aczlan
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A much better solution...
Aaron Z
Aaron Z
Welding extension question 110v
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Soundguy
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200$ for a 5500w genny? NICE
Soundguy
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For sure!
MossRoad
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MinnesotaDaveChalmers
Platinum Member
Hey Gary, mathematically that should work out fine, but when I've tested it, surprisingly it didn't (for my welder/genny combo).
After researching the matter it came down to the high inrush current a transformer welder requires when the arc is struck. I tested it with a 3000 watt (3750 surge) and the genny would bog badly, then start to keep up - but never quite have the juice.
It was much better with my 5000/6250 generator. But still didn't quite have the power of plugging into the wall. When I researched that, I found that since it's a 120/240v genny, it has two "banks" that each generate half the total wattage - so on 120v I didn't gain over my little one, just had a bigger motor that didn't bog under the load.
I found out some other generators have a switch the allow both "banks" to work combined on 120v - I'll buy that kind next time.
However, it runs my inverter stick welder on 240v excellent
This topic has come up on weldingweb pretty often, with people finding similar results to mine.
Some migs and 5000 watt gennys played nicer together than mine - but it was still pretty much the bottom wattage required for full welder output.
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I found out some other generators have a switch the allow both "banks" to work combined on 120v - I'll buy that kind next time.
However, it runs my inverter stick welder on 240v excellent
Interesting, Dave. I wasn't aware of that difference in generators. What amp setting were you running your stick inverter on?
I would be hesitant on running my inverter stick on my 5500 Harbor Freight generator. I don't know if it has clean enough power for an inverter.
downsizingnow48
Elite Member
I used the double-12ga solution years ago. To get good power to a jobsite panel for a detached garage. It was a quiet neighborhood, nobody wanted to listen to a generator all day. And we did use it afterwards to wire the garage. These days you can get quiet generators but back then they really hammered.
MinnesotaDaveChalmers
Platinum Member
I was running 135 amps on the maxstar 150s. Ran really well. I tried it at max to see what the genny would do - it was fine with that load too.
It's listed to draw 21.6 amps, 240v, welding at 150 amps (my genny has one 30 amp plug)
I contacted Miller before I did it, they said my maxstar would run off any modern generator.
I suspect it's because it is Power Factor Corrected - cuts down on the initial surge as one of it's features.
But when I asked Lincoln about my Invertec v250-s, they said not to run it off generators - pays to ask I guess
Couldn't hurt to contact miller and see what they say?
Found the email he sent me:
PILOON
Super Star Member
If I recall correctly, to get the equivalent amperage carrying one needs to triple the wire gauge to get the capacity of the next size.
ex, 3 strands of 12 g= 1 strand of 10g.
Therefor using 2 extension cords wire all the strands of one for 1/2 of the 110 with the 2nd extension carrying the other side of the 110.
You then also should provide for a ground but that need not be as heavy a gauge, in fact a single strand of 12 would be OK.
For liability reasons I suggest that this is theoretical and that you do so at your own risk.
ex, 3 strands of 12 g= 1 strand of 10g.
Therefor using 2 extension cords wire all the strands of one for 1/2 of the 110 with the 2nd extension carrying the other side of the 110.
You then also should provide for a ground but that need not be as heavy a gauge, in fact a single strand of 12 would be OK.
For liability reasons I suggest that this is theoretical and that you do so at your own risk.
bigdeano
Platinum Member
Every 3 sizes doubles the area of the conductor. Two number 12s equals one number 9. Three number 12s equals 1 number 6.