How big a generator do I need to run a Lincoln 220 stick welder.

[Clevus]

So, when I bought my house, I didn’t get the shop I wanted.
I am now thinking a generator would might make more sense for those occasional welding tasks, than paying an electrician to pull wire out to the shop.

The welder is a run of the mill Lincoln 220.

 

[Vlach7]

You can weld small rod with maybe 8K but if you want the full potential of your welder, you’re probably be up to around 20 K

 

[Mark_BX25D]

Wiring will be cheaper and give you a TON more options.

Do it right, and cry once.


Besides, you have a tractor. You should be able to figure out how to trench out to the shop and install conduit.

Go bigger than you need. If you buy the cable and pull it yourself, install the panel, you can then pay for just the electrician work instead of paying electrician rates for dumb labor.

 

[mikester]

I'd buy a welder generator if I was looking for a genny

 

[jimh406]

Unless you need a generator for other things, I'd consider buying a 110 welder.

 

[Old Machinist]

All available in your browser search capability.

50 amps times 240 volts = 12,000 watts running so at least a 15KW surge generator.


Lincoln 225 AC Current Requirement

Based on the search results, the Lincoln 225 AC stick welder has a rated input current of 50 amps, as specified in the technical specifications and operator’s manual. This is a 240V welder circuit, requiring two hots and a ground.
The welder’s output current range is 40-225 amps, suitable for welding a variety of materials including carbon, low alloy, and stainless steels, as well as cast iron.
For installation and operation, it is recommended to use a 50-amp rated circuit breaker and a #2 (or 8-gauge) wire, as suggested by experts in the field.
Here’s a summary of the key points:

• Rated input current: 50 amps
• Output current range: 40-225 amps
• Recommended circuit breaker: 50-amp rated
• Recommended wire size: #2 (or 8-gauge)

Please note that it’s always recommended to consult an electrician for specific guidance on electrical installations and to ensure compliance with local electrical codes.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I use 7018AC 1/8 rods with my AC-225-S welder set for '120' for past 30 years off a 40 amp breaker. It's never blown except when I added 75" of proper extension cable to get to the greenhouse,so long way away.
BTW there's a BIG difference between '7018' rods and '71018AC' rods !!

 

[chim]

I wouldn't want to undersize the circuit, but there are some variables. The recommended circuit size is based on using the welder to its full capability. As Jay said, his welder is happy on a 40A breaker.

I have a 200A inverter welder and it specifies a max THD under 5%. My GUESS is that with a regular transformer welder it doesn't matter as much, but I'd check the specs.

 

[JRHill]

We live off grid so this time of the year is generator time to fill the batteries once a day for approx 3 hours. In the shop I have a Miller Bobcat 225 welder / generator. I don't even have any rod bigger that 1/8" In 15 years I've never rad the heat range set on 'High'. Maybe once. I believe it is capable of 11kW. It is strictly used for stick welding and mostly as a backup to our primary generator.

You don't mention needing a generator for occasional use when your grid power fails or is flakey. All I can say is that if your primary need is to run the buzz box then just run a 50a 240vac service to the shop and be done with it. Do you really need another engine around to keep serviced?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Some of the newer generators will NOT run a transformer welder, so careful in your consideration.

 

[KKBL]

Depending on what you want to use your shop in the future, distance and access from the main panel, you may find that having under ground put in is the way to go.
I had lights and 110 outlets in a metal storage building installed this year. They trenched conduit about 40 feet and back filled, cut and replaced 4 x 12 inch of concrete pad, every thing inside was done with thin wall EMT and GFCI protected.
Total cost was $1,025. I didn't need 220 but could have had it for not much more.
I am so pleased with the work they performed and convenience of not running an extension cord from the house when I just needed lights out there.
As Mark BX25 mentioned, if you trench and put in the conduit yourself, it could save a lot of the cost and have it set up nice for your convenience.

 

[TheOldHokie]

So, when I bought my house, I didn’t get the shop I wanted.
I am now thinking a generator would might make more sense for those occasional welding tasks, than paying an electrician to pull wire out to the shop.

The welder is a run of the mill Lincoln 220.
View attachment 143378

Put in a 220V 60A subpanel. Less money than a generator and its branch circuit ready. I have one of those Lincoln tombstones and even with 100' of cable its never tripped the 50A breaker.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I am also on Team "trench it".

Having good electric service opens up a lot of "future possibilities" for bigger/better machines, and like was mentioned above, eliminates another engine to service/maintain.

Not to mention the hassle of actually having to get it out, starting it, then putting it away all while having to listen to it scream while your working........

Just too much BS for me personally.

Trench it, do all the "grunt work" to save money, and then if you need to pay an electrician to make the connections it shouldn't be too bad.

Good luck...

 

[TheOldHokie]

I am also on Team "trench it".

Having good electric service opens up a lot of "future possibilities" for bigger/better machines, and like was mentioned above, eliminates another engine to service/maintain.

Not to mention the hassle of actually having to get it out, starting it, then putting it away all while having to listen to it scream while your working........

Just too much BS for me personally.

Trench it, do all the "grunt work" to save money, and then if you need to pay an electrician to make the connections it shouldn't be too bad.

Good luck...

You can also use direct burial 3 conductor plus ground cable (URD) in many (most??) localities.

Aluminum 2/2/2/4 mobile home feeder (MHF) cable is readily available from places like Lowes and Home Depot and good for 100A service. Unless things have changed since I last did this the minimum direct burial depth is 18" between structures and it must be run in PVC conduit between the panels and where it enters and exits the ground. The subpanel must have its own grounding grid but the neutral is not bonded.

OBLIGATORY DISCLAIMER

You should always consult with your local building codes office about specific requirements in your locality and have the installation inspected and approved by the appropriate authority.

Dan

 

[Flintknapper]

I am also on Team "trench it".

Having good electric service opens up a lot of "future possibilities" for bigger/better machines, and like was mentioned above, eliminates another engine to service/maintain.

Not to mention the hassle of actually having to get it out, starting it, then putting it away all while having to listen to it scream while your working........

Just too much BS for me personally.

Trench it, do all the "grunt work" to save money, and then if you need to pay an electrician to make the connections it shouldn't be too bad.

Good luck...

Yep, agree with all of the above.

I have the same welder and have tried to run it off a 12kw generator with a 50amp 220v outlet on it.

Yes, it would start and run the the welder....but with 1/8" rods anything over 60-70 amps would strain the generator and welder.

I can run the welder at 200 amps off my shop electrical outlet. So don't know what the difference is.....just that it IS.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Even if this isn't your 'forever home', trench it ! Run wire in one conduit AND add a 2nd conduit for ethernet, alarm, landline wires. Run a 3rd conduit for natgas line.BTDT.
ONE time cost to trench for EVERYTHING. Not saying you have to use all of them now, but... next year you might want to install furnace in garage.... sure saves having to CAREFULLY dig a 2nd trench !

 

[jyoutz]

I had this exact issue at my last house. The barn/shop building where I wanted to use my Lincoln 220 amp welder was over 500’ from the house and the service box location would have required trenching through a lot of driveway. I ended up installing a new service box on the barn and the power company installed a new meter there after bringing in the wires on poles (at their expense). I had two power bills, but still the cost savings was worth it in my case.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

nice..THEY installed poles for free !!!!
Where I live , have to pay for EVERYTHING...
1 new pole, reroute 200a service wires was $7500, 5 years ago
to move one pole,roadside , 10m ( =-30 ft) was $11K this summer.

 

[Sporto]

I am also on team trench. When we built the shop I had a 210 MIG welder and shop heat to consider I opted for a 240 volt 100 amp subpanel and underground cable (25 meters). Here we can pull selfwire wire permits, so most of the work was done by me. However I hired an electrician to run the cable into the house and terminate it in the panel this still cost $750 cdn but worth it. With this setup should be future proofed, so something else to consider.

 

[JRHill]

nice..THEY installed poles for free !!!!
Where I live , have to pay for EVERYTHING...
1 new pole, reroute 200a service wires was $7500, 5 years ago
to move one pole,roadside , 10m ( =-30 ft) was $11K this summer.

Only $250,000 to get the grid to us. And that was 10 years ago. In comparison, solar and generators are cheap. But if you have power poles around this doesn't seem to be much of a discussion to me.

BTW, has the OP responded? Bwah-hah.