What size generator to run a welder?
Welder (140A MIG) draws about 4,000W while running, and being a resistive load it has no startup surge. Allowing 20% headroom, size for at least 4,800W of starting capacity.
Units that cover it
- Westinghouse iGen5000DFc
5,000W starting · 25% headroom · $1,299
Comfortable headroom without overpaying for capacity, has a CO shutoff sensor, runs at 52 dB, runs on propane as well as gasoline.
Check price - WEN 56480iX
4,800W starting · 20% headroom · $789.99
Sized close to your load with a little room to spare, has a CO shutoff sensor.
Check price - Pulsar PGX60BiSRCO
6,000W starting · 50% headroom · $1,299
Comfortable headroom without overpaying for capacity, has a CO shutoff sensor, runs on propane as well as gasoline.
Check price
Running more than one thing
Most people are not powering one appliance. Add everything you need at once and the calculator works out the real peak — your total running load plus the single largest surge, not the sum of every surge.
Size the whole load