Hi all. What size generator output would I need to be able to comfortably use a 190 amp mig welder when powered from it! Thanks.
mm12345,
May 7, 8:11pm
Probably about 3kw minimum.
clanky,
May 8, 5:24am
It probably depends on the transformer ratio. You need to look at the input current and duty cycle to be able to work it out. Single phase or 3-phase! Power factor! Simplest sum is Input voltage x input current.
40wav,
May 8, 5:33am
Thanks. It is single phase 240 Volt. Max power is 190 amps and with heavier stuff I tend to leave it on max most of the time. Will have a look on it and see if theres any moe info. What numbers do I need to look for to do your equation! Cheers.
clanky,
May 8, 5:49am
It should say on the label/tag what the maximum input current is. If plugged into standard wall socket should be no more than 10 amps. Multiply 10 x 240 and that's the answer in Watts. So, around 2400 Wats, or 2.4 kW. Add a fiddle factor for not running the genny on the blood and anything 2.7 kW and above should be good. Hope that helps.
elect70,
May 8, 2:59pm
Trouble with generators isdont like high inrush currentso need 120% larger thantheweldersstatedampsoryoumay cook it .
ola_bitchola1,
May 8, 4:09pm
generally those 185 -190a welders use a 15A plug dont they!
richard112,
May 8, 6:39pm
Yeah. Like that. Maybe even double it. Generally portable generators don't like sharp fluctuations, and their performance driving a welder will depend on how good the voltage regulator on the Genny is. Maybe hire before you buy.
skiff1,
May 8, 7:16pm
dont even try it. As an engineer we used to do heaps of site work with generators and it is really hard on the welders and the genny. even running a 140 mig off a 5kva genny used to trip the relays all the time
yendor,
May 9, 12:36pm
I have just had a go at running a Cebora 180 amp off a 2kw generator. Stalled it as soon as I pulled the trigger.
40wav,
May 9, 3:32pm
Great comments, Thanks everyone. Good idea to hire before buying and see how they perform till I get large enough to run it easily. Toying with the idea of getting a 6.0 or 6.5 so I can effectively run whtever I might need to, just seems a bit of a waste when running a normal drill or grinder. Cheers all.
a.woodrow,
May 9, 3:37pm
Something to bear in mind is that it is much easier on your equipment to have a smaller load on a high output gennie as opposed to wringing the neck of a 'not quite big enough' one. Remember to take into account start up requirements, i.e. you use more power to start an electrical appliance than it uses in continous running
richard112,
May 9, 6:41pm
Know a fair bit about Generators, squat about welders. But wouldn't it make more sense to get a diesel welder with a 240vac output for when you need a generator!
40wav,
May 10, 11:58am
Fair comment but not really a set up I'd want. I have the welder and do most work at home. Also, the genny will be used alot for other stuff too. Cheers. Would a diesel cope better! I'm trying to go petrol as I dont have any other diesel powered machine, and hate the oilyness and lingering smell with it.
mechnificent,
May 10, 12:49pm
Heavy diesels, like a lister say, have better start up characteristics. A three Kw lister genset will run an arc welder that a four kw four-stroke portable struggles with.
elect70,
May 10, 1:39pm
^^^its not so much thedrive motor as the alternator ,these days they have no margin forexcess currentdrawevenif its only1or 2 seconds .I have3 kw7.5 hpat homeforpowercuts& it doesnt even like starting a 500 watt pump .
skiff1,
May 10, 1:47pm
we used to have a 5kva weld/gen combo and it was bloody good. worked well as a generator in it own right and was quite a good 180 amp stick welder. Using a MiG out doors is a major hassle any way
johanes,
May 10, 3:19pm
i would say 8 kva would be fine.
h.e,
May 10, 4:01pm
i once tried to run our 125 amp 0.6mm wire off a 3kva generator.it melted the wire but not much more couldnt call it welding
easygoer,
May 10, 6:26pm
Your 3KVA should start the pump no trouble, when selecting a generator you need to allow for the likelihood of motor starting, an unloaded motor can typically require 5 times the running current to start it and a loaded motor can be up to 7 times the running current, the next question is petrol or diesel, when moving into the 6 and 8 KVA area a diesel could be a better option, a petrol generator output can be doubled for starting purposes, IE a 6 KVA genset can provide starting capabilities up to 12 KVA whereas a diesel can provide around 3 times the power, this is because the diesel has far more torque than petrol engines, the down side of diesel is the weight of the unit, welders should be treated like motors when selecting a generator unless you are dealing with a modern inverter welder, these can start up on smaller gen sets as there is very little inrush current to deal with because there are no transformers involved within the machine
40wav,
May 10, 6:40pm
Thanks easygoer, and everyone else. I know some guys in contracting who have different range gennys so maybe some trial and error to begin with, testing wise. Cheers.
40wav,
May 10, 6:41pm
I still find it easier than a stick when using flux cored wire. Not real pretty but will do the job.
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