the breaker for it, I could use it for an outlet. I would have to remove the lockout though. It has a lock so I can't run it with the main breaker on. This thing has never been used other than testing in the 3 years I've had it installed. Someday it will for sure be used for the generator, so I will just have to be sure to kill house power first. Shouldn't be a problem.
So I was thinking maybe I would build a cord that would allow me to get to where I need to with the welder. So the generator receptacle has the 4 prong plug in a circular pattern male with the little bent locks. The welder has a 3 plug with 2 straight spades and one round one. Like a normal cord but it's bigger. Both are 220v. Anyone know the names of those so it will be easier for me to find? I guess I would need a cord with one female 3 prong end and the other end a female 4 prong round.

Re: Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 3:48 pm
by theKbStockpiler
I'll bet it will be about the same cost to install a sub-panel in the garage.

Re: Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 4:29 pm
by Clonebug
Just plug it in to your dryer outlet.....they are usually 220 volt and if it's close to the garage just make an extension cable.

Re: Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 5:04 pm
by buguy
I thought about plugging it into the dryer, but it's not super close to my work area. But that generator plug is right around the corner. The dryer isn't super far away or anything, but if I could make the generator plug work it would be easier.

Re: Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 5:22 pm
by buguy
Also I was thinking maybe instead of making an extention cord I would just make/buy a longer cord and wire it into the welder. Either way would require a different end. My welder end is different than the dryer too.

Re: Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 5:33 pm
by Ol'fogasaurus
"... The welder has a 3 plug with 2 straight spades and one round one. Like a normal cord but it's bigger. Both are 220v. Anyone know the names of those so it will be easier for me to find? I guess I would need a cord with one female 3 prong end and the other end a female 4 prong round."

If you want to use the three prong plug for 220v it is legal in most states and cities (but check) but I would up date a 20 amp three prong receptacle in AND MARK IT 220 VOLTS! There are other 220 outlets available for you can buy but again, you have to change the end of the plug to work with the end of the plug so if yours is a 3 prong plug...

Lee

Re: Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 5:58 pm
by buguy
Well it isn't exactly like a regular plug. It is larger. And one of the spades is bigger than the other.
I would have a dedicated 220 outlet put in for it, but I think I might be out of breakers in the box. We added a pool a couple years ago, a hot tub, and then the generator plug. I just figured the generator plug in would get used next to never, but i do want to have it in place for when I need it. I'm not sure if I could just wire in the 4 prong plug on the welder and leave off the one that isn't needed. Maybe just changing it to the dryer end would be easier in the long run. I would just have to have a 20' longer cord.

Re: Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 5:36 pm
by GS guy
Maybe just change the outlet out on your generator outlet to match the welder? Then you can make up an adapter cord for the generator to plug in when needed? The twist lock round shape plugs are probably more secure when plugged in, however my welder plug and socket fit pretty tight that it's difficult to un-plug when not in use. Just need to make sure the amperage rating of your circuit (wiring and breaker) is correct for the generator and welder!

Re: Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2019 5:45 pm
by buguy
Still no plan here. There is an electrician that comes out to work now and then. I'm hoping he shows up soon so I can pick his brain.

Re: Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2019 5:48 pm
by Ol'fogasaurus
buguy wrote: Sat Jan 19, 2019 5:45 pm Still no plan here. There is an electrician that comes out to work now and then. I'm hoping he shows up soon so I can pick his brain.
Picture?

Re: Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2019 6:06 pm
by buguy
I don't have a pic. But my outlet is just like this.
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Reliance-30-Amp- ... EEQAvD_BwE
And my welder end is like this:
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-50-Amp ... 3AQAvD_BwE

Re: Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2019 9:39 pm
by Ol'fogasaurus
The welder's three prong style is 220v style I was talking about. Rereading your first post and it is from a generator; the outlet in the picture I don't think I have ever seen before. Being that is it from a generator I don't know if there is a converter adapter available and the generator just may have more oomph than your welder can handle. Dale is probably the one you need to get in the mix on this.

There might be other options that require electrical work but look for an adapter first. which I don't think you will find. I'd go for adding a proper plug in the garage located where you need it and don't forget to mark it 220. I forgot on mine and destroyed a 110v saw with it :roll: :lol: .

Lee

Re: Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 2:56 am
by Zedbed99
My welder runs fine on a 50m extension.

Re: Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 6:39 am
by buguy
Yeah the generator plug is actually made for power to come into the house. That electrician I was talking about is the one that told me it would supply a 220v welder if I switched the breaker on. I didn't ask about the conversion on the plug at that time. If it's too tough I will just switch to the dryer plug and run an extension.

Re: Generator/welder plug ends

Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 9:01 am
by Ol'fogasaurus
Its probably a good idea to spend the time and $$$ to do it right and locate it right just for you. The way no one gets hurt and you are a happy camper :wink: :lol: .

Storm backup style of generators have to be installed into the house circuit a special way so that if the power company is working on the lines the power from the generator doesn't go back down the line and zap them. Since there is a lot of trees around here we still hear about it around here when someone buys a generator for a storm and it is wired into the house wrong.

Lee