On 7 Nov 2003 08:35:13 -0800, (Mark) wrote:
I still have to wire in my outlet for it and was reading the owner's
manual. It says the input voltage is 230, input amps at rated output
is 20, Max recommended circuit breaker in amperes is 20, Minimum input
conductor size in AWG is 14, minimum grounding conductor in AWG is 12.

I'm not an electrician but I have wired up my electrical box in my
garage but doesn't a 20 amp breaker on a welder seem low? The outlet
is a 50 amp outlet and I had planned on running 4AWG wire to it with a
50 amp double pole circuit breaker switch. Can this still be used
without doing any damage to the welder?

Yes. According to Code, the service panel breaker must be sized to
protect the premises *wiring*, not the load. With #4 wire, a 50 amp
breaker meets that criteria.

If Miller wants the load protected (and UL acceptance), they have
to install their own fuse or circuit breaker *in the unit*. In fact they
have, it has a 25 amp breaker, CB1, in its primary circuit. So don't
worry about hurting it by plugging it into a heavier circuit.

Also, the 4AWG wire I have is solid copper instead of stranded. Is
one better than the other?

Solid is better for the terminations used for circuit breakers
and outlets. Stranded really should only be used with terminals
designed for use with stranded wire (full crimp preferred).

Gary