[BreakerM303]

G'day I have a Boss arc 200 inverter stick welder
Max 200 amp and was wondering if anyone could tell me what size generator I would need to run it properly without harm.
Specs say it is 9.2 Kva @ max output.
Thanks in advance. Dave.

[dsmabe]

I would say about 10,000 watts should be fine. But read the generator requirements of your welder carefully. I have a tig inverter by Everlast, they require a generator to be designated as clean Power by the generator manufacturer. Using generators without this designation will void the warrantee and possibly cause damage.

[BreakerM303]

Thanks dsmabe for the reply. Bought second hand and can't find any info on gen requirements,will keep looking though. Thanks again Dave b

[sparkness]

9.2kva out means somthing like 13000 watts input if it is a transformer type and you want full power out assuming 70% efficiency

[noddybrian]

I think if the OP is reading 9.2Kva on the back of the machine we can assume its the " total absorbed power rating " meaning you don't need to figure power factor or anything else into the equation it will draw 9.2 maximum so this is the same as 9.2Kw - we've had this same discussion several times & advise will vary - but the important things in my opinion are ensure the revs / frequency of the generator are set accurately - ensure it is an AVR type & check on an oscilloscope that the output has a reasonable wave form ( yes there are some very bad ones about ) as to size if you are looking for the smallest that will run it so you can go mobile I would say round the 9.2 up to 10 then multiply by 1-1/2 so 15 Kva should handle it ( this is a common factor if you read the specs on sites such as Rtech ) if you are running a generator at home due to lack of electrical connection the go at least double to factor in some leeway on duty cycle & allow for some lighting & other sundry items you tend to forget - Otto I believe has recommended a factor of 4 & I agree entirely with his reasoning - but is somewhat expensive as an option for casual home use - if it were in industry where reliability over prolonged hours use is important then I'd totally agree - running on small generators is something of a minefield & if you plan on having to buy a welder for portable use I think the safest bet is go to " Everlast " or somewhere similar that does both & let them advise & sell you a compatible generator & welder - then there is no confusion on warranty issues.

[dsmabe]

I have a everlast welder and they say the generator must be designated as clean power by the manufacturer. Problem with everlast, at least last time I checked, they don't carry any generators anywhere near big enough for a welder. Their largest is a 6500 watt(surge) diesel that "is not recommended for sensitive electronics". I looked around some but haven't found any generators in the 10-15k watt range that advertise as clean power. Id like to set up a mobile rig sooner or later but looks like I'll be looking for a engine driven welder when I try that.