Method and system for a remote wire feeder where standby power and system control are provided via weld cables

A welding power source comprising:

• power conditioning circuitry configured to condition input power into output power suitable for use in a welding operation performed by a welding torch operationally connected to a welding wire feeder, wherein the welding power source is configured to deliver the output power to the welding wire feeder via a weld cable operationally connecting the welding power source to the welding wire feeder;
• and
• control circuitry configured to receive command signals from the welding wire feeder via the weld cable, and to regulate operation of the power conditioning circuitry based at least in part on the received command signals.

A welding wire feeder comprising:

• control circuitry configured to transmit command signals to a welding power source via a weld cable configured to deliver welding power from the welding power source, wherein the welding power is suitable for use in a welding operation performed by a welding torch operationally connected to the welding wire feeder.