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How many watts does a MIG welder use? (5,000 W)
A MIG welder uses about 5,000 W
Typical range 3,000–10,000 watts.
Typical range 3,000–10,000 watts.
Running cost calculator
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A welder is one of the most demanding home tools, pulling thousands of watts and often needing a dedicated high-amperage circuit.
MIG welder power specs
| Typical running power | 5,000 W |
| Typical range | 3,000–10,000 W |
| Energy use | 2.50 kWh/day · 75.0 kWh/mo |
What affects the wattage
- Model size, age and energy rating.
- Settings and how hard it works (heat, speed, load).
- How many hours a day you run it.
Running cost at $0.17/kWh
| Electricity rate | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.10/kWh | $0.25 | $7.50 | $91.25 |
| $0.15/kWh | $0.38 | $11.25 | $136.88 |
| $0.20/kWh | $0.50 | $15.00 | $182.50 |
| $0.25/kWh | $0.63 | $18.75 | $228.13 |
| $0.30/kWh | $0.75 | $22.50 | $273.75 |
| $0.40/kWh | $1.00 | $30.00 | $365.00 |
See the full breakdown of what it costs to run a MIG welder, or what size power station runs a MIG welder.
FAQ
How many watts does a MIG welder use?
From about 3000 watts for hobby units to 10,000+ for heavy-duty welders.
What generator runs a welder?
You need a large generator matched to the welder's amperage and duty cycle.
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