So, this welder requires 2400 watts to operate properly.

I have already mentioned above, it’s recommended to add 15% to 20% extra to your calculated wattage to ensure that your generator can handle the power demands of your welder. You may need to add some extra wattage to account for startup and surge currents.

So, your welder requires 11,000 watts to operate properly. The formula for calculating the wattage of your welder is:įor example, if your welder requires 220 volts and 50 amps, the wattage would be: Recommended Read: What Size Generator for Construction Site? It’s always better to choose a generator that’s slightly larger than you think you’ll need, as this will provide some extra capacity for future needs or unexpected power demands. Make sure the generator you choose can provide enough power to meet the demands of your specific welding application. Once you’ve determined the wattage required for your welder and the type of welding you’ll be doing, you can choose a generator with the appropriate output. Choose a Generator with the Right Output: It’s important to choose a generator that can handle the maximum amperage you’ll be using, as using a generator with a lower output can result in poor weld quality or equipment damage. If you’re planning to weld thicker materials, you’ll need a generator with a higher amperage output. The size and thickness of the metal you’ll be welding will impact the generator size you need. This will help prevent your generator from tripping its circuit breaker or overloading, which can cause damage to your equipment. Add Extra Wattage:Īdding extra wattage to your calculations can help ensure that your generator can handle the power demands of your welder.Īs a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended to add 15% to 20% to your calculated wattage to account for startup and surge currents. Keep in mind that this is only the minimum, and you will likely need to add some extra wattage to account for startup and surge currents. This will give you the minimum amount of power your generator needs to provide to operate your welder. Once you know the amperage and voltage requirements of your welder, you can use the formula Watts = Volts x Amps to calculate the wattage required. It’s important to use the correct amperage and voltage information, as using a generator that doesn’t meet your welder’s power requirements can result in poor weld quality or even damage to your equipment. We will also tell you how to do that by yourself. You can typically find this information in the welder’s manual or specifications sheet. The amperage and voltage requirements of your welder will determine the amount of power it needs to operate properly. Determine the Power Requirements of Your Welder: We have also written an extensive guide on the generator size required for a 50-amp RV. While we are on the subject, read our guide on what size generator can run a refrigerator. Let’s see some of the factors you should be looking at: I have seen job site people end up spending more on the generator than the welder itself so don’t make that mistake. If the generator power rating is too high, it will be a hassle to move it around and its cost will be on the higher side. If a generator can’t produce enough power, you may end up damaging the welding setup. There is some factor you should look into before purchasing a generator for your welder. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that determine what size generator you need for welding and provide some tips on the subject. However, larger arc welders with higher amperage requirements will require much larger generators with outputs of over 50 amps. For small MIG and portable 120-volt welders, a generator with a power output between 5000 to 7000 watts is generally enough. The size of the generator required for welding is highly dependent on the type and size of the welder being used. The size of the generator you need for welding will depend on several factors, including the type of welder you’re using, the amperage and voltage requirements of your welder, and the size and thickness of the metal you’re welding.Ĭhoosing the wrong size generator can result in poor weld quality, inconsistent performance, and potentially even damage to your equipment. Wondering “ what size generator to run a welder?” Our expert tips and tricks will help you select the best generator wattage to maximize your welding output.

220 volt mig welder