Welding requires high levels of electricity, commonly supplied by 220 or 440 volt AC power from a dedicated box or portable generator. Some materials require DC power, which can be switched on high-end welders or generated by portable welders. Carbon rods may also be used for heat, with power from a utility provider preferred.
Welding requires high levels of electricity to create the welding arc needed to melt the steel and create a weld bead. This welding power supply can be found in various suppliers. The most common welding power source is found in the form of 220 or 440 volt electrical service from the power supplier in a certain area of the world. Typically wired into a dedicated power box, electrical service is provided to the weld shop by overhead or underground wires and feed lines from the power or utility company. Also prevalent on construction sites where power has not yet been installed is the portable or generated welding power supply, which are commonly gasoline or diesel powered generating stations that can be connected to the welder or independently wired to the welder.
Welding power that is common from a hardwired power supply connected to a power company supply is usually of the alternating current (AC) type of electricity. The AC welding power supply allows welding of most materials and is common in most types and forms of welding found throughout the world. This wattage, however, is greater than the typical household wattage used and, in most cases, is double the wattage. This requires a dedicated power box or fuses designed to allow for the higher power flow without burning circuitry while the welder is being used.
In some cases, however, direct current (DC) is required to weld a material. In these cases, most high-end welders have the ability to switch between AC and DC current settings, and the welder simply flips a switch on the welder and completes the weld. In other circumstances, the welder is able to use a type of self-generating welding power supply commonly known as a portable welder or yard welder. This welder is connected to a small fuel-powered motor/generator unit and is capable of generating enough power to weld.
This form of portable welding power supply is capable of arc, tungsten inert gas (TIG), and metal inert gas (MIG) welding. When used for arc welding or gluing, a special DC welding rod must be used to prevent the rod from sticking to the steel to be welded. Occasionally, carbon rods are used to create the heat needed to weld steel. The welding power used to heat these carbon rods can come from the power supply or from a portable power generator. While reliable and dependable, power from a utility provider is generally preferred over that from a generator when it is available as a welding power choice.
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