About Joseph Seabra Expertise If you need answers to general purpose questions relating to electricity or need help trouble shooting a complex electrical problem, I can definately help. I have many years of experience in residential and commercial electrical maintenance and construction. I can answer all your questions from theory to application, maintenance and trouble-shooting.
Experience I have been an electrician for the past 15 years. In addition, I am a state licensed Master Electrician in the great state of Florida. I have vast experience in residential, commercial and industrial electrical applications. At present, I work in the entertainment industry managing an electrical department for one of the largest tradeshow companies in the country.
Education/Credentials I have an Associats Degree in the Applied Sciences of Electrical Technology from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Pennsylvania. At present im studying for my Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering.
Question QUESTION: I'm hoping you can help me determine whether I can use my portable generator as a power source to my portable welder.
Generator specs are: Troy-Bilt 5550 running watts; has one NEMA L14-30R 30 Amp 1-120/240 VAC outlet; has four NEMA (2) 5-20R Duplex 20 Amp 1 - 120 VAC outlets
Welder specs are: Lincoln Electric 175HD; operates on 208V or 230V single-phase power (60 Hz)
The plug for the welder and the 240V outlet on the generator are completely different. Is there anything a can use to marry the two components together?
Thanks.
ANSWER: Can you tell me what the amperage rating of the welder is? you told me the voltage, but I need to know the amperage. Look at the nameplate where the electrical cord enters the unit, or just give me the numbers off of the plug. Thanks.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The welder's input power cord has a NEMA Type 6-50P three-prong plug.
The Operator's Manual states the following regarding the input.
Input - Single Phase Only
230V/60Hz Input Current: 20Amps (Rated Output)
208V/60Hz Input Current: 22Amps (Rated Output)
The Installation instructions for the line cord connection state...
Ground Prong: "connect to a system grounding wire"
Remaining Prongs (2): "connect to hot wires of a three-wire single phase system or to one phase of a two or three phase system"
I find this last instruction somewhat confusing.
Thanks.
Answer Ok, based on the information from the manufacturers specs, and what you state the size of the generator is, your not going to be able to use it with that generator. There is too much of an initial inrush current, and you could potentially burn out the generator head if you tried. If your wanting to use the generator for the welder, I would recommend gett a larger one, such as a 8800 watt generator. That will be able to handle this unit. If you need anything else, just let me know.
