If you are a welder, you know the importance of purchasing the right type of welding cable. The 3/0 welding cable is the conductor that holds the welding current. It is made up of a series of very fine copper strands that are inside of a non-conductive and durable jacket. In most cases this will be a type of natural or synthetic rubber that is made up of different colors. The copper strands are what provide this cable with the flexibility that it has, which is much more than other electrical conductors. Additionally, the insulating jacket has been designed in a way to withstand being moved repeatedly over surfaces that are rough.
Determining If You Need 3/0 Welding Cable
When selecting the welding cable for your job, you will need to increase its diameter as the current level is increased. This is measured in amps or amperage. The concept of this is very similar to the way that water flows through a hose. The bigger the diameter he hose is, the more water it can carry.
When 3/0 AWG Welding Cable Is Acceptable
The amperage, which is also the current capacity of the cable, refers to the total electrical current that a cable is able safely to conduct. In addition to the cross sectional area, some of the other factors that will impact the actual amperage of a welding cable is the temperature ratings, the insulation material that is used, the ohm rating, the length and the conductor temperature.
Things to Remember When Using 3/0 Welding Cable
While copper is a great electricity conductor, it still has some resistance to the electron flow. This means that there will be some level of resistance heating inside the 3/0 extra flexible AWG welding cable. It is completely normal for a welding cable that has been selected and that is the proper size to feel warm when touched after you have been welding for any extended period of time. However, if you choose a cable that is too small, then it can become a possible fire hazard and actually cause damage to the entire cable, which will eventually lead to failure and breakage.
When the insulation jacket on the 3/0 welding cable breaks down it can also present an electrical shock hazard. Additionally, when a cable is oversized for a certain amperage level will not conduct a current more effectively than a cable that has been properly sized. However, the bigger the diameter of the cable, the more it will cost, which can make you spend more than you really have to.
When it comes to selecting and purchasing welding cable, use Ewcswire to ensure you get the cable you need for a price you are able to easily afford.
