Hi John,

If the wiring is old, I'd be more concerned about the connections than the
mains cable itself. If you can, have a look at the connections at both ends
(plaus any junction boxes etc) and check they are tight.

If you're in the UK then it's possibly a ring main feed and the cable will
carry the current from "both" directions, further reducing  the heating
effect. If this is the case, then check all the power points connections as
they daisy chain around the loop.

Also, make sure that there are no other high current units running on the
same circuit while you are welding - electric heaters, jugs, toasters etc.
or you may trip the breaker.


RP

RP

On 17 February 2015 at 07:35, Richard R. Pope <mechanic_2@charter.net>
wrote:

>
> Robert,
>      As per the electrical code the breakers are rated at 80% of their
> rated value for a continuous load. That means that a 15 amp breaker is
> only rated to carry a 12 amp continuous load and a 20 amp breaker is
> only rated at 16 amps.
> Thanks,
> rich!
>
> On 2/16/2015 12:18 PM, Robert Dvoracek wrote:
> > If the wiring is 12awg copper, then 13 amps is not a problem.
> > Even 14awg will probably be fine.
> > If the breaker is tripping, then invest in a quality breaker.
> > I have seen inferior breakers trip under their rated load.
> > Some welders actually recommend a slow-blow fuse.
> > If a premium circuit breaker still trips, take it back and get a fuse
> holder instead.
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Robert
> >
> > Sent from my iPad
> >
> >>> On Mon, Feb 16, 2015, at 02:44 AM, John Chung wrote:
> >>> Here is the long story........
> >>> I just got into welding. My welding box can draw up to 13 amps. So sa=
id
> >>> the fuse on the plug. The circuit breaker which is the welding box is
> >>> plugged into is rated for 16 amps.
> >>> My great concern is burning off the insulation for the electrical
> cables
> >>> in the wall itself. The current draw on the welding box can be high.
> The
> >>> welding box can run up to 200amps *output current*. Hence my concern
> with
> >>> all this testing. I live in a country that uses 240volts.
> >>>
>
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