Systems and methods of communicating between a welding power source and a welding wire feeder to improve the operation of a welding system. Two-way communication between a welding power source and a welding wire feeder is provided either wirelessly or over the welding output cable. The communication between the welding power source and the welding wire feeder facilitates output voltage selection at the welding wire feeder as well as the entering of a lower output power state of the welding power source when not welding.
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