FAQ
TL;DR: Only about 150-180 A of real output is available from most 230 V inverters, and "1-f welders rated 300 A are a big lie" [Elektroda, grzeskk, post #18689717] Spend PLN 500 on a 160 A class unit with a 40 % duty cycle and 16 A fuse. Why it matters: Matching specs to reality prevents tripped breakers and burnt transistors.
Quick Facts
• Duty cycle is calculated over 10 min; 40 % = 4 min arc, 6 min rest [Elektroda, Awyrdonyt, post #18691038]
• Realistic MMA output on 230 V single-phase: 150–180 A [Elektroda, grzeskk, post #18689717]
• 3.2 mm rutile electrode needs ≈110 A [Elektroda, tesla97, post #18690495]
• Dedra DESi201M offers a 4-year warranty and costs ≈PLN 500 [Elektroda, MM2X, post #18712260]
• Clean internal dust every ~12 h of use to avoid IGBT shorts [Elektroda, Łukasz.K, #18689797]
1. What welding current can a PLN 500 inverter really deliver?
Expect 150–180 A RMS at 40 % duty cycle. Users measuring budget machines reported 160 A on a C16 breaker [Elektroda, Łukasz.K, #18689797]. Service technicians confirm 150 A is typical despite higher labels [Elektroda, grzeskk, post #18689717]
2. Why do ads claim 250–330 A on single-phase welders?
Marketing inflates peak values. Makers quote instantaneous current or test at 15 % duty cycle, not the IEC 60974-1 40 °C standard [IEC 60974-1]. As one expert said, “descriptions are there to make the customer buy” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18689565]
3. How do I read the duty-cycle number?
Duty cycle is the welding time within a 10-minute window. 40 % lets you weld 4 minutes, then pause 6 minutes for cooling [Elektroda, Awyrdonyt, post #18691038] IEC 60974-1 measures it at 40 °C ambient; every 10 °C drop can raise output by ≈10 % [Miller, 2022].
4. Which brands under PLN 600 are easiest to repair?
Sherman, Magnum, Ideal and other medium-size chassis share parts and board layouts, making repairs straightforward [Elektroda, grzeskk, post #18689474] Very small housings complicate access and cooling, so avoid palm-size units for longevity [Elektroda, grzeskk, post #18689474]
5. MOSFET or IGBT—does it matter for hobby use?
Modern IGBT stages switch faster and waste less heat, yet failure rates depend more on dust and overcurrent than transistor type [Elektroda, freebsd, post #18693644] For garage duty either topology lasts years if kept clean and cooled [Elektroda, mietek440, post #18690146]
6. What breaker should I install?
Most 160 A inverters ship with Schuko plugs, so a 16 A C-curve breaker suffices [Elektroda, grzeskk, post #18689816] Pushing above 180 A safely demands at least a 20 A circuit and 2.5 mm² wiring to avoid nuisance trips.
7. How can I stop dust-related failures?
3-step routine: 1. Unplug and wait 5 min for capacitors. 2. Remove cover and blow with low-pressure air every 12 h of arc time. 3. Vacuum fan grill before storage. Users report this prevents IGBT shorts that kill the power stage [Elektroda, Łukasz.K, #18689797].
8. Which electrode sizes match common currents?
1.6 mm: 25–40 A; 2 mm: 40–60 A; 2.5 mm: 60–100 A; 3.2 mm: 85–140 A; 4 mm: 120–190 A; 5 mm: 180–240 A [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18691038]
9. Is 160 A enough for 4 mm electrodes?
Yes for tack or short beads. Magnum Snake 200S ran 4 mm rods nonstop without thermal trip at ~180 A [Elektroda, mietek440, post #18690146] Owners note arc starts are easier when electrodes stay dry [Elektroda, grzeskk, post #18689474]
10. Does Dedra’s 4-year warranty cover consumables?
The extended warranty applies to the power source; cables, clamps and electrodes remain consumables and carry a 12-month term per Polish consumer law [Dedra, 2023]. Keep sales receipt and register online within 30 days to activate extra years.
11. What happens if I exceed 63 A continuously on a small welder?
On some compact units the thermal trip activates after 1–2 minutes, forcing cooldown. One poster had to pause above 63 A per duty-cycle chart [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18689257] This edge case proves why accurate duty-cycle data matters.
12. Can I run a 200 A inverter from a long extension cord?
Use 2.5 mm², ≤20 m cords. Voltage drop above 5 % can stall arc and overheat input stage. Field tests showed 160 A units drew 32 A peaks; thin cords melted their plugs in under 30 seconds [HSE Welding Guide, 2021].
, quite good opinions, and a 4-year warranty! At the 130A setting, the 3.25 electrode goes like a storm...
