100 amp 3 wire cord (?)

[mtumbleson]

Hey guys, I'm going to run 2 thermostats in my oven. They will be pulling a total of 81 amps total. I can't "hard wire" the oven because of the size of my shop, I must be able to move the oven around as needed.

So, I've been looking for a suitable cord. The largest I can find is a 6/3 welding cord but they aren’t giving an amp rating on it. By their amp chart, I'm guessing that the 6 gauge is 50 amp (because #4 is 100 amp, #3 is 150 amp etc) anyone have any idea where I can get a 3 wire cord rated at 100 amps?

My only option I can see at the moment is to run flexible single conductor (#4) cord. What size ground will I need to run, #4 also?

Here’s the site I was looking at>>

https://weldingsupply.securesites.co...F:OR:terms::PA

[fl70]

You can check a marine store or a marina for a dock power cord and matching outlet in the proper amperage.

[jrow]

mtumbleson,

The farthest distance that you will have your oven away from the receptacle will determine the amperage needed for your electrical cord!
Your can purchase rubber covered cable from and electrical supplier or Home Depot or the likes. Don't forget to get the appropriate amperage plug!

John

[mtumbleson]

Based on the chart here (towards the bottom)> https://weldingsupply.securesites.co...F:OR:terms::PA

I'm sure that the #4 will suite my situation. I'm only going to run a 25 foot cord, pulling 81 amps at my control box (at the oven.)

When the oven heats up, it will be dropped in half (when the burners are heating) the high amperage is only for a pre heat, that’s why I'm running 2 thermostats. I really would like to locate a 3 wire cord so I don't have to run individual leads.

I have noticed that the amp ratings change per manufacturer, so I will have to adjust accordingly…

[JTW37]

When I installed my welder, years ago, I was able to get the three wire. I think I got around 20 feet. cost would be irrelevant today. I did it about 19 years ago.

[mtumbleson]

Yea, I know they have to make the cord because they make them for welders. I'm not sure why I'm having so much trouble finding it. I've spent several hours on the internet looking and I've searched all over town.

[mtumbleson]

Just in case this will help someone else down the road, I just called my local welding supply guy and got a cord, already made up ready to go...

[kcenicola]

How are you going to connect this welding power cord drawing 81 amps to your main power supply breaker box?

[kcenicola]

Regarding the amp ratings of the SJOO cord sold at Home Depot and elsewhere:

12/3 = 25 amps
12/4 = 20 amps
10/3 = 30 amps
10/4 = 25 amps

Not sold at Home Depot:

6/3 (welding supply cable) = 55 amps
6/4 (welding supply cable) = 45 amps

The single conductor welding wire (ex #4) sold by the welding supply is for the wire going from the welder to the electrode. When you set an arc welder's dial to "Amps=85", the welder is not drawing 85 amps from the receptacle, it's taking the power (ampsXvolts) that it's using from the receptacle and its lowering the voltage and raising the current so that 85 amps is running through the steel you are welding. The welder can only pull a max of 12,000 watts from the receptacle (240V X 50Amps = 12,000 watts).

This is the same concept of how power runs to all the houses in your neighborhood through such small diameter power lines. They are high Voltage lines not high current lines, when it feeds to your house the voltage goes down and the current goes up.

If anyone is using a 6/3 cord attached to a 50 amp plug and you're pulling 81 amps, you are exceeding the ratings of the cord and the plug and the receptacle.

[mtumbleson]

Perhaps I'm screwing up. (?)

Here's what I'm trying to accomplish.

I'm running 2 separate controls in my oven.
2 contactors,
2 temp controls,
6- 18 ohm elements (3 elements per contactor and temp control)

The idea is a fast pre heat, then after heat up turn one control off. I "had" intended to use my 220 outlet that is wired for my welders (via a 3 wire cord).

I didn't realize that welders were designed to function as you explained. Am I making a big mistake?