Yes, generators can be used to run welders, but one must consider that they have dirty power, which inevitably can damage the welder. Generators with THD rates of less than or equal to 6 percent should be used so as to not damage the machine.
Generators should have sufficient wattage so that they match the input requirements of the welder. One should make sure to choose appropriately-size generators that have steady output. Also make sure to consider the possibility of voltage fluctuation, as these can affect welding consistency and performance.
When welding, you aren’t able to always rely on accessing your workshop and solid power supplies. Occasionally, you may have to weld outside, regardless of if you’re a professional or an amateur. The workshop could have a strange setup that makes access to regular outlets near impossible to reach. Regardless of this, some welders decide to run their welders off of generators.
Before you plug your welder into a generator there are a few things you must know.
What to know before you run a welder off of a generator?
Yes, welders can be run off of generators, but the generator must have sufficient wattage and match the welder’s power requirements. Choosing a generator that is appropriately sized and has a steady output while also considering the voltage fluctuations that are possible, since these factors can affect welding consistency and performance.
Welders require power to operate. A good deal of arc welding machines requires an electrical power source to make the arc. You would likely need to run the welder by plugging it into a socket located on a wall, since this is considered the most reliable way to deliver power.
There are situations where a wall source of power won’t be available. For instance:
- You might be welding a project outside, not anywhere near a source of power.
- The wall socket in the workshop may be too far away.
- The power may be out, and something may need to be welded urgently.
In situations such as these you may want to use a generator.
What types of welders can be run using a generator?
There are a few things that one must watch out for before they decide to plug their welder into a generator. There are a few welders that don’t work well with generators and may get damaged.
Welders that work well with generators are transformer powered welders. This type of welder will have a transformer that’s built in that also converts the energy from the power source into the correct current for the machine, it usually turns the current into a low alternating one.
A good number of modern manufacturers are now switching to inverter welders. These types of welders make use of complex electronics to power their machines. They are also more efficient, smaller, and sleeker since the transformer, being bulky, was taken away. Without having the transformer, they have to rely on the power of the input. This means, essentially, that the inverted welder is more sensitive to power fluctuations, as these are more common with generators.
One could still use a few inverter welders with generators. You do want to make sure, however, that you chose the model that is supposed to be used with a generator.
What are the low points of using generator as power sources?
One can immediately see the benefits of using generators as power sources. They are mobile and portable, meaning that one can work from anywhere.
Generators also have a few disadvantages that one should be aware of before they plug their welder into a generator.
- Generators can damage your equipment: Since generators deliver “dirty” power, the welder can experience sudden surges in electricity when they’re plugged into generators. Electrical surges can damage things such as capacitors, the parts that replace the transformer in inverted generators. Once these parts are damaged one must get a new machine (welder).
- Generators aren’t very pleasant to work near: Generators really aren’t the most pleasant products to work with. They smell bad, produce a lot pollution (that can work its way into your lungs), and they make a lot of noise. Since welding is already dirty, why would you want to make it dirtier.
- Generators have what is called “Dirty Power“: The term “Dirty Power” doesn’t really refer to the exhaust that the generator produces. The quality of the electrical output is what is being referred to. Electronics that are sensitive prefer to get their electricity from a power source that makes an AC current that’s as close to a perfect sine wave as it can. It’s possible to do this by getting power from the electrical main. Generators, however, have dirty power, or waves of electricity that fluctuate. The electricity from generators isn’t as stable as the electricity that would be received from a wall outlet, as there are periodic troughs, surges, and peaks. The average of the voltage as it’s run may be the same but the spikes in power will affect the quality of the electricity. The specs of the generator will give a Total Harmonic Distortion, which is used to describe how close the sine wave is to a perfect sine wave.
How big should the generator be that you use?
Deciding on the right generator size is important if you absolutely have to run your welder with a generator. The max output is what finally decides what size welder you’ll need. The more output, the bigger the generator will have to be. If you have a welder that only goes up to 130 amps, you need a generator that runs about 7kva If the welder goes up to 250 amps, you’ll need a generator of 15 plus kva.
Things to avoid
- Regularly maintain the generator: You want to ensure that the parts of the machine, such as the fuel lines, cables, and power extension leads are in good shapes and have no tears or bends.
- Make sure to ground your generator: By grounding the generator you complete the circuit, which prevents you from being shocked.
- Get a high quality generator: You want to make sure the generator has a low THD (total harmonic distortion), which lessens the risk of surge. The generator isn’t the place where you want to save money.
When you use a welder, it’s usually best to make sure it’s connected to a main power supply. Occasionally you’ll want to use a generator. When you connect a generator to a welder, you want to try and use a transformer that’s bulky rather than an inverter welder. If you do decide to use an inverter welder with your generator, you want to make sure the generator has low THD and is the correct size for your welder.
