Will a 5000 Watt Generator Run a Welder?

When it comes to welding, having a dependable power source is critical. This is where generators come in useful, especially if you’re operating in remote locations or in areas where the power supply is shaky. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether a 5000 Watt generator will run a welder.

And the answer is yes, but it depends on the type and power draw of the welder you own. A 5000 Watt generator is just what you need for 120V welders that draw no more than 40 amps at start-up. This means a 5000W generator can run the majority of welders with an output current from 100 to 160A. A 180A and more welders would require a bigger generator starting from 6500W.

Most 240V welders, on the other hand, require more than 5000 Watts to run. So, if you have a 240V welder, a 5000 Watts generator may not be enough to power it.

A Wattage requirement for starting up the generator is calculated through the equation:

Watts = InputAmps x Volts

So, clearly, 40 X 120 = 4800W, which fits nicely to a 5000 Watts generator output power. While, 40 x 240 = 9600W, which is way more power than a 5000W generator can provide.

Can a 5000 Watts Generator Run a Welder?

We already found out that it can, however, you may want to know some additional information before deciding to use a specific welder with a 5kW portable generator.

When it comes to using a 5000 Watt generator to run a welder, you need to know that this depends on the specific power requirements of the welder you intend to use. Welders come in various sizes and have different power consumption ratings. To determine if a 5000-watt generator is sufficient, you need to consider the following factors.

The Type of Welder You Have

The first thing to consider is the type of welder you have. In general, a generator will be more likely to run an inverter-type welder rather than a transformer-type welder. Inverter-type welders, also known as IGBT and MOSFET welders, are designed to handle unstable power sources (such as conventional generators) more effectively. Having said that, if your generator is of inverter type, you can easily power a transformer-type welder from it as well.

The Wattage of Your Welder (starting and running Watts)

The next thing to consider is the wattage of your welder. The wattage of your welder will determine the minimum size of the generator needed to power it. As a rule of thumb, a 5000 Watts generator can run a small welder that draws 22 to 40 amps input current (and up to 160 amps output). It is important to check your welder’s specifications and calculate its wattage requirements using an equation (at the beginning of this article) to ensure that the generator can handle the load.

The Voltage Requirements of Your Welder

Finally, it is important to consider the voltage requirements of your welder. A 120-volt welder can run on a 5000 running-watt generator, but if the 5000 Watts is a peak watt and the running power is less (4000 Watts for example), then you won’t be able to use this welder. The minimum generator power requirement to run a 120 to 160 Amps welder is 4500W. Anything less than that won’t work. So don’t forget to ensure your 5000W generator provides this power continuously and not just momentarily as starting Watts.

Popular 5000 Watts Generators That Can Run a Welder

When it comes to finding a generator that can run a welder, there are many options available in today’s market. Here are some of the most popular 5000 Watts generators that will run a welder:

Champion Power Equipment 100812 Portable Generator

The Champion Power Equipment 100812 is a powerful and reliable generator that can run a welder with ease. It features a 4-stroke 292cc OHV engine that can produce up to 5000 running and 6250 starting Watts of power, making it ideal for a variety of welding applications. It can run really long (up to 9 hours) on a full 5.7-gallon tank of gas. It is equipped with all modern features, including cold-start technology, a low-oil shut-off sensor, and an LCD display,

Briggs & Stratton S5500 Portable Generator

The Briggs & Stratton S5500 Portable Generator is another popular option for those looking to run a welder. It features a PowerBuilt 389cc OHV engine and can produce up to 5500 Watts of power, making it ideal for powering a variety of welding equipment. It also provides up to 6875 startup Watts, which is a huge boost when starting up a demanding welder. The generator also comes with a number of safety features, including a low oil shutdown and automatic voltage regulation.

DuroMax DuroMax XP5500HX 5500 Watts Generator

The DuroMax XP5500HX is a versatile generator that can run on both gasoline and propane, making it ideal for those who need a generator that can run a welder in a variety of situations. It features a 224cc engine and can produce up to 4500 rated Watts (5500 starting Watts) of power, making it ideal for powering a variety of welding equipment. The generator also comes with a number of safety features, including a low oil shutdown and automatic voltage regulation. Even though this generator provides just 4500 running Watts (instead of 5000), it can still run welders that we’ve discussed above, as the minimum required generator is 4500W for those.

Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv – Dual Fuel Portable Generator

The Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv is a powerful and reliable generator that can run a welder with ease. It features a 274cc OHV engine that can produce up to 5300 Watts of power(rated) when running on gasoline, making it ideal for a variety of welding applications. Even on propane, it delivers a whopping 4800 running Watts. Startup power is 6500 and 5800W on gasoline and propane respectively. This generator also comes with a number of safety features, including a low oil shutdown and circuit breaker protection.

Overall, the majority of 5000W generators will allow you to run a welder of them. It’s important to choose a generator that is reliable, safe, and powerful enough to meet your specific welding needs. With the options listed above, you can be confident that you’ll find a generator that can get the job done.

Welder Models to Use with a 5000 Watts Generator

When it comes to choosing a welder model to use with a 5000 Watts generator, it’s important to consider the wattage requirements of the welder. Here are some popular welder models that work well with a 5000 Watts generator, all available in most states:

Welder Model	Output current
Forney Easy Weld 100ST	90 Amps
Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder	88 Amps
Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder	140 Amps
Forney Easy Weld 140 MP	140 Amps
WARCKING 110/220V MMA 160A	165 Amps

It’s important to note that these wattage requirements are for continuous use, so it’s recommended to have a generator with a peak wattage of more than 5000 watts to account for starting and demand spikes.

The Forney Easy Weld 100ST is a popular choice for beginners, as it’s easy to use and has a low output of 90 amps, requiring a less powerful generator correspondingly. The Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder is another great option for beginners, with an output of just 88 amps.

For those who need a higher amp output, the Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder and the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP with an output rating of 25-140 and 10-140 amps respectively. Moreover, the Forney Easy is claimed to be generator friendly (as it only requires a 4500W generator).

Lastly, the WARCKING 110/220V MMA 160A has an output of a maximum of 135 amps on 110V and 165 on 220V, making it a good choice for those who need a higher amp output for more demanding welding projects.

I picked just a few with high ratings, for your convenience. Those are plenty of other welders on the market that can run on a 5000W generator.

Conclusion

Yes, you can run a small welder that draws 22 to 40A input current. A 5,000W portable generator is a minimum recommended for small welding machines. Just make sure you check your welder’s specifications and use an equation from previous sections in this article to calculate its wattage requirements.

If the welder has an output power of less than 5000W and uses 120 or 240 volts, then a 5000 Watts generator is a suitable option. However, it is important to note that this generator cannot produce electricity for an industrial welder as it is a heavy-duty machine. If you want to use a welder that delivers 160 to 180 Amps, you will need to consider buying a 7000 Watts generator.

It is essential to look into the welder’s specs, including input amps, volts, and maximum rated output, before selecting a generator for welding.

If you are unsure, you may want to get a consultation from a specialist to establish the optimum generator size for the specific welding demands. This will guarantee that you to have the best decision on which generator to use with which welder.