Running a welder from 240V inverter

**simonl** · 9th September 2013, 03:02 PM

Hi all,

I currently do not have 240V hard wired to my shed. I get around this with extension leads and I also have a generator. I had intended to eventually get a sparky to run a dedicated circuit to the shed but money has been scarce in the past and we have had other priorities. I'm now seriously considering not running power to the shed but instead installing a RAPS system with solar panels, inverters and AGM battery bank.

Initial costings have it roughly working out about the same price but I would look at doing it all myself. I'm looking at using one of these inverters 20000W MAX 10000W Sine Wave Power Inverter 24V DC 240V AC 50Hz Power Jack 10000W | eBay to power my tools. My biggest motor is a 2.2Kw 3 phase powered by VFD so I think it should work OK with the ramp up times set. Most of my other tools are less than 1.5Kw.

I generally only ever spend about half a day in the shed at one time and only use tools intermittently and only ever one tool at a time. I figure 300W of solar panels will be ample coupled to a bank of 6 x 100Ah batteries (300Ah @ 24V) I also have a 3.5KVA generator as a standby if needed to run off and charge the batteries if I don't want to run them into deep discharge.

Unless there is something I am missing, the only real deal breaker with this is when welding. I have 2 arc welders and a mig. How will an inverter handle a welder? I know for a fact that the 3.5KVA generator does not take too kindly to it unless drawing low amperage. Is there any other way of getting around this? Have other people here done a similar thing?

Cheers,

Simon

**Karl Robbers** · 9th September 2013, 06:33 PM

I'll be really interested to hear the outcome of this one. 20,000W, that's a lot of punch, 86 odd amps @ 230V. Must be a lot of batteries to sustain that in overcast conditions.

**simonl** · 9th September 2013, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by Karl Robbers

I'll be really interested to hear the outcome of this one. 20,000W, that's a lot of punch, 86 odd amps @ 230V. Must be a lot of batteries to sustain that in overcast conditions.

Hi Karl,

The batteries don't have to sustain 20,000W. It's the peak output over a very small time frame. Most likely used in start up of motors or initial arc of welder (I'm hoping anyway). Even running a 2 HP motor, I'll only ever run it for a minute or so at a time. Also have generator.

Simon

**Karl Robbers** · 9th September 2013, 08:34 PM

If it works out it could open a lot of doors for a lot of people.

**simonl** · 9th September 2013, 09:13 PM

I have since done a little more reading. It seems that the new style DC inverter welders are generator friendly. I personally can't see a 240V inverter running a welder but happy to be told otherwise. I can live with cranking up the generator for welding if need be and running everything else off inverter + batteries.

In terms of cost, it seems that the batteries will be the most expense. At least I can start out with minimal capacity (Ah capacity) and see how I go. If I constantly discharge past say 50 - 60% then can add to the bank at a later stage I guess. Or run the generator, or just go inside and open a can!

The key will be the battery bank capacity I think.

The other question, should I look at 24V inverter (2 x12V battery banks) or 12V inverter. I'm thinking that given the intended size of the inverter, a 24V or even 36V inverter would be sensible as it mean less current and can use smaller leads from battery to inverter.

Simon

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