Generator wattage Question for use of welder.

[gammaman]

I have a lincoln 175+ welder which Id like to use out on location. I want to get a portable generator that will put out enough watts to use the welder. The welder is a 220V, so what would be a good amount of displacement to run it with no problems. Ive been looking at the Generac 5500, which has a running wattage of 5500 and a surge at 8500. Would this be suffice, not really sure what to look for. Any advice would be greatly apprerciated. Thank You.

[jeff]

Well if you've got a calculator you can figure this out yourself...

To convert watts to amps is ... Watts = Amps * Volts
And amps to watts is : Amps = Watts / Volts

I used a 175+ today and I think the range is from around 25 to 175 amps. If you want to weld at full output you'll need a pretty burly generator. Do the math and you'll know exactly how much generator you'll need.

Aloha

[drtdevil93]

it should say a power rating on the welder somewhere (in amps). remember there is a transformer in the welder changing the 220 input to a lower voltage, higher current output, so for those calculations to be correct, you need to use the either the input voltage and current, or the output voltage and current. you cant mix them up. the input voltage is more accurate, as transformers are not 100% efficient.

i have a 110v, craftsman 120amp (POS!) that i take to the desert with me, and i run it off a 2500 kw onan generator without a problem. i think with a 5500 generator, you would be fine.

erik

[TYG]

Well I have a similar set up that works pretty well, it's an L-tec 130 mig that runs @ 220v and a Generac 5500 with 8500 surge. I have used this setup ALOT and up to 3/16" mild steel with no problems.

[MH20]

The miller 175 draws 19.5 amps

[drtdevil93]

19.5*220=4290 watts. that is with the machine on full power, so the 5500 watt generator is plenty good.

erik

[gammaman]

Thanks alot for everyones advice, its greatly appreciated. The 5500 sounds like my best bet for the price. I dont want to spend more then I have to and I'd like to save up for a plasma cutter also. My only concern is the plugin connection on the welder is different from the generator. Do they make adapters for different plugins? Thanks guys.

[CRAIGHALL]

I've got a generac 5500 and have powered both a lincoln 220 volt 175 and my own miller 220-185 amp welder.Just buy a receptacle for your welder and the proper plug for the generator.