"I've had to hook up equipment that required 25A circuits, but came manufactured complete with special plugs that could only accept a maximum #12 cable. "

Thats kind of like my new MIG welder. (Hobart Handler 180) Has a 50amp 250v plug (NEMA 6-50P) and the owners manual states that it must be on a 50 amp circuit yet, the power cord is only 12 guage [Linked Image]