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Topic: FT and welding power (Read 481 times) previous topic - next topic

FT and welding power

[Topic moved here since it involves technical aspects of the generator and question about possible reconfiguring - Michelle]

I was talking with a friend about camping and welding.  I needed a repair, but that is a side story.

Is it possible to get 30 amp 110 from the generator?

Is it possible to get 50 amp 220?
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: FT and welding power

Reply #1 –
I have used my miller 140 mig welder of my generator.
Andy & Eileen
MONTROSE COLORADO
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2016 4 Runner
1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921

Re: FT and welding power

Reply #2 –
Looking at the schematic, it looks easy to get two 110V legs from the PT generator to give 220V. I was going to do that but bought a highway light tower and rewired it to 220V (two 110V legs). If you do wire the PowerTech for 220V, a combination of L14-30 plugs/recepticals works well and is what I used at the light tower and at the house changeover box. The extension cords are not too expensive or heavy and available in lots of lenghts. No need for 50 amp stuff. You can then use an adapter at the generator with four 110V outlets or use the extension cords with the adapter at the end. This gives you two 110V outlets off one leg and two more off the other leg. Naturally, you can also use the cords to bring 220V anywhere. Good to balance the load to utilize the generator the most efficient way.

The L14-30 plugs and cords are good to 7500 watts. Fine for a 10Kw generator if you don't go over 7.5Kw. The L14-30 is the stardard for generators you buy at HD or Costco up to 7500 watts.

Glad to post photos and schematic here to make it clear as well as the parts needed with source/price.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: FT and welding power

Reply #3 –
Quote from: oldmattb –
[Topic moved here since it involves technical aspects of the generator and question about possible reconfiguring - Michelle]

I was talking with a friend about camping and welding.  I needed a repair, but that is a side story.

Is it possible to get 30 amp 110 from the generator?

Is it possible to get 50 amp 220?
you might want to give Jeff Jones at powertech service a call 352-435-4416 they are in Florida. You will need the information on the plate on the generator when you call. He doesn't recommend changing older generators over to 220. Be careful, once the smoke gets out it gets $$$ to put it back in.  But as always DWMYFG
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: FT and welding power

Reply #4 –
You may get 30 or 50 amps at 120 volts for devices like welders after you add, like many have done, a 50-amp shore buddy-plug outlet. Wire it from main breaker panel with an additional breaker.

If your generator now outputs 220/240 volts as measured across both main breaker input lines, you have 220/240 volts available.

Your maximum amps will be determined by the amp capacity of the two generator mounted circuit breakers. Most 8,000 watt Powertechs have 35-amp breakers.

Most Foretravel Powertech generators are wired so that maximum voltage is 120. Some generators can be changed, even temporarily from 120 volt to 240 volts. 8,000 watt may not have that option. Generally, the wiring diagram shows how to change.

BTW, welding on coaches have to follow strict control to prevent catastrophic damage to electronics.

Re: FT and welding power

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
You may get 30 or 50 amps at 120 volts for devices like welders after you add, like many have done, a 50-amp shore buddy-plug outlet. Wire it from main breaker panel with an additional breaker.


So in an emergency, a person could use jumper cables from the breaker panel to the plug of the 110-volt welder.  Not super safe, but it would work.  Weird - I had thought about such things from my home, but never from the RV.

Back in the 70s, a local band I knew would open the breaker box on the stage, and jumper in their own.  Easier than tracing dead outlets and worrying about weak breakers.
Matt B
1998 u-320
 

Re: FT and welding power

Reply #7 –
My mig welder is 110 or 220 and if I wanted to weld I would weld with the 110 and just plug
it in.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport