Electrical Requirements for Generators and Welders

Wiring a Welder to a Generator
Electrical Question: I want to run my welder off a generator, can I put a plug end on the welder wire and plug the welder into my portable generator?

• I have bought a generator and tig welder from harbor freight.
• The generator has a NEMA L14-30 plug which says 125/250 or 120/240 something like that. Now my welder has no plug at end of the power wire. So I want to run the welder off the generator.
• I bought a matching four prong plug end for the wire from Home Depot.
  • The problem is this:
    • The plug end has four pins and four screws (for four wires to be attached:
    • one ground colored green, one neutral colored white, and two “hots” I guess they’re called? which are labeled X and Y.
• However my power cable from the welder (which requires 240v) has just one black power wire, one green ground, and one white Neutral.

My Questions:

1. Can I put this plug end on this welder wire so I can plug the welder into my portable generator?
2. How do I connect the three wires from welder to the four screw mounts on plug end? do I match green and white and split the black to X and Y or do I do something else? Again, welder needs 240v.

Thanks so much for the help!

This electrical question came from: Chris, a Student from Elizabeth, New Jersey.
See more about Home Wiring for New Jersey

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Chris.

How to Wire a Welder and Generator Plug

Application: Generator Cord and Welder Receptacle.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Certified Electrician or Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Electricians pouch of hand tools.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type and size of the generator output, the specific receptacle, and the available access to the project area.
Important: Installing a generator and welder cord connection must be well thought out for complete compatibility using approved materials and methods that are compliant with all applicable codes.

Generators and Welder Plug Configurations

• The exact circuit requirements for the tig welder must be identified along with the specified NEMA male cord body that is specified.
• If this NEMA male cord body configuration does not match the configuration of the generator receptacle then then you may not be able to plug directly into the generator receptacle unless the tig welder manufacturer recommends and approved adapter.
• What is not provided with your question is the amperage rating for the tig welder, and if that amperage rating is not the same as the generator receptacle then the welder should not be connected directly to the generator. It may best to provide the power from the generator through an approved circuit panel that has the correct rated circuit and NEMA receptacle for the Tig Welder.
• The generator specifications should be examined to make sure that the load of the tig welder will be allowed as well.

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This link is helpful as a Student
Electrical Code Articles

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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