New circuit for garage MIG Welder

[vdotmatrix]

I was thinking about running a new circuit that would be dedicated for my 120v MIG welder in the garage.

I have 20A circuits already that i ran in there but I imagine I couldn't run a single other thing on that cuicuit without trippin it.


QUESTION:

1. Would a 20a dedicated circuit do the trick or would I be better off running a 30A?
2. If running a 30A can I still use the 12/2?
3. If i do install a 30A circuit, should it be single or double pole?

[Speedy Petey]

Wow. You really need to get the basics of circuits down before going any further.

NO, you CANNOT use a 30A breaker on #12 wire.
NO, you CANNOT use a 30A breaker on a "standard" 15 or 20A receptacle.

Whether you use a single pole or double pole breaker is determined by what circuit you need.
A single pole would be used for a 120v circuit.
A double pole would be used for a 240v, a 120/240v or a multi-wire (shared neutral) circuit.

Match the circuit to the load. If the welder requires a 120v 20A circuit use 12/2 on a single pole 20A breaker.
If it requires a 240v 30A circuit use 10/2 on a two-pole 30A breaker.
There are dozens of other circuit/wire/receptacle combinations possible.

[HayZee518]

Is your garage detached [ away from the house] or attached [by means of a hallway] & door?

[Speedy Petey]

ALL 120v 15 & 20 amp receptacles in a garage MUST be GFI protected.

Yes, a welder may nuisance trip a GFI on occasion, but you just have to deal with this.

[vdotmatrix]

I am still trying to do this thing and still have the NEC work for me.
I knew i saw something a while back about overamperage, conductors, arc welders and duty cycle. The code allows for a larger breaker using smaller conductor because of the special application of arc welders and duty cycle.

What GFCI do I use if I am using 12/2, a 30A breaker and still remain within Article NEC 630.11 (CA)?