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Originally Posted by rocknthehawk
I would recommend NOT using an extension cord, mainly because you will lose power doing so, which means you'll have to mess with your voltage settings.
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If done properly, there is no problem with using an extension cord with an electric welder. It is done all the time. The important thing is to make sure it uses as large gauge wire as possible, and it is as short as you need. Note that I am not talking about the little 7-strand, thin-wire cord you connect to your Christmas tree lights. I am talking about a heavy duty construction-grade cord, rated for at least 20 amps continuous use and with 12- or 10-gauge conductors at a minimum.
Yes, there will be some additional voltage drop over the length of the cable. But if it is sufficiently large gauge the additional drop caused by the extension will be minor in comparison with the drop caused by the in-wall wiring from the panel to the outlet (or from the generator to the welder, etc.). Regarding adjustments, you should check and adjust your voltage settings every time you locate the welder in a new location or connect to a different power source. The input voltage in different locations is rarely identical (some lines may be electrically "dirtier" than others, different length runs from the transformer will cause variations in voltage drops, cabling that meets or exceeds code will also cause different voltage drops, different size breakers on the lines may behave differently, etc.).
-dave