14-50P to 6-50R Welder Adapter

[The Critic]

Just purchased a welder that uses a 6-50 plug. I have a 14-50 outlet in my garage so I need an adapter.

I found this one but $76 is on the steeper side for just an adapter:
https://acworks.com/products/wd1450...apter?_pos=1&_psq=6-50r+to+14-50&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Is there any reason to pay for this named-brand unit over one of the many $20-$25 options on Amazon?

 

[Astro_Guy]

Just purchased a welder that uses a 6-50 plug. I have a 14-50 outlet in my garage so I need an adapter.

I found this one but $76 is on the steeper side for just an adapter:
https://acworks.com/products/wd1450...apter?_pos=1&_psq=6-50r+to+14-50&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Is there any reason to pay for this named-brand unit over one of the many $20-$25 options on Amazon?

Couldn't you just add a second box with the connector you need in parallel with what you have now?

 

[CarLuver]

i would either cut the plug off the end of a cable coming out of the welder , or get a new cable with correct end and change it out

 

[ripcord]

The 14-50 outlet has a neutral wire and the 6-50 does not, IIRC. Is it even Kosher to put a 14-50 male end on an appliance with a wire that lacks a neutral?

 

[ctechbob]

Or re-cord your welder with the 15-50 end.

FWIW I use several of the 'no name' adapters for our camper and have never had a problem out of them, even pulling max loads through them.

 

[The_Jeff]

The 14-50 outlet has a neutral wire and the 6-50 does not, IIRC. Is it even Kosher to put a 14-50 male end on an appliance with a wire that lacks a neutral?

In theory, no. They change dryer and stove pigtails all the time to match the outlet provided. It was only around 1996 when they decided to stop using the ground for a neutral for those devices, and they at a minimum turn a blind eye to replacing cords to use existing infrastructure.

I like the replacing-the-welder-plug idea. The unused neutral can stay unused. It's less of a sin in the eyes of many to adapt appliances vs adapting permanently attached wall outlets. "I don't know much about it, I got it at a garage sale."

Another idea just for kicks, get some 10 or 12 gauge extension cord and make yourself a lengthy adapter. Gives you more room in the garage. Just don't use it coiled up (inductance).

Welders are intermittent use and therefore thinner gauge materials going up to them are often allowed. This also means your cheapo amazon adapter will probably not overheat.