Single phase or 3 phase off a generator pros cons advice

[Munkul]

more expensive option, but why not use a welder genny with a CV option?

Not sure it'll run as nicely as an inverter MIG, that's the only thing.

If you go 3ph genny then make sure its running the whole shop, lighting, grinders etc, that'll keep some load on it.

 

[GRW]

I used to do a bit in a yard that was solely powered by a 40 kVa diesel set and always a ballache to keep the diesel tank full etc and even in relatively good order and in a manufacturer's acoustic canopy, you got fed up with its background noise so much so that we would turn it off at lunch break. Recently the alternator failed and very expensive to replace so much so that the set will probably be sold for export as is and replaced. In the long run, mains elec would have been cheaper even with the large initial cost. Always worried about the engine operating at low load for too many hours as often just powering just lights and a few hand tools. There's a large three phase welding set there and you can definitely hear the engine govern-up when you strike an arc and I'm sure this helped to save the engine from glazing up .

If a site has a small 1ph supply, then my advice was always to run all long-duration kit like lights, & all small power tools off 1ph.
Keep the genny on a remote-start, & only use it for the essential 3ph loads.
If the genny needs to run a process for a longer continuous period, then you can fit a changeover switch (or even IEE plug socket system) to add the 1ph loads onto the genny during the run, then revert back to mains 1ph when the 3ph is not needed.

 

[Mikes]

If a site has a small 1ph supply, then my advice was always to run all long-duration kit like lights, & all small power tools off 1ph.
Keep the genny on a remote-start, & only use it for the essential 3ph loads.
If the genny needs to run a process for a longer continuous period, then you can fit a changeover switch (or even IEE plug socket system) to add the 1ph loads onto the genny during the run, then revert back to mains 1ph when the 3ph is not needed.

Site didn't have any power at all. Original quote for putting power on was circa £3k but when went back to them a few months later, it went up to £7k!. Think the genny was bought for about £3k and all though had a good few hours on it was in good order as had been used along with a load of others to supply individual buildings on a hospital site during redevelopment. A right bargain at the time.

 

[GRW]

Site didn't have any power at all. Original quote for putting power on was circa £3k but when went back to them a few months later, it went up to £7k!. Think the genny was bought for about £3k and all though had a good few hours on it was in good order as had been used along with a load of others to supply individual buildings on a hospital site during redevelopment. A right bargain at the time.

At 7k I'd have had to say "bite their hand off" & lose a genny sale in all good conscience.
Just the improved value put onto the property by having the 3ph supply alone makes it a steal, let alone the lower operating cost.
I'd think you'd need a mains cost of in excess of at least £20k before considering a Genny

 

[Mikes]

At 7k I'd have had to say "bite their hand off" & lose a genny sale in all good conscience.
Just the improved value put onto the property by having the 3ph supply alone makes it a steal, let alone the lower operating cost.
I'd think you'd need a mains cost of in excess of at least £20k before considering a Genny

At the time, the need for a new power supply was because some 2 legged rats stole the old generator. The owner didn't have a spare £7k at the time and the £3k generator was the best he could afford. Needs must to keep the yard going.

 

[GRW]

At the time, the need for a new power supply was because some 2 legged rats stole the old generator. The owner didn't have a spare £7k at the time and the £3k generator was the best he could afford. Needs must to keep the yard going.

Yes - if the funds aren't available, you've Hobsons Choice.

Same reason so many now are trapped in Home Rental - they pay high rents & never get to own, because they cannot raise/save the Capital for a Deposit to Buy.... because of their high monthly rental! (That's if the housing was within their Borrowing/Mortgage limit as well).

The working class aren't just facing Transport Poverty going forward, they are also faced with being lifetime renters who never will be able to purchase their own home.

(Off-topic sorry - but it's the same principle).