32 replies to this topic

[sonikk4]

One tip, avoid the Clarke 150TE unless your willing to wire in the welder to a 20amp fused isolator switch, this is what I have found out this evening. I have though asked the question over on the mig-welding forum pages if It's possible to fit a robust 13amp plug to the welder If I'm not able to change it for one that can use a standard 13a plug, and the answer is yes as long as the welder setting is not on max!

Have you tried to fit a 16amp plug and then use a stand alone 16amp rcb?? i had to do this with my compressor as the 13amp rcb kept tripping.
I've not heard of folks having problems with the 150 before but then again when i bought my compressor that came with a manual stating all i would need was a standard 13amp socket and power supply. How wrong was that.

In my new house i will be fitting a stand alone 25 amp power supply for my compressor so at least if i decide to go up in power for a new Mig then i can use that so as not to fall foul of your problem.

[Welshminiman]

That's where my problem lies, as where my van is being restored, is rented accommodation, I really don't want to play with the electrics, and having no electric in the garage (with the exception of 2x 25 meter extension leads) I'm looking into either exchanging the welder from place of purchase (Machine Mart) for a lesser model, and possibly making up the difference in extras for welding, or just fitting a robust 13a socket on the end of the welder and giving it a shot.

And as the duty cycle of the welder will be around half, I can't see there being a problem with just sticking a 13amp socket on the end (for the time being!)

[sonikk4]

To be honest i thrash the backside out of my Clarke 135Te turbo Mig and have never has any issues with it power wise even on max power and its more than plenty for welding cars with.