Plugging a 240 mig into a generator

[Sodo]

To add a little to this.
Some 120/240 generators have a switch to go 120v only and provide full power, balanced across both banks of the generator.

I've "heard" of those, and have NEVER seen it….probably because I'm never around top-of-the-line generators :laughing: (other than my Eu2000i ) I doubt any of the garden variety single-cylinder generators have that option. (doubt is not knowledge either!)

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

I've "heard" of those, and have NEVER seen it….probably because I'm never around top-of-the-line generators :laughing: (other than my Eu2000i ) I doubt any of the garden variety single-cylinder generators have that option. (doubt is not knowledge either!)

Here you go: Mayberrys.com - 120 / 240 Volt Selector Switch Information

Just get a more powerful, more expensive Honda and you're all set

 

[Sodo]

Just get a more powerful, more expensive Honda and you're all set

Well I am all set anyway. For $999 delivered I have a 10,000w generator that handles my 115v welding with one half of its output. Which is pointless cuz I'd use 230v if the generators running.

 

[aczlan]

I've "heard" of those, and have NEVER seen it….probably because I'm never around top-of-the-line generators :laughing: (other than my Eu2000i ) I doubt any of the garden variety single-cylinder generators have that option. (doubt is not knowledge either!)

$300 from Tractor Supply gets you a 3500/4000 watt Champion with this feature: Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator - Tractor Supply Co. (Champion model 46598 ).

Aaron Z

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Here are 3 data points to consider. I use a Miller MultiMatic 200 which is a 120/240v inverter based MIG/TIG/Stick welder.

1) On 120v MIG I weld often with two Honda 2000w generators (paired) which combine to make one 4000W generator. 4000 watts is not enough to run the MultiMatic 200 (properly) at max power (the 1/4" setting). I have to step it down one notch (to the 3/16" setting) then it welds fine. If I try to use the 1/4" thickness setting, the generator motors bog when you pull the trigger. But they do catch up and weld at the 1/4" setting. But I don't do this because then every weld has a 'cold start' which is already kind of a problem with a MIG.

I am surprised the two 2 KWs even work the way you say. Small portable generators are not set up for parallel synchronization on the same Buss. Knowing this it would not have crossed my mind. You may be shortening the life of both the Gens and the welder. I would check with both the Gen and welders techs on this. I will be interested in that type discussion as I could be grossly wrong. I have a 17.5 KW Generator so do not worry about that type thing. It even runs my computer stuff with no Glitches.

Ron

 

[aczlan]

I am surprised the two 2 KWs even work the way you say. Small portable generators are not set up for parallel synchronization on the same Buss. Knowing this it would not have crossed my mind. You may be shortening the life of both the Gens and the welder. I would check with both the Gen and welders techs on this. I will be interested in that type discussion as I could be grossly wrong. I have a 17.5 KW Generator so do not worry about that type thing. It even runs my computer stuff with no Glitches.

His generators are Honda Inverters which are specifically designed to be paralleled like that, see Honda Generators - EU Series Parallel Capability for details.

Aaron Z

 

[Sodo]

You can actually add Honda inverter generators forever (2,3,4,5...) they sense the phase and align to it.

 

[bumperm]

You can actually add Honda inverter generators forever (2,3,4,5...) they sense the phase and align to it.

Now that's an interesting concept . . . instead of those windfarms we could have fields of Honda generators, all humming along in synchronization. No bird kills, just a pissed off EPA :c)

 

[Sodo]

Little red Hondas dotting the hillsides. Then the grass grows up and every year a few lost to field mowers.

 

[dragoneggs]

Little red Hondas dotting the hillsides. Then the grass grows up and every year a few lost to field mowers.

I'm sensing a pallet is about to appear in this thread.