Adapter plug for 240 volt generator?

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Hello everyone,I recently bought a Miller 180 welder in California, knowing that I have a portable generator with 30-amp, 240-volt capacity at home outside Tucson (we live completely off the grid on solar and wind power).To my chagrin, I just discovered that the welder has a three-prong plug, and the generator's 120/240-volt outlet takes a round four-prong twist-lock male plug. Ack.Does anyone know if there is a suitable adapter available so I can use this generator?I hoped my first question here would be about welding - but until I can actually start the thing I'm stuck! Thanks for any advice.
Reply:Make one would be just as easy.  Buy the plug that fits the generator, a short bit of cord & an outlet that fits the welder.  Or you could add some length to the cord to extend the "noise" away from the welder a bit.Should be able to find the plugs, outlets & cord at Home Depot, Lowes or places like that.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Originally Posted by MarkBall2Make one would be just as easy.  Buy the plug that fits the generator, a short bit of cord & an outlet that fits the welder.  Or you could add some length to the cord to extend the "noise" away from the welder a bit.Should be able to find the plugs, outlets & cord at Home Depot, Lowes or places like that.
Reply:Thank you both. I'll head into town tomorrow and look for the materials. I'll need to figure out which wire is which - or are they likely to be color-coded?
Reply:Usually 2 wires are 110 volts, 1 wire is neutral.  Check with a multimeter for 110 volts to neutral, then 110 volts to neutral.  Then remember the colors of the wires (if you can see them) entering the plug.  On the adapter, you just have to keep the neutral the same.  It won't matter too much which side of the other two pins get 110 volts, as long as both do & the neutral isn't crossed.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Thank you!
Reply:The colors should match. "Should". The one I bought came with a wiring diagram but I don't know where that went. There should be info on the net as well. Depending on the welder and plug, you may only need to hook up 3 of the wires.
Reply:Thank you. I'm pretty sure that one of the connections on the four-prong 120/240-volt twistlock outlet on the generator will be a ground, so I assume I won't need that one - just the two live feeds and the neutral?
Reply:other way around you will need the 2 live feeds and the ground. neutral should be taped up out of the way.Hope this helpsRyan_______________________OF COURSE I DON'T LOOK BUSY... I DID IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
Reply:Just get a three wire cord. Then you don't even have to tape the neutral.  Cheaper too.  Two hots and a ground.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmJust get a three wire cord. Then you don't even have to tape the neutral.  Cheaper too.  Two hots and a ground.
Reply:Thanks to all again.I'm assuming from the fact that the welder has a three-prong 240-volt plug that it does not need a neutral, just the two hots and ground.
Reply:Originally Posted by JMHAZThanks to all again.I'm assuming from the fact that the welder has a three-prong 240-volt plug that it does not need a neutral, just the two hots and ground.
Reply:There ya goLast edited by Broccoli1; 02-07-2011 at 05:42 PM.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1There ya go
Reply:Success:Thanks for the advice, everyone!
Reply:I love the diagram, I've ran in the same problem in the past and I didn't know which was which ,so I just rented the right tools.CHEERS! this is amazing.Last edited by lineboring.org; 02-09-2011 at 06:46 PM.Remyhttp://lineboring.org
Reply:Originally Posted by lineboring.orgI love the diagram, I've ran in the same problem in the past and I didn't know which was which ,so I just rented the right tools.CHEERS! this is amazing.
Reply:I just wanted to give kudos for this awesome thread on my first post. I am brand new to welding, and bought my first tig welder. I have been trying to figure this out but have been scared chitless I would destroy my $1,000 plus generator or my $1,000 tig welder. Either is a bad outcome, but the image posted is absolutely perfect, and I can't thank you enough for it!
Reply:One question. In the picture you show using a receptacle. Can I simply use a 3 prong female plug attachment instead of a receptacle? What purpose (if any) does the receptacle serve?
Reply:Originally Posted by chicagogunsmithOne question. In the picture you show using a receptacle. Can I simply use a 3 prong female plug attachment instead of a receptacle? What purpose (if any) does the receptacle serve?
Reply:I had a 3 wire laying around from an extension cord for an old Leister Hot Air welder.  I went to home cheapo and got the plugs and connected as per your diagram. Tested my Everlast TIG last night on my Generac generator and all is well. Well, I didn't check the shield gas as I have to get that tomorrow.   FWIW I checked to make sure the generac runs clean, and wouldn't harm my TIG.  I ended up getting 250v 30amp plugs L14-30p male to connect to generatorL6-30R at end of extension cordL6-30P for the end of the welder which came with no plug.
Reply:Originally Posted by JMHAZSuccess:Thanks for the advice, everyone!
Reply:Setup worked for me as I described above. After an hour of welding I am deaf though, even with a 50' extension cord. I'm having 220 wired into my garage this weekend.