Types of Mobile Welding Machines and Power Generators Used

Before discussing mobile welding services at residential properties, it’s important to first understand the type of electrical power required for welding.

In Canada, residential electricity typically comes in two common voltages: 110 volts and 120 volts, each serving specific purposes.

• 110-volt power is usually used for smaller household devices like televisions, phone chargers, and light appliances.

• 120-volt power is used for larger appliances such as washing machines, dryers, ovens, and other high-consumption electrical equipment.

For basic welding work around the house, 120-volt outlets are generally sufficient and commonly used.

Types of Generators Used in Mobile Welding

Mobile welders often rely on portable generators to power their equipment. These generators generally fall into two main categories:

1. Standard Portable Generators:
   These are basic generators that simply supply power. The welding machine must be connected to them manually. Most of these generators supply power up to 120 volts, making them suitable for light welding tasks.

2. Combination Generator-Welders:
   These are more advanced units that combine a power generator with a built-in welding machine in one package. They can typically provide power in the range of 110 to 200 volts and are ideal for heavier-duty welding jobs involving thicker metals.

   In industrial welding, this second type is more commonly used because of its power capacity and convenience. These combo units are especially useful for projects like welding building columns or performing structural work, and they are easier to transport and operate on job sites.

Choosing the Right Electrodes for Home and Industrial Welding

For home welding projects—such as working on fences, railings, or window frames—welders typically use 2.0 mm or 2.5 mm 7018 electrodes. These are designed for lighter, more delicate welding tasks, and can be powered effectively with 120-volt electricity.

However, for heavier or industrial welding jobs—such as welding columns or larger metal structures—it’s necessary to use 3.0 mm or 4.0 mm 7018 electrodes. These thicker rods produce stronger and more durable welds but require more power, usually around 160 volts, to achieve proper melting and bonding.

Using small electrodes like 2.0 mm or 2.5 mm in heavy-duty projects is not recommended, as they won’t deliver the strength and reliability needed for such demanding applications.

At Arain Home Renovation, we are equipped with both types of mobile welding machines:

• We have one standard mobile welding machine that operates on 120-volt power, along with a compatible portable generator.

• We also have two combination units, where the welder and generator are integrated into a single compact system.

For each mobile welding project, we choose the most suitable equipment based on the specific needs and type of work involved.