Electrode holder cable
The length of the electrode holder cable supplied with the device.
As the name implies, this cable is used to connect the clamp for the welding electrode to the machine. The longer such a wire is, the more freedom the welder has in moving, the farther he can go without moving the machine itself. On the other hand, excessively long cables create problems in storage and transportation, and often during operation (you need to look for a place where to place the excess wire). Therefore, when choosing, you should proceed from what is more important for you: the ability to move away from the device or the overall compactness. As for specific numbers, most often the length of this wire varies from 2 to 3 m, but in some models it can reach 5 m.
Mass cable
The length of the ground cable supplied with the machine.
The mass cable is a wire that is connected to the workpiece with a clamp. In other words, this is the second contact required to close the circuit during electric welding; connecting such a wire actually turns the workpiece into one solid fixed electrode (paired with a movable welding electrode). As for the length of such a wire, the longer it is, the farther from the connection point you can place the machine and the more freedom of movement the welder gets. On the other hand, excessively long wires create problems in storage and transportation, and often during work (you need to look for a place where to place the excess cable). In addition, freedom of movement can be ensured by increasing the length of the second wire — for the electrode holder or burner. Thus, the mass cable in modern welding machines usually has a length of 1.2 to 3 m (with some exceptions — both smaller and larger). This length allows you to comfortably place the device and at the same time does not create problems.
