What size plasma cutter?

I went out today, and as inquired about by a poster, looked for other lettering except for XLPE, but could find none. I took away the cover panel on the Seimens control panel. There is a 100 amp main feed with a 60 amp to the 220 line that feeds my less than 30 amp wirefeed. I do not run any welding machine off my 60 amp circuit, but never say never, and like the plasma cutter, one may be on the event horizon. What it looks like to me is that I have a 60 amp circuit available for a plasma cutter. Like I said originally, this will be for less than 3/8", and in most case 12 ga. or thinner, which will fall waaaaaaaaaay under the 60 amp limit.

IOW, I think that what I have will run a HyperTherm 30 or 45 all day long. And if it pops a breaker, I'll just fire up the smoke wrench and git'r'done.

Steve

Out of curiosity I looked up your cable on Alcan's web site:

Which has all the specs including a 90 C temperature rating.

Also found there, discussion of various interpretations of the code ratings of SE being made by inspectors since 2008 code changes:

text content pasted below - 4 applies to an exterior feed to a shop, but note that type USE is permitted underground, unlike plain SE discussed here (I think that is the only significant difference):

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Now that SE Cable used as a branch circuit or feeder is restricted to

60C, how does that affect the size of the conductors in different applications?

Since the language in 310.15(B)(6) changed in the 2008 NEC, there has been a great deal of confusion on how to size SE Cable for branch circuits and feeders. Even jurisdictions that have adopted the 2008 NEC are enforcing it in a variety of ways. Here are some common interpretations of the new language:

1. If the SE Cable is being used as a service cable, there is no change from previous practice. Continue to use the 75C column of Table 310.16, or use Table 310.15(B)(6) if it is a dwelling meeting the requirements of that section.

1. If the SE Cable is being used as a "main power feeder" for a dwelling, use Table 310.15(B)(6). Note, however, that the language has changed in

2008, and this only applies to a single cable feeding a single panel that serves the entire dwelling and all associated loads (swimming pool, shop, etc.). This interpretation seems to be the most common, although many inspectors disagree with this restriction. Check with your local inspector if you need a formal interpretation.

1. If the SE Cable is being used for any other type of interior feeder or branch circuit, the ampacity is limited to the 60C column of Table

310.16. However, note that 215.2(A)(3) states that: ?Feeder conductors for individual dwelling units or mobile homes need not be larger than service conductors. Paragraph 310.15(B)(6) shall be permitted to be used for conductor size.?

1. If the SE Cable is being used as an exterior feeder or branch circuit, the ampacity is limited to the 75C column of Table 310.16. (Remember that SE Cable can not be used underground, even in a conduit.) However, note that 215.2(A)(3) states that: ?Feeder conductors for individual dwelling units or mobile homes need not be larger than service conductors. Paragraph 310.15(B)(6) shall be permitted to be used for conductor size.?