Generator 9000w to power ESAB Rebel EMP 215ic ?

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I’m looking at the HF Preditor 9k genset to power the Rebel.  I don’t understand how to figure out if the generator will have enough amps to power the Rebel at max output.  Seems as though mig requires the most amps.So if the generator puts out 9000 watts of 240v power would I divide the 9000 by 240 to give me the max output amps of the generator.Example : max start up output 9000 / 240 = 37.5A ? Then normal running watts of 7250 / 240 = 30.20AWould that be how the amperage is determined when only the output wattage is given for a generator?Here is a couple of screen shots one of the Rebel Amp input requirements and one of the Generator I’m considering getting to use with the Rebel.  Not sure if this 9k Preditor is a good enough genset to use with the Rebel.  The price seems fair but not if it’ll cause problems with the Rebel.Edit:  It looks like this genset might not be a good candidate based on the verbiage in the third image stating it does not come with an appropriate line conditioner and surge suppressor.




Here is a couple more images of the generator.  It tells how to determine watts used by multiplying the voltage by the amps but not the other way around.



Last edited by N2 Welding; 09-04-2020 at 02:30 AM.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:When sizing a generator for welding, it's best to know the maximum wattage needed by the welder. Look for the welder's "Imax" amp rating. Multiply this by the voltage listed by the manufacturer to get your max startup watts. To run an inverter welder, look for clean power generators with 5% or less THD.DaveWelditU.comLincoln Weld-Pak 140HDHobart Handler 140
Reply:^^ What he said.  The HF Predators run something in the range of 23%THD.  Look at the PowerHorse units from Northern Tools.  They run Last edited by N2 Welding; 09-07-2020 at 11:13 AM.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:

Originally Posted by N2 Welding

Thank you tkevan.  I’m not seeing similarly specked generators at same price point.  669 - 999 = a difference of $330.00 if I’m looking at the same unit you have in mind and that’s not even the dual fuel unit which is $100.00 more.  Is there a coupon I’m not aware of that will make these priced about the same?https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...6833_200686833Edit the very first picture in my first post is from the 215 manual and it recommends the use of an 8kW generator.  After thinking it over a bit more, I’m thinking I need to do some more research.  I’m wanting a a portable air compressor as well so to used with a TD 60i plasma cutter.  I think Brand X was using a smaller 120v portable air compressor with one of his plasmas just not sure if on the 60i.  Perhaps he was using the 60i with the smaller 40 amp torch.
Reply:Using a plasma cutter and portable air compressor might be a little bit too pricey for a hobbiest considering I’d need 15kW of generator just for the plasma power supply with out even considering the power demand of a portable air compressor.

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Reply:Hi,  I would think a 15kw generator  would be getting too  big and heavy to load up and move aroundkinda defeats the purpose  of some thing handy for  mobile  jobs.  I find  one of  my most useful pieces ofequipment is   my smaller  Oxy  Acc  cutting  set up   the cylinders  are not the smallest. about 2' tall and  I always keep two spare full cylinders  I have a full size  Oxy propane set in the shop  But the same problem.  Too big and heavy  to  load and handle.   I think I remember from a previous post.  You already have an  Oxy Acc. cutting set
Reply:Yes I have an oxy set up.  I'm just not as good at using it to make clean cuts.  Yeah seems like a 15k would almost be trailer bound which is not as portable but none the less I'm not lifting a 200 lbs generator either.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:

Originally Posted by N2 Welding

Yes I have an oxy set up.  I'm just not as good at using it to make clean cuts.  Yeah seems like a 15k would almost be trailer bound which is not as portable but none the less I'm not lifting a 200 lbs generator either.
Reply:30A of generator capability are only good for about 175A of MIG welding power.  Really you need 10kW running to let a 200-class mig operate at full power.  Bare minimum.  12kW+ running would be more ideal.

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Reply:

Originally Posted by Oscar

30A of generator capability are only good for about 175A of MIG welding power.  Really you need 10kW running to let a 200-class mig operate at full power.  Bare minimum.  12kW+ running would be more ideal.
Reply:Yup, exactly why you need 50A running.

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Reply:

Originally Posted by Oscar

Yup, exactly why you need 50A running.
Reply:Perhaps there is needed headroom for extra power to run additional tools like lights, fans, grinders etc.  I can also see that if the gen is overpowered it will likely last longer as it is never struggling to keep up with the load.  However when a budget is tight make due with what you can.Edit: I'm still learning all this stuff so take anything I say with a grain of salt.Last edited by N2 Welding; 09-17-2020 at 06:07 PM.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:Yup, its all about headroom and frequency.  If he uses one that can only provide that same exact amperage, and the un-loaded voltage/frequency is 60Hz, I guarantee you that when the welder is pulling 30A+ and thus fully maxing out the generator, the frequency will drop down to about 54-55 Hz, and the voltage will drop at least 15V to 20V.  While 8kw is "listed" it sure isn't "optimum", at least not for the generator.  Perhaps my suggestion could have been worded differently, because I didn't elaborate enough.  That's my take on it.Last edited by Oscar; 09-19-2020 at 08:44 AM.

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Reply:

Originally Posted by Oscar

Yup, its all about headroom and frequency.  If he uses one that can only provide that same exact amperage, and the un-loaded voltage/frequency is 60Hz, I guarantee you that when the welder is pulling 30A+ and thus fully maxing out the generator, the frequency will drop down to about 54-55 Hz, and the voltage will drop at least 15V to 20V.  While 8kw is "listed" it sure isn't "optimum", at least not for the generator.  Perhaps my suggestion could have been worded differently, because I didn't elaborate enough.  That's my take on it.
Reply:

Originally Posted by tkevan

Maybe, but an 8k rated usually has a surge of well over 9k.   The 215 will never pull 30+ amps or ESAB would not list a 30a circuit.  You’re telling him to purchase a genset bigger than a Lincoln Ranger 250 (10k con) or Miller Bobcat 260 (9500w con) to run a 215ic?