Is it safe to connect welder to a dryer outlet

[pRoFiT]

Was posting on another thread about the HF 170amp welder plugging into the Dryer outlet and got this response.

I will simply say DO NOT weld from your dryer outlet, unless you like the probability of starting a fire in your walls

Hmm, that's the first i've heard of that. I will investigate more. Currently i only weld with low settings. That 170 is powerful! no need to go anymore then the lower two settings so far. My dryer is running off two 30amp breakers @220V. i made a welder to dryer adapter using Dryer wire and welder receptacle.

Pictures of what i used to make my adapter.

anyone have thoughts on this? all welding sites show the same thing for connecting to a dryer outlet. Only concerns i've seen is on wire AWG being less then #14 so it doesn't melt

 

[Randy H]

If your electrical system is up to code, there is no reason you can't use a dryer plug.

However if some well meaning wanna be electrician used undersized wire, and/or to large of a breaker you could have problems. If the breaker is to big it will allow to much current in the circuit. A dangerous situation.

What is your wire size?

 

[Jfive]

I used my dryer outlet. It's 30 amps so it's limited compared to a 50 amp. A 170amp is about right compared to a 250amp/300amp welder that would need a 50/60 amp.

 

[chancer]

NEC says that #10 Wire shall be used to handle 30 Amps.
Most all Dryer outlets are 220V 30 amps.
What does your Welder require?

If it needs a 30 amp or smaller 220 Volt outlet you will be fine.
Page 7 of the HF170 manual says requires 240v 20 amp. Your Dryer outlet is typically supplying 220v up to 30amps. Also note Page 6 of the manual:
"The plug shown (NEMA 6-50p) is for use on a
50 A circuit. A different 250 VAC plug and outlet
combination may be used, provided it is rated
to handle the electrical requirements of the tool
and is installed by a certified electrician."

You had to change the cord cause the Welder ships with a 50 amp Plug and the Dryer plug is a 30 amp. The only difference is the configuration of the Prongs.

As long as you have 10g wire in the House run direct from the breaker to the Dryer outlet (This is typical) you will be fine.

 

[pRoFiT]

Hf manual says 12awg at 6 feet. 10awg up to 75 feet.

Also input power is 240 20amp. So yah maybe a 50amp connection is better but my dryer 30amp on the hf low settings should be ok. I'll let you know if I burn down the house and survive.

 

[chancer]

I just re read the title and your last response and remembered you are the guy using HF front tires.
I wonder why I even try!

 

[pRoFiT]

Hey, I switched out the tires! Gots some turf savers now.

Need to find use for the used hf tires? Smoke signals? Hamster tire swing?

 

[Poboy kartman]

Hey, I switched out the tires! Gots some turf savers now.

Need to find use for the used hf tires? Smoke signals? Hamster tire swing?

Yeah, but we tried to tell you earlier.

 

[chancer]

AND you are still using the wheels!

 

[Jfive]

I'd prefer 8/2 or 8/3 wire for a dryer. But electrical is always kept on the bare minimal anymore it seems. I'd used 10/2 for my dishwasher.