portable generator as power source

[dmiller]

my generator has a 5KW rating, has a 220 volt, 20 amp source. will it power a lincoln ac225 which runs fine on my garage's 220 volt 20 amp breaker?

thanks

doug

[Sberry]

What are you welding in the garage that it works on? Maybe from an old Federal panel whose breakers are notoriously faulty? It should trip that breaker right off. It will take at least an 8000 watt machine to run this thing with any amount of usability.

[docwilson]

If I remember correctly, I think the recommended fuse rating for a AC225 is 50 amps.

[hankj]

I'd turn off that garage feed, pull the covers on the panel and the outlet, check the wire size and verify that the insulation is not fried, replace that 20A breaker, 'cause it ain't working, and save the barn!! that unit needs 8 - 10KW, depending on voltage, to run at high end.

Be well.

hank

[Sberry]

I second Hanks post,,, its kind of what I meant to imply, should have stated it more like he did. That thing should trip that breaker shortly after striking an arc, no more than a few seconds. For short welds it isnt likely to burn the place down, under a couple minutes at moderate amps, but,,, having an obviously faulty breaker shouldnt be left in service. Actually Lincoln and NEMA allow that machine to run on a 12 wire on a 50A circuit,,, single circuit in pipe. I wouldnt wire it that light and I certainly wouldnt want a cable in my garage wall hooked that way. A faulty breaker makes it even worse than a 50 on it,,, who knows if it would even short circuit interupt??

[dmiller]

i hired an electrican to wire the garage with 50 amp 230 service.

thanks for your thoughtful suggestions.

doug