Top 10 generators for welding machines
In order not to make a wrong choice, you do not need any special knowledge or years of experience. It is enough to pay attention to just a few parameters, namely:
- What kind of machines the generator is compatible with;
- Its power consumption;
- what diameter electrodes the power source is designed for;
- The maximum amperage of the inverter.
Generator power consumption and inverter amperage are interrelated. But regarding the compatibility, you should carefully choose the type of power source. In the retail network there are synchronous, asynchronous and inverter models. A special place is given to hybrid units, which can operate in two modes. synchronously and asynchronously.
At first glance it may seem that the choice is more than obvious: after all the list includes inverter models. But this is wrong. For the inverter as a power source is suitable synchronous gasoline generator or hybrid. The fact that they have a large power reserve and are designed for high starting currents.
Why a gasoline generator and not a diesel one, of which there are also many on the market?? Yes, gasoline models produce more expensive electricity, but they do a much better job at low starting currents. And the range of models on gasoline is much wider, which will allow you to choose the best option, which can be used for other purposes.
If you want to pick up a generator for a welding machine professional level, for example, for a semi-automatic, then you should think carefully. The problem is that semi-automatic machines do not always work well. In the manuals of honest manufacturers they directly warn about it. So do not rely on your own intuition, but it is worth to consult with a consultant in the store.
Huter DY6500LXW
Gasoline generator is suitable for creating a backup power supply, welding equipment applications.
Piston engine Huter 188F with 1 cylinder and 4 strokes, air cooling.
The control panel includes a voltmeter, control indicators, toggle switches for ignition, activation protection and 12V plus ground terminal.
The unit is installed on a steel frame, complete with handles and wheels. Operates and maintains without special operator skills.
- voltage. 220 V;
- engine power 15 liters. с.;
- tank volume. 22 l;
- active power. 5 kW, max 5.5 kW;
- max. welding current. 200A;
- noise level. 71 dB;
- sockets. 2 x 220 V, 1 x 12 V
- dimensions. 70x57x53.5 cm;
- weight 72 kg.
- stable power supply;
- welding function;
- overload protection;
- Quick manual or electric start of the system;
- suitable for welding all types of metals;
- possibility to connect electrodes up to 7 mm;
- silent operation.
Fubag WS 230 DC ES
Single-phase generator with Fubag GF 460 engine. Designed as a gasoline-powered electric power station with an integrated welding unit.
The user can perform arc welding with electrodes with a diameter of 5 mm, while appreciating the high quality of the joint. Electric starter allows a quick start of the unit, regardless of the weather conditions.
The generator additionally has an onboard battery, built-in overload protection, low oil level indicators.
Optional accessories. grounding cable DX50, electrode holder with cable DX50.
- engine capacity. 458 cc. cm, power. 13.4 л. с.;
- tank capacity. 25 l;
- active power. 5 kW;
- Welding current 50-230A
- 2 220 V sockets;
- electrode diameter. from 1.6 to 5 mm;
- dimensions. 73x59x53.5 cm;
- weight of 94 kg.
- 9 hours of battery life;
- capacious fuel tank;
- Easy-to-operate electric starter;
- a quality welding seam;
- quiet operation;
- clear control panel;
- economical fuel consumption;
- versatility;
- durability.
Fubag WHS 210 DDC
Three-phase, gasoline-powered, constant current (DC), professional Honda GX 390 air-cooled engine.
Suitable for demanding tasks in construction and assembly work, in case of emergency.
Allows you to connect rutile electrodes up to 5 mm, as well as a large number of three-phase and single-phase users.
Machine is located on a reinforced frame that protects it from various negative influences.
- engine displacement. 389 cc. cm, power. 13 l. с.;
- tank capacity. 25 l;
- active power. 5 kW, full. 7 kW;
- amperage. 9.1A, welding current. 50-210A;
- one 220 V, one 380 V socket;
- dimensions. 73x59x53.5 cc;
- weight. 87 kg.
- autonomous operation for up to 9 hours;
- sufficient constant welding current;
- intuitive display;
- economical OHV engine;
- bayonet connections for quick connection of welding cables
- socket protection;
- Additional options as a handle and wheels.
EUROPOWER EP200X2
Gasoline welding generator based on the engine Huter 188F with air cooling system, manual and electric start.
Actively used in welding, construction and installation work in places with regular power outages.
Functions in two modes. power plant with synchronous alternator, welding with direct current.
Different electrodes can be connected, but with a diameter of up to 4 mm. It is a single-phase model with several sockets for connecting appliances, devices, tools.
- engine power. 15 liters. с.;
- specific fuel consumption. 374 g/h;
- Tank volume. 22 liters;
- active power. 5 kW, max 5.5 kW;
- max. amperage. 200 A;
- Sockets. 2 220 V, 1 for 12 V
- dimensions. 70x57x53.5 cm;
- weight. 72 kg.
- Quick start in any weather;
- high level of reliability;
- Suitable for all metals;
- smooth, neat welds;
- good protection of sockets and the unit itself;
- mobility;
- versatility.
Kronwerk LK 210E
Gasoline model with synchronous alternator, electric and manual start. Designed to provide electricity to users, as well as to act as a full-fledged welding equipment.
A single-phase generator has several key features. overload and overheating protection function of the system, AVR, DC, fuel and oil sensor.
The power plant is equipped with wheels for increased mobility, a muffler to reduce noise at work.
- engine capacity. 420 cc. cm, power. 15 l. с.;
- fuel consumption. 2.6 l/h;
- tank volume. 25 l
- protection class. IP23;
- active power. 4.5 kW, max 5 kW;
- Power sockets. 2 220 V, 1 for 12 V;
- dimensions. 70x58x54 cm;
- weight. 73 kg.
What power generator is needed for inverter welding
Selected generator for welding must have a power not lower than that of an inverter, but on the contrary, somewhat higher, taking into account the necessary margin of 25%. Generator and welding inverter capacity can usually be found on the data sheet. Do not make a mistake in measurement units, because very often the power of electric devices is specified not in kW, but in kVA.
kW is the active power, but kVA is the total power of the appliance. If the capacity of a welding inverter is specified in kVA, and it is necessary to translate it into kW, it is enough to use the following formula for calculation: where 10 kVA 0,8 = 8 kW. It should be understood that the welding inverter will not always work at full power, and here it all depends on the desired current strength. And since the efficiency of the inverter for welding and arc voltage are always a constant value, then, to calculate the power of the generator for welding is not so difficult. The efficiency of a welding inverter is 85%, and the arc voltage is 25V.
Knowing these parameters, you can independently calculate how much power you need a generator for inverter welding, based on the welding current. If the inverter for welding has a maximum current of 160 Ampere, and you’ll need for welding is such a current, the power of the inverter will be equal: 160A25V/0,85 = 4705 W. Taking into account the necessary power reserve for the generator, and it’s not less than 25%, you can easily calculate its optimum power: 4705 watts 25% = 5881 watts, which is almost exactly 6 kW.
From all of the above, it becomes clear how exactly the current intensity of the welding inverter affects the required power of the generator. Therefore, if you reduce the current on the inverter, you can use a generator with a much lower output, for example 2.5 or 3 kW. Here it depends on the diameter of the welding electrodes and the thickness of the material to be welded. For example, using electrodes up to 2 mm, you can weld from a generator of 2.5 kW, which will be enough power for the welding inverter to give the required amperage for welding.
Top 10 best models ranking
| Place | Name | Price |
| Top 10 best welding generators | ||
| 1 | Huter DY6500LXW | 59 000 ₽ |
| 2 | Fubag WS 230 DC ES | 76 000 ₽ |
| 3 | Fubag WHS 210 DDC | 90 000 ₽ |
| 4 | EUROPOWER EP200X2 | 149 000 ₽ |
| 5 | Kronwerk LK 210E | 38 000 ₽ |
| 6 | TSS SGW-4000 EH | 60 000 ₽ |
| 7 | TSS DGW-200ES | 76 000 ₽ |
| 8 | TSS DGW-200E | 74 000 ₽ |
| 9 | Pramac W 220 | 140 000 ₽ |
| 10 | Kalibr BSEG-5500A | 55 000 ₽ |
An inverter welding generator must meet a number of the following requirements:
When choosing a generator for welding, you need to be guided by such things as:
- The power consumption of the inverter;
- The strength of the current needed for welding;
- The diameter of the electrodes (depends on the thickness of the metal to be welded).
These are the nuances that you need to be guided by when choosing a generator for a welding inverter. In this case, the power of the generator is in the first place, so that’s where we’ll start.
Maximum value
Before proceeding to calculate the parameters associated with the electric generator, you should carefully examine the operating characteristics of the welding inverter itself, given in its passport (photo of the appearance of the unit below in the text).
If it is specified that the given device outputs 160 Amperes, then on the basis of this parameter it is possible to determine the maximum power consumption. Its value (P max) is calculated as the product of the arc voltage (usually 20-25 volts) and the output current.
Additional information. In these calculations, the efficiency of the welding unit is also taken into account, the value of which is usually 0.85-0.9.
For our case we choose maximum efficiency =0,9 and as a result we get:
Rounding up the result, we can say that the power consumed by the inverter will be about 3 kW. According to the results of this calculation at the generator for inverter welding machine P max should not be lower than the specified (it is better if it will be a little more, that is with a small margin).
Effective and reactive power
When assessing this figure, it should be borne in mind that during welding, the operator never works in the current maximum mode, but always leaves a small reserve for the work he performs. This fact is also taken into account before choosing a generator for inverter welding, suitable for current and output power.
It is believed that the real value of the energy used for welding should be based on the so-called time variation of its use, referred to as RPM. It is usually given in the passport of this device and is about 40%. Taking this correction into account the power selected in the example above should be only 1.2 kilowatts.
The difference between the active power (consumed as heat) and its reactive power component must also be taken into account.
Necessary explanation. This component is considered to be that part of the total energy due to processes occurring in the reactive load elements (reactances and inductances in particular).
Since the gasoline generator is loaded on a typical welding inverter, the design of which contains a sufficient number of reactive elements, the consideration of this component will affect the final result of the evaluation. The correction introduced into the calculation formulas is in the form of the so-called “power factor” (it is designated in the formulas as the cosine of the phase angle between the reactive and the active component).
Power Factor (PM), depending on the unit used, can range from 0.75 to one. For those who want to know what power is necessary for the purchased device, we remind that for industrial inverter units, this indicator is specified in the passport and is about 0.8.
Huter DY6500LXW
The gasoline generator is suitable for creating a backup power supply, for use as a welding equipment.
Is equipped with a piston engine Huter 188F with 1 cylinder and 4 strokes, air cooling.
The control panel includes a voltmeter, control indicators, toggle switches on the ignition, activation protection and 12V plus ground terminal.
The machine is installed on a steel frame, complete with handles and wheels. Operation and maintenance is carried out without special skills of the operator.
- The voltage is 220V;
- engine power. 15 l. с.;
- tank volume. 22 l;
- active power. 5 kW, max 5.5 kW;
- max. Welding current is 200A;
- Noise level. 71 dB;
- Sockets. 2 for 220 V, 1 for 12 V;
- dimensions. 70x57x53.5 cm;
- weight. 72 kg.
- stable power supply;
- welding function;
- overload protection;
- Quick manual or electric start system;
- Suitable for welding all types of metals
- Possibility to connect a 7 mm electrode;
- quiet operation.
Fubag WS 230 DC ES
Single-phase generator with Fubag GF 460 engine. Designed as a gasoline-powered station with integrated welding unit.
The user can perform arc welding with electrodes with a diameter of 5 mm, while assessing the high quality of the joint on the joint. Electric starter allows quick start of the unit, regardless of weather conditions.
The generator additionally has an on-board battery, built-in overload protection, low oil level indicators.
Optional accessories. grounding cable DX50, electrode holder with cable DX50.
- Engine displacement. 458 cc. cm, power. 13.4 л. с.;
- tank capacity. 25 l;
- active power. 5 kW;
- welding current. 50-230 A;
- 2 220 V sockets;
- electrode diameter from 1.6 to 5 mm;
- dimensions. 73x59x53.5 cm;
- weight. 94 kg.
- 9 hours of autonomous operation;
- capacious fuel tank;
- easy to operate electric starter;
- high-quality welds;
- quiet operation;
- user-friendly control panel;
- economical fuel consumption;
- versatility;
- durability.
Fubag WHS 210 DDC
Three-phase, gasoline-powered, constant current (DC), professional Honda GX 390 air-cooled engine.
Designed for demanding tasks in the construction industry, emergency cases.
Allows to connect rutile electrodes up to 5 mm, as well as an extensive number of three-phase and single-phase users.
The unit is located on a reinforced frame that protects it from various negative influences.
- Engine displacement. 389 cc. cm, power. 13 l. с.;
- tank volume. 25 l;
- Active power. 5 kW, full. 7 kW;
- current intensity. 9.1 A, welding current. 50-210 A;
- outlets. 1 for 220 V, 1 for 380 V;
- dimensions. 73h59h53.5 cm;
- weight. 87 kg.
- Autonomous work up to 9 hours;
- Sufficient constant welding current;
- intuitive display;
- economical OHV-motor;
- Bayonet connectors for quick connection of welding cables;
- socket protection;
- additional options in the form of handle and wheels.
EUROPOWER EP200X2
Gasoline welding generator based on the engine Huter 188F with air cooling system, manual and electric start.
Active use in welding, construction and installation work in places with regular power outages.
Functions in two modes. power station with synchronous alternator, welding with direct current.
Different electrodes can be connected, but with a diameter up to 4 mm. It is a single-phase model with multiple outlets for connecting equipment, appliances, tools.
- engine power. 15 liters. с.;
- Specific fuel consumption. 374 g/h;
- tank volume. 22 liters;
- active power. 5 kW, max 5.5 kW;
- max. amperage. 200A;
- 2 220 V sockets, 1 for 12 V;
- dimensions. 70x57x53.5 cm;
- weight. 72 kg.
- quick start in any weather;
- high level of reliability;
- suitable for welding of any metal;
- Smooth, accurate welding seam;
- good protection of sockets and the machine itself;
- mobility;
- versatility.
Kronwerk LK 210E
Gasoline model with synchronous alternator, electric and manual start. Designed to supply power to users, but also to act as complete welding equipment.
Single-phase generator has several key features. overload and overheat protection function, AVR, DC, fuel and oil sensor.
The power plant is equipped with wheels for increased mobility, a silencer to reduce operating noise.
- engine volume. 420 cubic meters. cm, power. 15 l. с.;
- fuel consumption. 2.6 l/h;
- tank volume. 25 l;
- protection class. IP23;
- active power. 4.5 kW, max 5 kW;
- Sockets. 2 x 220 V, 1 x 12 V;
- dimensions. 70x58x54 cm
- weight. 73 kg.
- functional;
- economical fuel consumption;
- capacious fuel tank;
- intuitive control of settings;
- welding function;
- overload protection;
- Smooth welding seam.
TSS SGW-4000 EH
Single-phase gasoline generator with built-in arc welding function. Designed for use in construction, other installation work.
Rated welding current. 190 A, which defines the unit as a professional equipment.
How to choose a gasoline generator for inverter welding
You don’t need a lot of knowledge or experience to choose the right one. It is enough to pay attention to just a few parameters, namely:
- what kind of machines the generator is compatible with;
- its power consumption;
- For which diameter electrodes the power source is designed;
- The maximum current rating of the inverter.
The power consumption of a generator and the amperage of an inverter are interrelated. But regarding the compatibility, it is necessary to choose the type of power source carefully. There are synchronous, asynchronous and inverter models in the retail network. A separate place is given to hybrid units, which can operate in two modes. synchronous and asynchronous.
At first glance it may seem that the choice is more than obvious: after all inverter models are on the list But this is wrong. For an inverter, a synchronous gasoline generator or a hybrid is the right power source. The point is that they have a large power reserve and are designed for high starting currents.
Why a gasoline generator, not a diesel one, which are also presented in the market a lot?? Yes, gasoline models produce more expensive electricity, but they work much better at low power. Yes, and the range of models on gasoline is much wider, which will allow you to choose the best option, which can be used for other purposes.
If you need to choose a generator for a welding machine of professional level, for example, for a semiautomatic machine, then you should think carefully about. The problem is that the semi-automatic machines are not always good. Conscientious manufacturers directly warn about this in the instructions. So do not rely on your own intuition, and it is worth to consult with a consultant in the store.
Popular models
For the right choice of a gasoline generator, you need not only look at the operating parameters, but also take into account the manufacturer, of which there are many on the market today.
Characteristics of FUBAG WS 230DC ES
If you are looking for a gasoline generator for welding, then we advise you to consider the following model as a possible option. With generator FUBAG WS 230DC ES you can solve a wide range of tasks, including those that arise with installation and construction teams. Thanks to the capacious fuel tank, it will be able to operate continuously for 9 hours at maximum load of 75%.
To start the station is equipped with an electric starter, which allows you to quickly get started. There is a choice of operating currents in the range from 50 to 230 A. Can be used for arc welding metalware with individual electrodes that can have a cross section of 1.6 to 5 mm.
This model of generator does not have a control automation. Weighing 112kg, equipped with a 25l fuel tank. The model is characterized by ease of handling and has an oil sensor for this. The power drive used has a power rating of 14 L. с. During operation, the generator generates noise at the level of 77 dB. With dimensions of 722×530×582 mm, the installed engine with a capacity of 439 cm3 can be evaluated as the right decision of the manufacturer. Operation is ensured by a four-stroke motor. The model is not equipped with a handle or wheels.
FUBAG WS 190 DC ES power plant
This model can be used for metalwork joining by arc welding. It supports operation with generators up to 4 kW. For welding works, only electrodes with a diameter ranging from 1.6 to 4 mm may be used.
This generator has a reinforced metal frame coated with paint, which protects the housing from corrosion. The latter is equipped with special damping pads, providing vibration reduction during operation. The weight of the device is 97 kg, and the volume of the fuel tank is 25 l.
The unit has a fairly compact size. 722×530×582 mm. The working noise index does not exceed 77 dB. Power drive used in this model has a capacity of 13 liters. с. Operation of the generator is provided by a four-stroke engine. Additionally, the design includes a fuel level indicator. To turn the power plant on you can use both electric and manual starter.
Characteristics of the Kalibrator BSEG-5511
In order to choose the most suitable model of a gasoline generator, you should first look at several models. Among the devices on the market, the generator “Kalibr” deserves special attention. This is a versatile device that will be indispensable at the service center and construction site.
This unit uses the engine with an increased service life, which is explained by the presence of the forced cooling system. Operation of the device at a load of no more than 75% without refilling is possible for 9 hours. The model comes with a control system. The permissible output power of the appliance is 5.5 kW. The fuel tank is quite capacious and has a capacity of 25 liters. The weight of the device is 86,1 kg. For this model, the minimum and maximum current has values of 50 and 190A respectively.
How much does a 5 kilowatt generator cost?
[3 kW] Huter DY4000LX with an electric starter 27,430 24,990 [5 kW] Huter DY 6500 LX with an electric starter 41,330 33,990 [6.5 kW] Huter DY 8000 LX 44 765 38 570
Inverter generator (inverter power plant) is a mini generator set, which produces the highest quality electricity, optimally converting it to a voltage without dips. These power plants are also called the “digital generators” because of the electronic control circuits.
How much does the welder consume per hour of work??
In welding mode the machine consumes 20 Amperes. That corresponds to 220 volts x 20 amps = 4,400 watts = 4.4 kilowatts. To compare, a kettle consumes 1.5 to 2 kW. If we consume this power for one hour, we obtain 4.4 kW x 1 hour = 4.4 kWh.
A 25 amp machine is just right for your 2″ cable.5mm2. All together (your fuse box) can easily hold your inverter without any worries and doubts. But if you can, of course it is better to put a 4 mm2 wire and automatic circuit breaker in 32A, but there still should be a point.