The welding gas generator can be used for work in "wild" conditions. It can be your summer residence, territories remote from the power grid, or construction sites. In this case, connecting a transformer is undesirable, because power surges can cause damage to the power plant.
On sale today you can find two types of generators, in this case we are talking about devices that are used in tandem with welding machines. Such generators can be synchronous or welding. The first are voltage sources to which household appliances and a welding inverter can be connected.
As for welding generators, they are compact devices that include an integrated welding machine. Such units take up little space, so it is convenient to take them with you. Gas generators with a welding machine have a certain power, so the consumer has to choose the right model.
The choice of generator for the welding machine: main features
Before deciding which generator you need, you need to pay attention to power. The generator must be more powerful than the inverter. The power reserve will allow the device to operate in normal mode, while the unit will not function to the limit. In order to determine how much power a gas generator needs for a welding inverter, you need to find out the maximum current consumption. It can be found on the body of the device, it is indicated by Imax.
This parameter can be considered on the example of a unit with Imax 23A. Power should be calculated according to Ohm's law. To do this, the above value is multiplied by 220, in the end you can get 5060 watts. To this figure should be added 30%, in the end you get 6600 watts. This is the approximate power of the generator.
When choosing a gas generator for a welding inverter, you must also consider the diameter of the electrodes. It must match the power of the device. For example, if the diameter is 2 mm, then 2.5 kW will be sufficient. If the value mentioned above increases to 3 mm, then the generator power will be 3.5 kW. Power requirements vary, depending on the specific model.
The consumer should also pay attention to the voltage of the outlets. It must match the type of inverter. If a household appliance is available, then a 220V outlet will be sufficient. If we are talking about three-phase powerful inverters, then you will need a socket with a voltage of 380V. Experts recommend paying attention also to the case. If the station often has to be taken with you, then you should prefer the compact model, which is equipped with wheels. A positive feature of gasoline units is that they are usually smaller and lighter than diesel counterparts.
Generator selection with welding function
Welding gas generator will have excellent durability if the design is equipped with cast iron sleeves. The service life of such devices is approximately 1,500 hours. As for their aluminum counterparts, they can fail 3 times faster.
On sale today you can find inverters that have the function of adjusting the power factor. They are great for running on generators, as they are capable of operating at reduced voltage. If you want to choose just such a model, then you should pay attention to the marking where the PFC should be.
In general, welding gas generators are designed to work with rest breaks. If you want to work many hours every day, you should prefer a diesel model. When choosing a device for rest and giving, you should purchase a model whose power is in the range from 0.7 to 5 kW. Such devices are easy to transport and carry.
If the power reaches 10 kW, then the device is perfect for intensive work for 8 hours every day. One of the important parameters is the size of the fuel tank, as well as the presence of a noise insulation casing. Specialists especially emphasize the importance of the function, which makes it possible to start a welding gas generator from an electric starter.
When choosing equipment with valves located on top, you can compare it with diesel counterparts in terms of the quality of the energy released. Such units provide high performance, low noise, durability and compactness.
The acquisition of such a generator is advisable if you plan to carry out work on a construction site where periodically you need to supply a powerful flow of energy. When equipment is purchased for a cottage or an entire enterprise, it is better to consider models whose power varies from 10 to 20 kW. Such devices are usually equipped with an automatic start option and can be used as a fixed installation.
Characteristics of the station brand FUBAG WS 230DC ES
If you need a gas generator for welding, then one of these models can be considered as an example. This is the FUBAG WS 230DC ES, perfect for solving the tasks that are assigned to the installation or construction team. The fuel tank provides the possibility of continuous operation for 9 hours, which is true at a load of 75%.
The launch of the station is quick and easy by means of an electric starter. The current is regulated in a wide range: from 50 to 230A. This unit connects metal workpieces using arc welding with piece electrodes. Their diameter can vary from 1.6 to 5 mm.
For reference
This Fubag generator does not have control automation. Its weight is 112 kg. The fuel tank holds 25 liters. The manufacturer took care of the convenience of operation, providing the model with an oil sensor. Engine power is 14 liters. from. Battery supplied. The Fubag generator works by making noise at 77 dB. Case dimensions are 722 x 530 x 582 mm. The engine has a volume equal to 439 cm 3 . The device works due to a four-stroke motor. There are no handles and wheels included. But the fuel level indicator is present.
Features of the FUBAG WS 190 DC ES Gasoline Welding Power Plant
This power plant is intended for manual arc welding and power tool supply, the power of which does not exceed 4 kW. The electrodes used in welding can have diameters ranging from 1.6 to 4 mm.
The design is equipped with a reinforced metal frame, which is coated with paint, which avoids the formation of corrosion. The casing has damping pads that reduce vibration during operation. The described gas generator for welding weighs 97 kg. The fuel tank holds 25 liters. The design is equipped with an oil sensor.
What else to look for
Dimensions of the device are 722 x 530 x 582 mm. The noise level during operation reaches the level of 77 dB. Engine power is 13 liters. from. The device works due to a four-stroke engine. The unit has a fuel level indicator. The launch of the power plant can be carried out using an electric or manual starter.
Characteristics of the welding generator of the Caliber brand BSEG-5511
In order to decide which gas generator is better, it is worth considering several models. Among others, the “Caliber” generator can be distinguished, which will be discussed below. This device is a universal unit that will be an excellent assistant in a car service or on a construction site.
Extra features
The engine has an increased working resource, which is provided by a forced cooling system. With a load of up to 75%, the device is able to work without refueling for 9 hours. The set includes control automation. Maximum power reaches 5.5 kW. The capacity of the fuel tank is 25 liters. The device weighs 86.1 kg. The minimum and maximum current are 50 and 190A, respectively.
Conclusion
Everyone knows that when carrying out welding work there is no way to do without electricity. However, connecting to the network is not always possible. But not all equipment can work from a conventional outlet. Connecting to high voltage wires requires the necessary permissions.
In order to solve this problem, you can use an electric generator. Quite often, consumers choose its gasoline variety, because it has less weight and more compact dimensions compared to diesel counterparts. Today, each team of professionals has such equipment in a toolbox. But if you are an ordinary consumer, then you need to approach the choice of a gasoline generator even more carefully so that the power reserve is sufficient, and the price is acceptable. After all, the generator is quite expensive equipment.