Can I run my welder on 220 with my generator

[Cavjock22]

My generator has a 30A 120/240 VAC L14-30 female plug...
Can i make a convert or plug to plug my 60-50R male from welder? Is this considered 220 volts?

thanks

 

[zzvyb6]

I do it all the time. Make sure you have the neutrals connected because your welder may use 120v for a controller, fan, valve, indicator lights, etc.

 

[radios1]

you'd need a 12000 watt generator to get the 50 amps needed for full output though. 240V X 50A..

 

[Wasmeneh]

I tried it with a 3800 Generator and a 220 buzbox, it worked but not a lot of penetration.

 

[WranglerX]

The problem with "small" generators and big intermittent loads (welding) is if generator throttles down between welds when you strike arc the current inrush for welder is probably more than the immediate recovery of generator (RPM/Voltage/amperage) and then a lag in voltage/amperage....This is caused by the rotating mass of the generator is not large enough (inertia) to maintain the load and generator bogs.... If generator has constant speed setting use that..... The rule of thumb from my paying attention to more knowledge people than me on a welding forum is when using generator it should have reserve of about 50% more power capabilities than the actual load... So if load from welder is say 40 amp at 240 volts (corrected: 9600 watts) generator should be rated at about 60 amps at 240 volt (corrected: 14400 watts) output capable...

And yes if you have the 4 prong plug twist lock ( L14-30) on generator 2 of the prongs will be L1 & L2 which will have 120 on each leg, one prong will be "ground" (safety) and one prong will be neutral IF You are using the two 120 volt legs as individual 120 volt loads... IF using 240 volts you do not use neutral, BUT you should have ground connected through for SAFETY...

Outlet on generator...

Wiring of adapter cable ..

And there is this....

https://www.amazon.com/Conntek-PL1430650-Generator-250-volt-Adapter/dp/B00SSQIY4M

Also may be something very similar to this in local hardware store (ACE in with RV stuff) or RV store...

Edit to add: Recommend making/getting adapt and not changing plug on welder, if you change plug on welder, you sort of dedicate welder to generator unless you change receptical in shop or where ever you plug it into wall...

Dale

 

[sandfs]

Just because a generator has a 14-30 receptacle on it doesn't necessarily mean there is a full 30 amps available at that receptacle. Often times it is somewhere between 21 amps and 30 is all. maybe even less if you have a real small generator. Ya need to look at the specs for the genset.

 

[radios1]

So if load from welder is say 40 amp at 240 volts (3840 Watts) generator should be rated at about 60 amps at 240 volt (5760 watts) output capable...

Dale

actually, P=E*I which makes it 9600 Watts. and +50%=14400 Watts..

 

[kenmac]

Depending on generator size, you shouldn't have an issue. I have a 5500 watt and a very old lincoln tombstone I use. I can't burn a 1/8 rod for very long without popping the breaker, but it welds very good with the 3/32 rod

I didn't cut the plug off my welder. I bought some wire and made a short pig tail . added the male plug for the generator, and a female plug for the welder to plug into

 

[WranglerX]

actually, P=E*I which makes it 9600 Watts. and +50%=14400 Watts..

Thought number looked funky low... Last time I will trust online amps to watts calculator... Think I had power factor wrong in calculator (0.1 instead of 1)

Yeah... Fundamental ohms law, got lazy as I don't use it much...

Dale

 

[ddbackhoe]

My generator has a 30A 120/240 VAC L14-30 female plug...
Can i make a convert or plug to plug my 60-50R male from welder? Is this considered 220 volts?

thanks

maybe not, it could be a camper plug and only has 115 VAC. Which generator is it?