I’m just setting up my machine but no close outlet for the plasma cutter. Is it ok to use a 50 amp extension cord from my water heater outlet till I have someone come wire one in for me?
Most water heaters are 30 or 40 amp unless you have a really big one. Now depending on what plasma cutter you are going to use most can be run on a 30 amp breaker. These days most plasma cutters and welders come with the standard 6-50p but does not need a 50 amp breaker. Look at the tag on the plasma cutter it will tell you the inrush amps at max amps it may say 33 amps at 60 amp output once it starts cutting that will drop to say 27 amps and a 30 amp breaker will work fine. Just use the right size wire for the breaker your using.
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How long is the extension cord going to be? Also, what cutter do you have?
Short answer is, it will be fine and work well assuming you aren’t running anything bigger than a 65A cutter and/or running over 100’. I use a 50’ 50A cord to run the plasma or MIG when I need to use them further away from the main work area.
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