| Selection Criteria | SuitCase 8RC | SuitCase 12RC | SuitCase X-TREME 8VS | SuitCase X-TREME 12VS | Selection Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Requirements | |||||
| Feeder Type | Remote Control (constant speed) | Remote Control (constant speed) | Voltage Sensing | Voltage Sensing | Use RC feeders when welding procedures or codes specify wire feed speed and voltage parameters. |
| Power Source Compatibility | CV Power Source (must have 14-pin connection) | CV Power Source (must have 14-pin connection) | DC1 CC/CV | DC1 CC/CV | VS feeders offer flexibility, as they work with almost any welder.2 |
| Physical Specifications | |||||
| Spool Size/Capacity | 8 in/14 lb | 8 in/14 lb or 12 in/45 lb | 8 in/14 lb | 8 in/14 lb or 12 in/45 lb | Use 12RC or 12VS for larger wire spools, use 8VS or 8RC when weight and size are a factor. |
| Weld Performance | |||||
| Duty Cycle | 500 Amps at 100% | 500 Amps at 100% | 330 Amps at 60% | 425 Amps at 60% | Use 12RC or 12VS to maximize deposition rates with larger wires. |
| Recommended Distance Between Feeder and Power Source | 75 ft (150 ft "round trip" cable length) | 75 ft (150 ft "round trip" cable length) | 400+ ft (distance depends on the power source, weld cable size, and welding amperages) | 400+ ft (distance depends on the power source, weld cable size, and welding amperages) | Use VS feeders when longer distances between the power source and feeder are required. |
| Simplicity & Control | |||||
| Number of Feeder Connections Back to Power Source | 2 (weld cable, 24 VAC power/14-pin control cable) | 2 (weld cable, 24 VAC power/14-pin control cable) | 1 (weld cable) | 1 (weld cable) | VS feeders have less cable to carry, damage, or lose. |
| Remote Control Capabilities | Voltage Set at Feeder | Voltage Set at Feeder | Voltage or Current Set at Power Source | Voltage or Current Set at Power Source | RC feeders add convenience — no need to return to the power source to adjust voltage parameters. |
| Gas Purge, Wire Jog, and Trigger Hold | - Gas Purge Standard - Wire Jog (inside case) - Trigger Hold Optional |
- Gas Purge Standard - Wire Jog (inside case) - Trigger Hold Optional |
Front Panel (all standard) | Front Panel (all standard) | VS and RC feeders have most often used controls conveniently located on front panel. |
Also read our article Can Contractors Use One Wire Feeder for the Shop and Field?
- Not recommended for use with AC power sources.
- When paired with a CC power source, a VS feeder will vary wire feed speed (WFS) to maintain voltage. As such, accuracy of parameters and deposition rates cannot be guaranteed. For critical welds, Miller recommends using a CV power source.
Note: Use CV power source for best performance when wire welding. Also, set VS feeder to "CV mode" and welder to "CV or volt sense feeder mode" if applicable.
