ESAB ET 186i AC/DC
Manual 0-5425
5-3 SERVICE
The owners of the equipment shall keep a suitable record of the periodic tests and a system of tagging, including the date of
the most recent inspection.
A transportable power source is deemed to be any equipment that is not permanently connected and fixed in the position in
which it is operated.
B. Insulation Resistance
Minimum insulation resistance for in-service ESAB Inverter Power Sources shall be measured at a voltage of 500V between the
parts referred to in Table 5-2 below. Power sources that do not meet the insulation resistance requirements set out below shall be
withdrawn from service and not returned until repairs have been performed such that the requirements outlined below are met.
Components to be Tested
Minimum Insulation
Resistance (M
Ω
)
Input circuit (including any connected control circuits) to welding circuit
(including any connected control circuits)
5
All circuits to exposed conductive parts
2.5
Welding circuit (including any connected control circuits) to any auxiliary
circuit which operates at a voltage exceeding extra low voltage
10
Welding circuit (including any connected control circuits) to any auxiliary
circuit which operates at a voltage not exceeding extra low voltage
1
Separate welding circuit to separate welding circuit
1
Table 5-2: Minimum Insulation Resistance Requirements: ESAB Inverter Power Sources
C. Earthing
The resistance shall not exceed 1Ω between any metal of a power source where such metal is required to be earthed, and -
1. The earth terminal of a fixed power source; or
2. The earth terminal of the associated plug of a transportable power source
Note that due to the dangers of stray output currents damaging fixed wiring, the integrity of fixed wiring supplying ESAB welding
power sources should be inspected by a licensed electrical worker in accordance with the requirements below -
1. For outlets/wiring and associated accessories supplying transportable equipment - at least once every 3 months; and
2. For outlets/wiring and associated accessories supplying fixed equipment - at least once every 12 months.
D. General Maintenance Checks
Welding equipment should be regularly checked by an accredited ESAB Service Provider to ensure that:
1. Flexible cord is of the multi-core tough rubber or plastic sheathed type of adequate rating, correctly connected and in
good condition.
2. Welding terminals are in suitable condition and are shrouded to prevent inadvertent contact or short circuit.
3. The Welding System is clean internally, especially from metal filing, slag, and loose material.
E. Accessories
Accessory equipment, including output leads, electrode holders, torches, wire feeders and the like shall be inspected at least
monthly by a competent person to ensure that the equipment is in a safe and serviceable condition. All unsafe accessories shall
not be used.
F. Repairs
If any parts are damaged for any reason, it is recommended that replacement be performed by an accredited ESAB Service Provider.
Power Source Calibration
A. Schedule
Output testing of all ESAB Inverter Power Sources and applicable accessories shall be conducted at regular intervals to ensure
they fall within specified levels. Calibration intervals shall be as outlined below -
1. For transportable equipment, at least once every 3 months; and
2. For fixed equipment, at least once every 12 months.
