Are you in search of replacement welding cables for sale to replace old, worn cables? We carry welding cables in addition to other specialty electrical wire and cable such as marine battery wire and fire alarm cable.

Here are some of the most popular questions from around the web.

What are the requirements for welding cable?

There are two basic main requirements for welding cable for sale: flexibility and durability.

Highly flexible welding cable is at an advantage in any given setting because flexible cable can be worked into a jobsite much more easily than thicker, stiffer cable.

To ensure a higher degree of flexibility, cables for welding are manufactured with very thin conductors and a high conductor strand count.

The other thing that welding cable should offer is highly durable insulation, as these cables are often used outside, in extreme temperatures and conditions, and may be subjected to weather, sunlight, oil, gasoline, abrasives, chemicals and corrosive agents.

Besides these two considerations, it is also important to choose a cable with the proper voltage, amperage, and resistance rating (these things are related) as well as a cable with an appropriate temperature rating.

How far should welding cable be spliced?

According to OSHA Standard 1926.351, only cables that are free from splices or repairs for a minimum of 10 feet from the cable end to which the electrode holder is attached should be used.

For more information, consult OSHA.gov or an electrical engineer.

How many amps can welding cable handle?

This is a bit of a difficult question to answer because there is no single answer.

Gauge is the primary determinant of how many amps welding cable can carry, as gauge determines voltage rating, which is a product of amperage and resistance.

Thicker gauges can carry greater amperage, all else considered. However, you must make sure you never exceed the voltage or temperature rating of the cable or it can overheat, increasing the risk of fire or electric shock.

Also, be cognizant of cable length as longer cables cannot carry the same amperage as shorter cables (all else being equal) due to voltage drop.

For more information on voltage drop, consult an electrical engineer or contact us at 1-800-262-1598.

Why should welding cables be uncoiled before use?

When long welding cables are used for welding, they should always be uncoiled and straightened out.

The reason for this is that leaving the cable coiled creates inductance when a current runs through it. This can make the electrical arc unstable due to fluctuations in the current.

Leaving a cable coiled creates a magnetic field that can actually work in opposition to the current flowing through it. This can adversely affect performance on multiple levels.

Without getting too technical, all you need to know is that you should straighten out long cables before use.

How do you know when to repair or replace welding cables?

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration suggests that cables used for welding be replaced whenever the insulation is damaged or the conductors are exposed.

Failure to do so is a direct contradiction of OSHA guidelines and substantially increases the risk of fires and electric shock.

Is thicker welding cable for sale better?

All else being equal, welding cable that is thicker (that is, of a lower gauge) will have a higher cross-sectional area and therefore can carry higher voltage and current.

Thicker wires can also feed at slower but more consistent speeds. If you vary the power too much while welding and the cable can’t handle it, it can create an erratic arc that splatters the weld and leaves imperfections.

Therefore, while it isn’t the case that “thicker wires are inherently better,” if you need to increase the power, you should increase the thickness of the wire. Also, always use cables that are appropriately rated for the application.

Is welding cable for sale good for anything besides welding?

As long as you keep use within the rating specifications, welding cable for sale can be used for a whole lot of other applications besides welding.

For instance, our welding cable for sale, which is rated to 600V and temperatures between -40℃ and 105℃, can be used for extensions to relocate batteries (this is why it’s predominantly available with black and red insulation), for inverters, and as leads for motors and generators. 

Should welding cable be used in marine applications?

Welding cable should not be used in marine applications unless it is specifically rated for use in marine environments.

Like marine battery cable, welding cable is made with a high conductor count and is very flexible; however, marine battery cable is made with individually-tinned copper conductors that are more corrosion-resistant than the naked copper conductors of welding cable.

What is welding cable made of?

Our welding cable for sale is made in the United States with 100% copper conductors and feature highly durable insulation that is abrasion and oil resistant to protect the wire within.

Can welding cable be used as PV wire?

Welding cable for sale can only be used as PV (photovoltaic wire) if it is rated for use in exterior environments and in an appropriate gauge to work with the voltage of the system.

Notably, solar panel cable should be protected with insulation that is UV-stable (UV light breaks down a lot of polymers that are commonly used as electrical wire and cable insulation), ozone resistant, weather-resistant, and capable of being used in wet or dry locations exposed to a wide range of temperatures. 

Don’t See Your Question About Welding Cable for Sale Here? Contact Us

Do you still have a question about welding cable for sale that we didn’t answer in this article? Don’t be afraid to get in touch with us directly. We’ll help you out the best we can.

If you have another question about welding cable or some other class of specialty cable, contact us at Sales@EWCSWire.com or at 1-800-262-1598. Let us know how we can help and we’ll help connect you with the electrical wire or cable that best meets your needs.