inverter 140 welder and generator

[arro222]

My generator has a 20 amp 220 volt socket. Would the 20 amp output be sufficient to power the MMA140?

[rhett]

hi arro222,

i do not have a WeldMate LArc-140 yet. but I can report this: I have a 5550 watt (continuous) generator and a 155 amp wire feed welder, using innershield (flux core) I am able to weld out in the field with no problems. From those experiences, I will say yes. Using a 5000 watt + (continuous) generator burning 1/8 inch rods at about 95 - 105 amps should be no problem. If someone has an actual field test report using a generator as power source, please reply with wattage of generator used.

Thanks
Rhett

EDIT: adding additional info

math to calculate generators amperage output
"watts divided by volts = amperage"

example"
5550 watts divided by 220v = 25.227 amps (220v)
or
5000 watts divided by 220v = 22.727 amps (220v)

Specifications: WeldMax LC-416D Multi-Purpose Unit & ForceCut LP-40D Plasma Cutter

Operating Dual Voltage:
* 208/220vac 50/60HZ Input Single Phase 1PH
* 110/120vac 50/60HZ Input Single Phase 1PH
* 40amp cut draws 22.7A at 5KVA
* 31amp cut draws 17.6A at 3.8KVA
* 230V No Load Voltage, 100-115V Working Voltage

Welder Specs: WeldMax LC-416D Multi-Purpose Unit
TIG and Arc Welder
* 160 Amps Tig Welder: Duty Cycle 60% at 160 Amps
* ARC and 100% at 95 Amps ARC. Gas Flow: 2-5 L/Minute. It can weld all stainless steel. 150 Amps Arc Welder: Duty Cycle 60% at 150 Amps and 100% at 90 Amps.
* DC welders do not weld aluminum.

so from the math calculations, at a minimum a 5000 watt (continuous) generator should work for the "WeldMax LC-416D Multi-Purpose Unit & ForceCut LP-40D Plasma Cutter".

I'm using the Specifications from these two units because they are close or exceed the "WeldMate LArc-140" requirements which are not listed. Notice that the "WeldMax LC-416D Multi-Purpose Unit" has 150 Amp Arc Welder capability.

I would also like to make a note, "DC Welders can and will Weld Aluminum". Though DC is a little more difficult in welding aluminum it is possible and is done. With my DC MIG machine, I have ran through over 20 pounds of aluminum wire with great results. The most important factors are: + ground, - electrode and properly cleaned aluminum surfaces.

end edit

[arro222]

Indeed I do have a 5000 watt gen. According to the math, my output is 22.7. What number on a welding machine spec should I be looking at to know my generator will operate the welder without blowing itself up.

[rhett]

I put in bold lettering in above reply

Operating Dual Voltage:
* 40amp cut draws 22.7A at 5KVA

I needed to use specifications from similar units because they were not listed on the store front page for the WeldMate LArc-140.

Rhett

[arro222]

40 amp cut I thought meant that that what a plasma cutter would draw. I guess what you mean with you not having any figures for this particular welder is that on any given welder, if the amperage current draw is say 30 amps, I cannot or should not use that socket on the generator? How do I discover the particular current draws on a welder if they are not listed? Is there another formular for that or does that have to come from the manufacturer?

[rhett]

hi arro222,
I do not know of a formula to calculate the amount of current any given machine will draw at minimum or maximum output or any setting in between.
I referenced the "Specifications" of the other two machines because they have similar or greater output performance.
The "WeldMax LC-416D Multi-Purpose Unit" does have a greater Stick Welding rating than the "WeldMate LArc-140", so by assuming the power requirements would be the same or less I gave my opinion. Your generator should power a welder for your needs. The lesser the Welding Amps selected, the lesser the current required to weld.
The "WeldMax LC-416D Multi-Purpose Unit" specs are "150 Amps Arc Welder: Duty Cycle 60% at 150 Amps and 100% at 90 Amps. That is 150 welding amps at its peak current draw of 22.7 Amps listed. So in a perfect world, a 5000 watt generator will weld 150 Amps with the "WeldMax LC-416D Multi-Purpose Unit".

Maybe this week Simon might have some detailed Specifications for the "WeldMate LArc-140".

Rhett

[arro222]

Thank you very much Rhett for your input. It is much appreciated.

[Gaustin]

I have an MMA 140 and it draw about 15 amps maxed out. That is using a clamp on ammeter while welding. I am running off of a 65' 10 gage cord with 1 splice in it so things may be off.

I too am considering getting a generator to be more portable with the MMA 140. I love mine. Going to show two friends that heard I had a machine the size of a lunchbox that you could burn a 1/8" 7018 with.