My son lives in a remote area of Africa. His power (240v 50cycle) is only available at limited times so he uses solar power a lot. I'm trying to help him figure out how to run a U.S. flux core wire feed welder (120V 60cycle) off a 1000W inverter. Obviously a welder with a 20 amp input rating running at full bore won't work but if it's set at a low enough output wouldn't that work? I've seen nameplates showing 25amps at 15.2V DC output.
1000W inverter load
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mwm1752
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Even with a step down transformer you would be on the limit of the system -- Hopefully the fusing will protect the inverter -- If the system is 1000w on paper then actual production will vary 50 - 90% most the time. doesn't seem like a good idea -- buy a gas generated welder that is made for the purpose
iceworm
Curmudgeon still using printed IEEE Color Books
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I highly suspect you have already thought of everything I got. My suggestions are right up there with, "Check to see if the computer is turned on"
Assuming the welder is already purchased.
Is the existing 1000W inverter 240, 50HZ output? I suspect it is.
I don't know how picky the welder is about the input power frequenct/waveform. Consider calling the welder mfg as ask them about power input specs
As already mentioned, transform down to 120V, 50 hz, as see if it will run.
Purchase a secondary inverter just for the welder. Can you send him an inverter with a 120V, 60hz output - get a 2kw inverter.
I've had three different small wire feed welders over the last 20 years. All three were convertable - either 120V or 240V input. I suspect you already know this one is not.
good luck. Let us know how it comes out.
ice
Hmm
Hmm
Thanks for the replies. Here's more info/clarification. When the power is on it's 240V 50 cycle. When the sun is shining the solar panels are charging 12V batteries. One inverter - 12V to 240V/50cycle runs lights and a refrigerator. The 1000W inverter - 12V to 120V/60cycle is used to run miscellaneous U.S. tools. Haven't purchased a welder yet due to not sure it would run off a 1000W inverter. If he was welding at a lower setting of 25 amps/15.2V isn't that 380W? Or am I missing something? Thanks
Hmm
Thanks for the replies. Here's more info/clarification. When the power is on it's 240V 50 cycle. When the sun is shining the solar panels are charging 12V batteries. One inverter - 12V to 240V/50cycle runs lights and a refrigerator. The 1000W inverter - 12V to 120V/60cycle is used to run miscellaneous U.S. tools. Haven't purchased a welder yet due to not sure it would run off a 1000W inverter. If he was welding at a lower setting of 25 amps/15.2V isn't that 380W? Or am I missing something? Thanks
Not certain how well welders run off a solar powered inverter, but you're not far off regarding the numbers. Only thing missing is that the welder is not 100% efficient. That is, it will draw more power than being output.
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