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Arc welder without a fused plug
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2024 4:03 pm
by LuckyNo777
Hey all,
Just wondering if anyone knows if it's a legal requirement in the UK for an arc welder to come fitted with a fused plug? I just picked up this beginners stick welder and a mate says it breaks regs and is dangerous because it has an unearthed EU plug with an unearthed 3 pin adapter. Any ideas?
Cheers!
Arc welder without a fused plug
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2024 5:34 pm
by Someone-Else
Your mate is wrong.
Also you can't really use that in a domestic situation, when in use it can draw 18 Amps, a domestic plug can only carry 13 Amps, also it should have a dedicated circuit.
Send it back, get a smaller one. Sorry it's not the answer you wanted.
Arc welder without a fused plug
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2024 7:17 pm
by Bob225
Put a proper UK plug on it and make sure the earth is actually attached to the case internally 18A is the theoretical max amperage - it will be fine up to 70–85 amps, 50-60% duty cycle on a 13a plug
I run my Paraweld 212 AC/DC TIG/MMA on a blue Mk commando 3 pin round plug due to the cable size, I also use a 13a - to inline commando if I need to use it outside - the modern inverter based welders are a lot more efficient and don't kick and spike like the old transformer based boat anchors, My Paraweld is rated to 200A @16 amps it barely breaks 10a at 140a DC (4mm rod, 6-8mm material)