MIG Welders, TIG Welders, Plasma Cutters & Arc/Stick Welders – What Power Supply Do I Require?

At Eastern Welding Supplies we quite often get asked questions regarding what input power supply is required to operate a Welder or Plasma Cutter. 

** Please note that this text has been written for basic information purposes.  Please contact a Qualified Electrician for expert guidance and advice.

Power Outlets in Australia come in 2 main AC forms: 240V (Single Phase) & 415V (3-Phase).  Welding & Plasma Machines all require different input power due to different Machine outputs and the technology that controls the Machine.  Here some basic guidelines to assist with Purchasing & Safe setup of Welding & Plasma Cutting Machines.

240Volt (Single Phase) – There is a variety of machines that are designed to operate with 240Volt power, however what many people are not aware of is that there are different levels of 240Volt power all designed to carry different amounts of Current (Amps). Such as:

• 10 Amp – This is a standard household power point style outlet & plug. Suitable for Many Low Current 180amp Mig Welders & 140-160amp Stick Welders & 30-35amp Plasma Cutters.
• 15 Amp – This is an upgraded Plug with a Larger Earth Pin & Power Cable to allow for Higher Current. This is the MINIMUM Required for most 200amp Mig Welders, TIG Welders, 180-200amp Stick Welders, 40amp Plasma Cutters.
• 20 Amp – Similar to a 15amp but also designed to carry higher Current. Often required for Many 200amp Mig Welders, Tig Welders, 40amp Plasma Cutters.
• 25 Amp – A 25amp Plug & Outlet has a L-Shape Earth Pin to deter accidental use in other Lower Current Outlets. Required for Many 200-260amp Mig Welders & 40amp Plasma Cutters.

• 32 Amp – Has a U-Shape Earth Pin to deter accidental use in Lower Current Outlets. Required for many 250-260amp Style Mig Welders & 40amp Plasma Cutters to obtain Maximum Capabilities with Output & Duty Cycle (Upgrade of Power Lead & Plug from manufacturer is often required).

415V (3-PHASE)

As 240V power has a variety of variants so does 415V.  They vary from 10amp up to 32amp also.  There are also different plug designs such as: 4-Pin & 5-Pin to allow for.

3-Phase power is the preferred option for more Heavy Industrial Welding Applications due to the ability to operate larger 350amps and above Mig Welders, TIG Welders, Stick Welders & 50amps and above Plasma Cutters. 

SUMMARY

All Welding Machines have different Power requirements and it's important to make sure that you have Correct type & amount of input Power Supply that that is required. Failure to follow these checks can risk Safety & Machine failure.