Generator for Millermatic 175

[ahriman]

Hello All- First post, be gentle.A couple days back we lost power to our home and I picked up a generator because we were going to be without power for a few days. In other words, I bought an item I have long been considering, but had to do it out of desperation rather than after research.I have been wanting a generator for two reasons: 1) emergency home power, and 2) for a mobile welding setup. Now that the emergency has passed, I want to get this forum's input on a generator I can weld with (the generator I bought is defective and is being returned). I have a Millermatic 175 240v which I use for repairs, projects and some artwork. I can MIG weld 1/4" with multiple passes from house power, but do not (necessarily) expect this from a mobile setup.Where do I need to start in terms of generators? and please remember this is also intended for home emergency power.Thanx for any input.

[H80N]

That welder wants to see at least 20 amps 240vac steady state and 30 amps start/surge

See page 17 Section 4-9. Electrical Service Guide For 230 VAC Model

http://www.millerwelds.com/om/o1324k_mil.pdf

what are your household power requirements..??

typical house needs run about 5kw minimum... yours might be more or less...

but you are better off buying larger than you think you need.. to have a cushion..

better to have a little capacity that you don't need often than being short...

makes a BIG difference if you just need to run a few essential systems or the whole house

here is a
Home Backup Generator Sizing Calculator

http://www.generac.com/for-homeowners/home-backup-power/build-your-generator

[ahriman]

I am looking at running the home essentials, the whole house power puzzle is saved for a later date. The being-returned generator was a 5500W and it was fine for all I needed. The initial generator I am looking at now is a Generac GP5500. The 5500W generators seems to be the point at which prices rise dramatically.

[H80N]

I am looking at running the home essentials, the whole house power puzzle is saved for a later date. The being-returned generator was a 5500W and it was fine for all I needed. The initial generator I am looking at now is a Generac GP5500. The 5500W generators seems to be the point at which prices rise dramatically.

Should run your MM175 just fine... Generac is a quality outfit and tends to under rate their equip... so you should have enough headroom for the start surge...

http://www.powerequipmentdirect.com/Generac-5939-Portable-Generator/p5278.html?utm_source=gemini&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=EGD+Models+Generators&utm_term=generac+gp5500

[ahriman]

Whoa, just saw this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-6-...500P/205345096 1000 more watts at about the same price point, PLUS it has a 4-prong 30A 240V circuit.

[H80N]

Whoa, just saw this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-6-...500P/205345096 1000 more watts at about the same price point, PLUS it has a 4-prong 30A 240V circuit.

30amp peak or working load...??

Link went off to space... home depot could not find that item number..

[ahriman]

30amp peak or working load...??Link went off to space... home depot could not find that item number..

Hmmm, worked for me, try this:http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-6-...210757&cj=true. Good question on the amperage, wattage is continuous 6500 so can I make some amperage assumptions based on that?

[H80N]

Hmmm, worked for me, try this:http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-6-...210757&cj=true. Good question on the amperage, wattage is continuous 6500 so can I make some amperage assumptions based on that?

That one worked...

Ridgid is or at least was a good name.. have no recent exp with them...

specs look ok....

How clean and stable the power is counts too... maybe somebody can pipe up on this latest gen "Ridgid"...
do not know if their stuff is US made or offshore these days

[Broccoli1]

Looks like a decent unit

"this generator delivers 6500 running watts (8125 surge/starting watts"

The 4-prong L14-30 will make it a wee bit easier to connect to the house for back up power.

http://www.gen-tran.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=30216V

[Broccoli1]

6500 running watts (8125 surge/starting watts)
420 cc OHV commercial-grade engine
Clean power is ideal for sensitive electronics; less than 6% THD
Two 120-volt, 20 amp (GFCI protected) outlets and one 240-volt, 30 amp twist lock outlet
Gen-smart display for monitoring essential functions including wattage
8-gallon fuel tank for up to 12 hours of run time at 50% load
Zero-gravity, hand-truck frame design
3-year commercial manufacturer warranty


Also has a Hz readout on the monitor.

[ahriman]

6500 running watts (8125 surge/starting watts)420 cc OHV commercial-grade engineClean power is ideal for sensitive electronics; less than 6% THDTwo 120-volt, 20 amp (GFCI protected) outlets and one 240-volt, 30 amp twist lock outletGen-smart display for monitoring essential functions including wattage8-gallon fuel tank for up to 12 hours of run time at 50% loadZero-gravity, hand-truck frame design3-year commercial manufacturer warrantyAlso has a Hz readout on the monitor.

And the fact it is commercial grade with a commercial warranty makes it more attractive.

[Broccoli1]

And the fact it is commercial grade with a commercial warranty makes it more attractive.

I wouldn't put too much faith in the wording "Commercial" and the warranty, although 3 years, requires it being shipped off. Unless you are lucky enough to be near a service center for Ridgid.

Anyhoo- specs are good and the generators are being built a little better these days in regards to sensitive electronics.

The MM175 will be happy.

[ahriman]

I wouldn't put too much faith in the wording "Commercial" and the warranty, although 3 years, requires it being shipped off. Unless you are lucky enough to be near a service center for Ridgid.

Luckily, two Ridgid generator service centers within 25 miles. Looks like I found a generator.

[H80N]

Luckily, two Ridgid generator service centers within 25 miles. Looks like I found a generator.

Sounds Good..!!!...

[ahriman]

Thanx for all the feedback, especially the idiot-proof diagram Broccoli...