Welding Wire Size

For efficient performance the nfpa 70 national electrical code 210 19 a note 3 recommends branch circuits be sized to prevent voltage drops exceeding 3 percent.

Welding wire size.

View the awg reference table below for dimensions and sizing of welding. Er70s 6 wire can provide better wetting at the weld toe when compared to an er70s 3 wire. The important specs to go by when choosing the appropriate wire that is suitable for your applications are the wire gauge amp voltage rating and the length needed. Welding cable size is measured by the american wire gauge awg standard.

Material thickness 024 030 035 045 030 035 045 24 gauge 025. Er70s 6 is also better for creating a smooth transition from the weld to the base metal also known as wash in or tie in. Better wash in may be a requirement in applications subject to fatigue. As an example let s assume you have a 400 amp power source at 60 duty cycle and need a total combined length of electrode plus work cables of 100 feet.

Double click on chart to view quick guide for selecting mig wire size and welder amperage for your application. The welding cable size chart below includes the wire gauge length of the wire diameter weight technical details and color of available. A quality mig wire is critical in robotic welding applications. These charts show.

So size your extension cord wire for minimum voltage drop. The sizes under debate mainly are 030 and 035 they both are a good option but to give you a short answer as a hobbyist welding between 22ga and 1 8 inch the 030 will do the job. Awg sizes will have three numbers for example 2 awg 625 30 this means that the welding cable has a total cross sectional area of 2 awg and is made from 625 strands of 30 awg wire. Figure 5 is an example of a chart for selecting the proper welding cable size.

Other charts are available from cable manufacturers and welding reference books. I think it is the most versatile size wire to use as a welder.