Workshop run from a Generator

[gtm-joel]

Hello all,

My grandfather owns some garages which I might be able to use in the near future. It seems like a lot of hassle and expense to organise a new connection to the electrical grid, with all the regulations that follow.

What I wonder is what size generator could power lighting, and a power tool at the same time, with occasional welding required? I would mostly be welding cars, so it wouldn't be with particularly high current.

I've done a search on the forum for people asking this question and not a lot has come up… so I wonder if any of you have any advice?

Thanks in advance

Joel

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I reckon you'll need a pretty big genny, have you looked around for an ex-rental site machine?

 

[tigler]

How long is a piece of string ?
You need to add up the power of the items you plan to use to estimate the size of genny needed. Bare in mind though that a surplus for switch on surge needs to factored in. Go for 7.5 KW as a minimum to cover this.
My advice would be to go for a diesel unit and would recommend an older, Lister powered unit rather than a ****** special !

 

[Justme]

I manage to run my 210amp mig on a 5kva genny (but not a small Chinese import jobby) as long as I am not running it at full power. Up to about 6mm is ok.

I would go for two gennies. One small one for the lights / small tools & a big one for the welder.

 

[Uniqueusername]

A 2kva for lights and a 4 1/2" grinder etc since they'll be used for 99% of the time
And a 5kva for running the welder (only up to 4 or 5mm though)

 

[tomsutton529]

Hello all,

My grandfather owns some garages which I might be able to use in the near future.

Joel

Is your grandad in hospital or suffering from any serious Illness? or are you planning on the old shovel to the back of the head routine?

 

[gtm-joel]

Bone cancer mate… sucks quite a lot really.

 

[tigler]

Is your grandad in hospital or suffering from any serious Illness? or are you planning on the old shovel to the back of the head routine?

I think thats in pretty bad taste

 

[awemawson]

Arround the farm I run my Inverter arc welder at 120 amps off a 4kva Briggs & Stratton petrol engine driving a Markon alternator - the set is probsbly at least 30 years old.

 

[wking]

Sorry to hear that your grandfather is suffering from such a serious illness.

I also need a generator which can power lightning and a power tool at the same time. I am also not sure which one I should choose. I think for now I won't buy one but rather choose a power rental. If i do so I can also test which generator is best and then I will buy one.

 

[madkayaker]

if you are planing to run a garage from a genny there is lots of requirments under the wireing regs you need to comply with http://electrical.theiet.org/ there is a PDF near the bottom of the page with the basics. electricity from a genny will kill you just as easy as mains electricity and alot of the safety work normally carried out by the grid you need to do yourself.

 

[gordon stephenson]

Are the garages in a remote area? I;E will the noise from the genny be an issue with neighbours if running for extended periods?