PowerARC 200 and generator

[Columbo]

First off, let me say that I have never done any stick welding before. I do have a small wire fed welder but it is too small to do very much. I am considering the purchase of the PowerARC 200. I do not have 220 volts in my house, other than my stove, but I do have a brand new Champion 5500 watt generator that has a 240 volt outlet at 30 amps. Would this generator run the PowerARC 200 if I was using between 100 and 150 amps without damaging the generator? The generator does have 2 circuit breakers on it.

Thanks

[performance]

I'd be more worried about damaging the welder...The generator must be clean power to run the unit...and it probably is not. Saying 100-150 amps limit is a quite a broad range. The welder pulls 40 amps, and you'd better have that much dedicated to it, or you can under power the welder and damage it if you slip above or even push the threshold. You'd be better with the PowerArc 140 ST on this one.

[ShaneJackson]

The 140ST is a very nice little unit. For it's size it is a beast. You can pick one up at amazon for $249 but they are having a hard time keeping them in stock!!!

[cbmkr]

The champion 5500/6800 generator is only a rated at 23A, this will not provide enough power to run a welder that needs 40 amp to properly operate. I have tried to run an RV that needs 30 amp power supply on one they will not supply enough power to do so.

[Columbo]

Well,... I guess that settles that! Thanks to all for your input. I suppose that I had best look at wiring the house.
I have room in my panel for a double pole 50 amp breaker so maybe I'll run the cable and then get an electrician to hook it up to the panel. Maybe save a few bucks that way. I'll run it from the panel to the outside of the house.

Thanks again guys, much appreciated.

[ShaneJackson]

Why get an electrician to hook it up to the panel? Just cut the main breaker off and do it yourself. Just be careful...

[Columbo]

Why get an electrician to hook it up to the panel? Just cut the main breaker off and do it yourself. Just be careful...

I was more concerned about my insurance if for any reason there was a problem and they found that I had done it myself.
I have wired 120v into the panel a few times but I have never done 220v. It probably isn't much different except that it is using a double pole breaker with one lead going to each.

I am going to use a 50 amp breaker so I am assuming that #6/3 will handle it ok. It is a bit expensive though running 62 ft, 19 meters, at $10.72 per meter plus $47.95 for the 50 amp breaker at Home Depot.

[Rambozo]

I was more concerned about my insurance if for any reason there was a problem and they found that I had done it myself.
I have wired 120v into the panel a few times but I have never done 220v. It probably isn't much different except that it is using a double pole breaker with one lead going to each.

I am going to use a 50 amp breaker so I am assuming that #6/3 will handle it ok. It is a bit expensive though running 62 ft, 19 meters, at $10.72 per meter plus $47.95 for the 50 amp breaker at Home Depot.

It's always nice to have extra capacity for future expansion, but if that is the only machine you will be running, you could go with a 30 amp circuit using #10 or even a 20 amp with #12awg which is dirt cheap. It will save you a lot. However if you see a plasma cutter in your future, might as well go with the #6 which can use a 60 amp breaker.

BTW the NEC has a whole special section on rules for welders since they are duty cycle limited devices, they can run downrated from other type of loads. Your local codes may have other limitations you need to follow.

[ShaneJackson]

If you are worried about your insurance, go to the building inspectors office in your area. You may have to pull a permit to add the outlet, but they will check everything and make sure it is up to code. Then you are good as far as insurance goes.

People are always intimidated by the inspectors, most are very nice and helpful. They are there to help and make sure it is done right (safe). Not to be pricks (most of the time).

[everlastsupport]

First off, let me say that I have never done any stick welding before. I do have a small wire fed welder but it is too small to do very much. I am considering the purchase of the PowerARC 200. I do not have 220 volts in my house, other than my stove, but I do have a brand new Champion 5500 watt generator that has a 240 volt outlet at 30 amps. Would this generator run the PowerARC 200 if I was using between 100 and 150 amps without damaging the generator? The generator does have 2 circuit breakers on it.

Thanks

I'd recommend a dedicated 50-60amp circuit for welding needs, or cutter. Get an electrician to hook it up at the panel to save money if you can weld near the panel. If you can not weld by the panel, and extension cord is probably another cheaper solution to move the welder where you need it from a panel outlet.

Or get a PA140. But the PA200 a strong machine.

Mark, what is imax on the PA200.