Off topic-plasma cutter

Mr. T. Minnesota · Aug 26, 2015

Forum,
Recently purchased a 7000 watt (9000 peak) generator for our home after experiencing a 5 day power outage. Only thing my other generator would not power was
the shallow well pump so I updated. It also powers my wire feed welder but will not power up my small 110 volt plasma cutter. Called Hobart and he told me to use
an extension cord instead of plugging the cutter directly into the generator. Has anyone had this problem or heard of this remedy? Any and all thoughts are
welcome.
Mr. T. Minnesota

ObsoElitist · Aug 26, 2015

I would like to hear his reasoning. Does he think the problem was too much available power? Is the cord supposed to act as a phase stabilizer? Try it and see what happens.

Mr. T. Minnesota · Aug 26, 2015

OE,
Tried the Hobart extension cord remedy and it WORKED !!! Only thing I can figure out is that the plasma cutter circuitry is not only sensitive to low voltage but also
higher than normal voltage 125 versus 120. I know this voltage because of a volt meter on the generator. I also call it a quirk in the system that has no real
reasonable answer. Thanks for the response.
Mr. T. Minnesota

jacks · Aug 27, 2015

Mr. T, the longer length of the extension cord also slightly changes the characteristics of the electrical circuit, and if I remember correctly makes the circuit more inductive. This would have some effect on the sine wave. Maybe an EE will see the thread and can explain this better.

Mr. T. Minnesota · Aug 27, 2015

J,
My typical routine is to use the heaviest gauge extensions possible when running electrical devices. With this in mind I plugged the cutter directly into the generator. This theory evidently does not apply to plasma cutters. I too would be interested in EE's explanation. Thanks for the reply.
Mr. T. Minnesota

Off topic-plasma cutter

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