TA211i what generator wattage

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Looking for a generator to keep the hacienda lit and running during power outages.LEMESEENOWI got a 2 element 80 gallon water heater 240 VACa in-well well pump 240 VACA big fridgeand the usual slew of lights and crap on two floorsI'm a little unsure that it is ever a wise idea to run computers and music/sound systems  on a portable generator since one can't be sure about the smoothness of the power so that leaves those low power consumption devices out.An I have a TA 211i that I  would like to be able to throw in my truck along with a generator and weld in the woods or field or south forty etc.. I've been on generator forums and the general consensus about Generac's whole house units is that they are  pure unadulterated crapola not worth the effort of tossing out  into the ditch, not worth  the match to light 'em on fire, not even worth  the bullet to shoot 'em. Kohler is supposed to be highly respected but I dunno about the Valsi/Kohler units they sell. at the borg.  Thye have a 5000 watt one.Cummings Onan is supposed to be about the best but   ~ ~ ~ ~   I dunno who  sells or services 'em. I dunno 'bout the Generac porta' units like they sell at the BORG. What do you know about portable generators? Care to opine?Last edited by Raul; 08-26-2013 at 04:47 PM.Hey~!! It's a hobby. It's not supposed to make sense~!!
Reply:Contact Thermal Arc and ask them. In some of my Lincoln user manuals they have recommendations for generator use and sometimes a machine is not suitable for running on a generator. My invertec says that the generator may not generate peak voltage over 410V (a 220V unit) or it may destroy the welder.I have a Honda generator that gives a nice pure sinuswave AC but it's just to small to use for any kind of welding.PS. Hey, I checked the users manual for the TA211i. It says you need a 7.5kVA generator. 208/230 VAC ± 10%, 50/60Hz. There might be more to it but at least you know what size minimum you need.Last edited by Pete.S.; 08-26-2013 at 05:24 PM.
Reply:Note that small gensets are usually rated in surge wattage, not continuous wattage. You will want a genset that has a big enough continuous rating. Guessing on your house use alone, 10KW or larger. Hot water heater will draw almost 30 amps 230v, that's almost 7KW on it's own. A 20 amp rated 230v well pump will want almost 4600 watts. You've already exceeded a 10 KW genset at that point....  It's doable so long as you use electric "smart". power up the water heater for a while, then shut down the breaker and run the well pump.  In the mean time the extra power will run a fridge and a few lights. Once you go past 10 KW "portable" usually means tow behind diesel, and you can use a rough guess at $1-1.5K per 1000 watts from the units I've looked at new..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Like DSW said.   I have a 10kv surge 8.5kv run watt gen,  Runs hot water heater, well pump, 2 refrigerators, 1 freezer, various lights, tv, electric heat in one room, BUT not all at the same time.  Run well pump to pressurize system, then turn on hot water heater.  When water is hot, turn it off and turn  well system back on.  Quick hot shower, good to go.  Its a little inconvenient switching breakers on and off, but it beats the alternative.  Backfeeding your home with a generator can be dangerous.  You must be very careful and pay attention to what you are doing.  If you are the least bit unsure of what you are doing, get an electrician.   That said, I am ready to catch hell now!!
Reply:ive been running a Generac 8k genny  works great so far
Reply:I have the generac 5500 watt unitI use it with a Lincoln 180 dual,the generator has more power than the welder requires,I have run a chop saw at the same time as well as grinders and it doesn't effect the welder,generac plays a game with this and the 5500 and 6500 are the same unitthey don't tell you that but the generator itself had a sticker stating it was rated at 6500 watt people are overly cautious with this type of stuff, I didn't think it would be all that great for the equipment and could possibly destroy both the welder and the generator.but if you think of it logically a engine drive welder is just a welder with a generator.sure some are dc only, and the technology has came alongways but truth is that its just a generator and welder only difference is you will have to make your own cord.their are other benefits such as greater portability without the need for 500ft leads,we had to carry the generator and the welder down a mountain 500-700ft for a railing job and the generator was plenty heavy enough.I think the generac generator's are decent for the price but I would sooner grab a Honda or something else if I had the cash.for the money you cant beat the generac though I paid mine off the very first job I used it on and it only took 2 hours.its a Honda clone, the frame is decent, the carb can clog up pretty quick as I learned if you don't put a real fuel filter on it because the factory one isn't really a filter.the fuel economy is actually very good as well, I have got as many as 20 hours per tank which is dirt cheap imohttp://www.forgingtechnology.com/
Reply:I just went through the generator scene myself needing to transport my welder, compressor and plasma around the ranch and the largest issue you're going to be dealing with is cleanliness of power. An inverter machine is the safest way to go and thanks to Wes for putting me onto that. I'll be going with what he uses; a Honda. Inverters are certainly more expensive and Hondas even more so but replacing your welder or plasma could become the real cost of going with a non-inverter genny when the dirty power they put out adversely affects your sensitive machines downstream. Also, if you are planning on using a plasma, know that the compressor is an amp-whore. My portable Porta drew 15 amps and knocked the plasma right out on a 6500w genny. Whoda known those little things charge so much for air!? :-). So, add all that to the fact you'll probably be using a grinder and assorted other power tooIs in the 110 and I would suggest a 10k. In short, it's money now or more money later. And thanks to AL for suggesting a small trailer I can hook the Gator too and just drive out of the shop. It's gonna save a ton of lifting and other hassles.
Reply:PS. Hey, I checked the users manual for the TA211i. It says you need a 7.5kVA generator. 208/230 VAC ± 10%, 50/60Hz. There might be more to it but at least you know what size minimum you need.
Reply:Check the specs on that "6500 watt" Honda. All the Hondas I looked at are rated at 6500 surge watts, but only 5500 continuous..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...ighlight=dennyRead this threadEd 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:You may need more than one generator to power a hacienda.
Reply:Originally Posted by MercnutsYou may need more than one generator to power a hacienda.