why wont my portable generator power my welder?

[BGarrett]

I bought a 7700 watt portable generator for use with my crackerbox 230 amp wwo volt arc welder.
Why wont that combination weld?

---------- Post added at 08:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:40 PM ----------

I dont see the edit function . It should read 220 volt

[Alchymist]

A little more info would help - brand of generator & welder, what welding current, and what is happening - is the generator bogging down when you weld?

[PTSideshow]

Common problem, output of generator isn't enough to operate the welder. The rating on some of the generators are mostly advertising hype. The max rated that generally is on the unit is higher than the continuous running output.
And even the running actual output is lower than advertised.

I have a Genarac 12,500 watt surge/maximum output 10kw continuous output, and a Miller thunderbolt 225XL tombstone type transformer stick welder. It works well. I have never tried it at maximum output of the welder.

Makes no difference in the brand or origin of the generator, like compressors the stated figures for performance of them are INFLATED

Input volts 220x50 amps input current = 11,000 watts if the rated input voltages are 220/230/240 it will generally work at the lower wattage but operates better at a higher wattage's.
General Miller/Lincoln transformer welder types.

[Dempster]

We once had a Century 250 amp AC welder hooked up a rack trailer on a tractor PTO drive 12,000 watt Winco generator. It wasn't enough for higher amperages but worked if all you needed was 110 to 120 setting on the welder but on 120 with 5/32 6011 rod it was maxed out not near enough generator. Had two of those same size generators one was belted to a 30 hp V4 Wisconsin it would pull the welder up to 110 amps was all. Weld quality was good enough for fences but not for other things shop around for a DC/AC portable welder with the output you need and will get much better weld quality.

[BGarrett]

Thanks guys.

[dkamp]

Originally Posted by PTSideshow

Makes no difference in the brand or origin of the generator, like compressors the stated figures for performance of them are INFLATED

Unless it's mil-spec.

Sadly enough, your statement is all too true for CONSUMER grade generators.

My generators are all mil-spec items, all have realistic ratings AND overload ratings. My Hobart PE197, Kohler 15R21, and Katolight 35 all indicate amps-per-phase in each configuration, at 100% duty cycle, and also indicate an overload output and duty limitation.

The Katolight was sold under government contract by Consolodated Diesel Electric, powered by a 331ci Hercules JXLD at 1200rpm, rated 76hp, and 35kva... I've driven three Lincoln 225's dead-shorted at full-snot with it, and it didn't even grunt. It is, however, very thirsty... the carbeurator is about the size of an RV toilet, and the whole machine weighs 7200lbs...