Oldmandan

Hi,
My garage is currently wired w/ 12ga. wire, on 20amp circuits. The welder I'm looking at purchasing peaks at 20amps.

My buddy was telling me he thinks I need to install a larger circuit to acct for surges during operation? Is he right?

Should I be looking at a smaller welder?

BridgeMan

You might consider going with a 220 volt welder, instead of 110 volt (which I presume you're doing, a small wire feed job?). The larger unit will have a much better duty cycle, and would be good for welding far more than just sheet metal. And if you do choose a 220 volt, then you definitely need a heavier wiring circuit, probably No. 6, 3-wire, good for 50 amps.

JoeD

What size circuit does the welder manual say it requires.

If it peaks at 20 amps that would be if you use it on the highest setting. If you are not going to be using it on the higher setting you will probably not have a problem.

kok328

Use 10AWG with a 30 Amp breaker. This will allow for a 24 Amp current (80% of the rated circuit).