Operating Instructions PA-xxP
961-00035 rev11
38/42
11
Process Faults and Warnings
Please refer to the ‘Trouble Shooting Guide’ if the arc is failing to ignite. The unit will display context
based warning screens, reporting where appropriate the fault detail.
11.1
High Voltage Limit Fault
Violation of a high voltage limit can indicate an increase in the arc gap or a loose connection
in the torch or work piece. This is normally due to incorrect setting of the electrode, or
incorrect part positioning. In some applications, such as coil winding, this can also be
caused by bent pins, or poor return contact clamp pressure.
11.2
Low Voltage Limit Fault
Violation of a low voltage limit can indicate a reduction in the arc gap or a short circuit
between the electrode and the work piece. This is normally due to incorrect setting of the
electrode, or incorrect part positioning. In some applications, such as coil winding, this
can also be caused by stray pieces of wire sticking up, touching the electrode. In the case
of a short circuit, the PAxxP will still pass the correct current, so the current detection
circuitry will still say the arc is ok. However, appropriate use of the low voltage limit will
indicate the short circuit, and hence the ‘no weld’ condition.
11.3
High Energy Limit Fault
Violation of a high energy limit can indicate an increase in the arc gap or a loose connection
in the torch or work piece, since as the current is constant, variations in arc voltage will
cause variations in arc energy. This is normally due to incorrect setting of the electrode, or
incorrect part positioning. In some applications, such as coil winding, this can also be
caused by bent pins, or poor return contact clamp pressure.
11.4
Low Energy Limit Fault
Violation of a low energy limit can indicate a reduction in the arc gap or a short circuit
between the electrode and the work piece, since as the current is constant, variations in
arc voltage will cause variations in arc energy. This is normally due to incorrect setting of
the electrode, or incorrect part positioning. In some applications, such as coil winding, this
can also be caused by stray pieces of wire sticking up, touching the electrode. In the case
of a short circuit, the PAxxP will still pass the correct current, so the current detection
circuitry will still say the arc is ok. However, appropriate use of the low energy limit will
indicate the short circuit, and hence the ‘no weld’ condition.
11.5
Additional Warnings
For units fitted with gas control, the front panel gas LED indicator is designed to indicate
that gas flow is enabled. Should there be insufficient gas flow, this LED will flash
intermittently.
In the unlikely event of a software problem, the unit is designed to emit audible beeps on
a continual basis until reset/power cycled. Under such circumstances, please contact
your distributor for advice.