ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Welding Cable

Interesting point about the heating Bob. My 230a "buzz box" has the leads coming out separate bushings in a metal case I don't think there is a slot cut between them.

At our plant in some of the remote locations, are leads are ran together in conduit to a distribution box with two identified quick connects. That way they can hook up the welder at one end and hook their stinger and ground clamp at the other, one place in paticular nine stories up.

Tim

Bob,
Not if the output of the welder is DC.
Don

Bob,
For at least one manufacturer the only difference between their power and welding cable, aside from the listing and marking issues) is that the welding cable insulation that is 50% thicker than their listed power cable. Everything else is the same including the size, stranding, and type of material used for the insulation. We are actually prohibited, by the code rules, from using a superior product in this case.
Don

Cable marked "welding cable", and listed as such by UL, has been evaluated for use to as high as 100 volts- unless marked with a different (higher) voltage rating. I am not sure as to any sunlight or wet location ratings; it is safe to assume it is not evaluated for direct burial.

I would also assume that, following general trade practices, that you would need to run both cables in the same pipe- whether you had a DC welder, or not.

I do not see any code objections to running the wires in pipe. While they are certainly flexible, and certainly cords, welding cable is a specialty cable, and not a general use cord as are cords such as SO.

I will vote "no" on the sunlight protected issue. I used welding cable for the battery on my boat and the places where the sun hit it went bad.

John,
Why?
Don

Don I am not trying to give you a hard time but I don't understand your position.


Where is the permission to run the output in raceway or why do you feel 400.8 does not apply


Now you are just being argumentative.

For one I said could

It won't heat up if it DC, it won't heat up if the duty cycle is very low, it won't heat up if the welder is left off.

That aside IMO it would be a poor design choice, you will notice in my original post I did not say it was a code violation.

Gregg


Same with mine and any I can remember.

But manufactures do a lot of things we should not do in the field.

Why Even run Welding Cable in Conduit? Why not just Pull THHN? It Doesn't need to be flexible in the conduit?
I've done it before and I thought it was Overkill, Pulled like a Bear Too!

Bob,
I just don't see a real reason not to install the welding secondary cable in a raceway. After looking at the code sections again, I think that you are correct that it would be a violation. I am not ready to completely agree, as welding cable is not listed in 400.4 so I am not sure that Article 400 applies. I really want to delete the last 7 words in 610.15 and say that the code does not apply to the secondary conductors of the welding equipment, but that will have to wait a few years.
If you haven't noticed before, I like to be that way.
Don

[This message has been edited by resqcapt19 (edited 12-26-2005).]