Hey guys!!
So, I recently got this welder, which came without a plug:
Unlike my other machines (three other welders, and two plasma cutters) which all have three prong outlets, this new welder has four wires, as you can see:
I went to my local Lowe's yesterday with the intention to buy a plug, and showed their electrical guy the pictures you see in this post... He almost had a heart attack, called it a mess, and thought I was crazy.
As you can also see, we have two (3) prong plugs from the same line, which is apparently bad.
Regardless, I wish to get this welder wired in. His advice was to:
1) Take the wires from the current 3 prong wall receptacle, and connect them to a new 4 prong receptacle
2) Wire the 4th prong of the receptacle to a copper wire, and run it through the box directly to a ground stake.
I've also heard from a website I could run two of the bare wires to one of the three prong plug's prongs, which seems like it might be a bad idea.
As you know, I am, nor do I claim to be, an electrician. I figured I'd just go for it, and started drilling for the ground rod, but I dont claim to be a mason either, and my only masonry bit wasnt nearly long enough to make it through the shop floor. It bottomed out 3" in which was about the time I was starting to have doubts about all this, so I figured Id ask here. I've tried (unsuccessfully) to reach longevity's customer support for two days.
Whats the best way to go about all this? Ideally without burning down the garage/the welder/the weldor. Thanks in advance...
So, I recently got this welder, which came without a plug:
Unlike my other machines (three other welders, and two plasma cutters) which all have three prong outlets, this new welder has four wires, as you can see:
I went to my local Lowe's yesterday with the intention to buy a plug, and showed their electrical guy the pictures you see in this post... He almost had a heart attack, called it a mess, and thought I was crazy.
As you can also see, we have two (3) prong plugs from the same line, which is apparently bad.
Regardless, I wish to get this welder wired in. His advice was to:
1) Take the wires from the current 3 prong wall receptacle, and connect them to a new 4 prong receptacle
2) Wire the 4th prong of the receptacle to a copper wire, and run it through the box directly to a ground stake.
I've also heard from a website I could run two of the bare wires to one of the three prong plug's prongs, which seems like it might be a bad idea.
As you know, I am, nor do I claim to be, an electrician. I figured I'd just go for it, and started drilling for the ground rod, but I dont claim to be a mason either, and my only masonry bit wasnt nearly long enough to make it through the shop floor. It bottomed out 3" in which was about the time I was starting to have doubts about all this, so I figured Id ask here. I've tried (unsuccessfully) to reach longevity's customer support for two days.
Whats the best way to go about all this? Ideally without burning down the garage/the welder/the weldor. Thanks in advance...