2kw Generator powerful enough.....?

Question

Is a 2kw generator powerful enough to power a small mig welder?

Answer 1

It may be marginally adequate. I can use my wire feed welder on a 15A circuit (1800W) but at high current settings it will trip the breaker. It now has a dedicated 20A circuit (2400W) directly from the electrical panel and there are no problems.
I'd suggest getting a larger generator or operating the welder at the low current settings if possible. If you have both the welder and generator plug them together and give it a try. Nothing to loose and perhaps the only way to get a definitive answer.

Answer 2

Maybe, but probably not.
To start with, it will depend on the in-rush current draw of the welder and at what power factor the welder operates at.. The welder will have a greater current draw when the arc is established, but it will generally occur at a slightly different power factor (lower than normal). Small generators generally have a capacitor, or "brushless" type alternator. This type of alternator does not usually deal well with inductive (transformer type) loads that are often found in welders. The diodes and or capacitor may burn out. The best way to make an estimation, is to figure out what the input side of the welder is rated. Because most generator manufacturers over sell their unit, the actual power you will get out of the genset will be about 80% of the label rating. When you further factor in the responce time of the engine governor, the generator will need to be about twice the capacity of the input requirements to the welder. And don't be fooled by manufacturers selling "Surge watts", that is hype for a test called "zero power factor". Power is power, if the engine can only produce 2kW, there just ain't no more.

Answer 3

There are small MIG welders that will run off a nominal 15A 120v (1800w) circuit, but they really rely on the delayed trip of most circuit breakers at their higher setting. they have low duty cycles so even if they draw peak current higher than the nominal rating it is not really a problem with mains powered circuits. but your generator probably has limited overload capacity. If you use only the lower 2/3 or so of the welders range, you might be OK, but 2kw is minimal. The smallest welder/generators sold seem to be about 4kw (for example: http://www.millerwelds.com/products/enginedriven/blue_star_series/

Answer 4

Almost any gas-powered generator will power a laptop, so the trick is simply to find the smallest and most cost effective one for your needs. There are far better solutions than generators depending on your situation. If you have an automobile in the vicinity, I would recommend using a 12V AC Power Inverter. What this devices does, is plug into your car cigarette lighter outlet or 12V power outlet and converts the 12V DC power from your auto into 120V AC power that you simply plug your laptop AC cord into, just like in your house. These work flawlessly. I've used one for years and never had a problem. You do not need a large model either. The smallest versions under $40 are around 100 watts which is plenty to run a laptop. Just remember to start the car once in a while so that you don't run down the car battery. Once every couple of hours has worked fine for me.

Answer 5

Probably not.

Can you post the specifications for the welder? (volts, amps, etc.) What do you mean by "small"? If it is small enough, then 2 kW might do the job, but I have to know what the specifications are to be sure.
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Answer 6

exactly how small?