Frequently Asked Questions

The outlets are live while welding, but the voltage is too low and unsteady to be useful.

The Kubota engine used in the DK7300E features a glow plug. The smaller Kohler engine used in the DK5000E does not.

Wallenstein does not currently manufacture a generator with an inverter or AVR. We do not recommend using our portable generators to run sensitive electronics.

We do not offer automatic or remote-start kits for our generators.

If you intend to use the generator as home backup, around the home, or recreational use, choose one of the Backup Power Series. If you intend to use it on a jobsite as a contractor, choose one of our Jobsite Rated series. The other considerations are size and particular features required.

The auto-idle controller monitors the power wires to the outlets for current passing through them. When it senses current in the wires it means that a load is being powered, and it allows the engine to run at full throttle. If it does not sense current passing through the wires, it means there is no draw on the generator and it energizes a solenoid to close the engine throttle. This is particularly helpful in situations where the generator is powering electric tools.

On normal engine-powered generators, voltage fluctuates with engine RPM. This is harmful to computers. We do not recommend using our portable generators to run sensitive electronics.

Diesel engines do not have an ignition or carburetion system. Because of this, they run cooler with less maintenance. Diesel engines will run longer on the same amount of fuel, so they are less expensive to operate. Diesel fuel is also less flammable, so it is considered safer to use. Diesel engines are built heavier to withstand the stress caused by the high compression ratios required to ignite the fuel as well as the stresses caused by their heavy-duty use, so they are tougher and last longer. They operate most efficiently at 50% load for long periods of time. For these reasons, a diesel generator has the advantage on construction sites and mines where they are required to operate lights, heaters, pumps and so on day and night.

Diesel engines are much more costly to purchase. They are much heavier to lift and move around. Also, they are not environmentally friendly with noise, odour and exhaust emissions. Diesel engines require pressure and heat to ignite the fuel, so they require at least 50% load at all times to run efficiently, otherwise the engine will suffer reliability issues. For these reasons, diesel engines are not recommended for use as home backup.

Welder-generators include:

• A 25 ft (7.6 m) work lead with clamp and Dinse-style connector.
• A 25 ft (7.6 m) electrode lead with twist-grip style electrode holder and Dinse style connector
• A welding helmet.

You will require a transfer switch that switches the neutral. Wallenstein generators have the neutral wires bonded to ground to meet CSA certification. Not all transfer switches work with bonded neutrals or GFCI breakers. Please consult a licensed electrician and the manufacturer of the transfer switch. Wallenstein does not provide transfer switches.

Normally the two windings in the alternator are wired in series, so that the total wattage is distributed through the 120 V and 240 V sides of the panel. The full power switch reconfigures the wiring so that they are wired in parallel. This allows the total wattage to be available at each of the 120 V outlets. This is helpful with motors that have a high starting requirement. The 240 V outlets are not useable when the full power switch is in the “120 V MAX” position.

The Load Monitor monitors and displays the total running time of the generator, the wattage being drawn from the alternator, and the frequency of the power supplied. The wattage being drawn from the alternator is equivalent to the load being put on the engine. Because diesel engines require at least 50% load at all times to avoid reliability problems, this is a valuable tool to ensure that the generator is being used to its maximum efficiency and reliability.

QPS safety regulations for portable generators require the neutral wires and ground wires be tied together (bonded) to the frame.

The Jobsite Rated series features Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection, either on the individual outlets or at the main panel breaker. This is to meet federal safety regulations for jobsite use. The Backup Power series does not have this feature. Note that some transfer switches, and some sump pumps do not work with GFCI.

Wallenstein welder-generators have a duty cycle of 50% at full current. This means that the operator can weld for 5 minutes straight, but then must allow the welder to cool down for 5 minutes in order to prevent overheating.

The welder-generators produce DC welding output suitable for SMAW (Stick) welding.

To calculate your needs, consider everything that the generator could be running at the same time. Loads such as electric motors require several times more power to start than they do to run, so use the starting wattage. Calculate the total number of watts that the generator can be expected to provide. Purchase a generator that has a surge capacity that is above this. A generator that is too small will not do the required job and will have safety and reliability issues. A generator that is too large may have reliability issues, since engines are designed to run with a load on them.

Wallenstein alternators are brushless with full copper windings. They feature varistors to help with overheat protection, and capacitors to ensure proper voltage.

The Wallenstein alternator uses brushes and full copper windings. There are two separate windings—one for the electrical outlets and one for welding. The welding current is passed through rectifiers to convert the output to DC. The welder is protected by a thermal breaker, which resets itself after the unit has cooled down.