How to Connect a Dryer Wire to a Welder

Turn off the power for the dryer plug circuit at the building's electrical distribution panel. This step should involve flipping two breakers that may be connected in the panel via a metal bar. Confirm the power is off by touching a non-contact voltage detector to the wire's insulation.

Remove the screw that secures the cover on the dryer plug using a screwdriver, and set the cover aside. Remove the screws that fasten the plug to the electrical box, and pull out the 220-volt plug.

Loosen the wire terminals on the plug, and pull the wires from each terminal. Set the plug aside.

Cut off the bare wire ends of the conductors in the electrical box. Strip 3/8 inch of insulation from each of the wires. This step provides clean cut wire ends for new connections.

Insert the welder's wires through an empty access hole in the side of the electrical box, and pull 6 to 8 inches of cable inside. Fasten the wire to the box by tightening the compression mechanism.

Strip 3/8 inch of insulation off the the welder's power wires with wire strippers.

Loosen the grounding screw in the back of the electrical box. Fasten the green or bare wires from both the distribution panel and the welder around this screw, and tighten it down.

Twist together the two red wires, and install a twist-on wire connector on top. Twist together the two black wires, and install a twist-on wire connector on top. Twist together the two white wires, and install a twist-on wire connector on top.

Push the wires into the electrical box, and install a cover on the front of the box with the screws provided.

Have your local electrical authority inspect your wiring before turning the power back on.