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Electrical Connection
Your InverArc 160 Plus operates on single-phase, 110V or 220V power. The machine draws 21.3 amps out of the wall
when operating at a welding output of 160 amps. If you operate the machine on a generator, it needs to be a clean
power generator with a minimum of 6500 watts (6500 watts must be the continuous rating or running watts rating of
the generator, NOT the peak rating or starting watts rating of the generator). To operate on 110/120 Volt a dedicated 20
amp circuit shall be used.
General Characteristics
With the InverArc 160 Plus, you can run the following processes: SMAW (stick) and GTAW (TIG). The InverArc 160
Plus features an IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor) power module. The microprocessor circuit controls and
optimizes arc transfer irrespective of the load variation and of the impedance of the welding cables. The inverter
technology used in the InverArc 160 Plus enabled us to obtain the following:
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Lightweight design with compact dimensions
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Reduced energy consumption
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Excellent dynamic response
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Very high power factor and yields
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Better welding characteristics
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Ease of use
The sensitive components used in the InverArc 160 Plus are cooled with forced air by fans with low noise production,
and the InverArc also features sophisticated, electronic overheat protection to prevent damage to your machine.
The InverArc 160 Plus also functions as a lift-start, DC TIG. To run the InverArc in the TIG welding mode, you only
need a TIG torch (with a gas valve in the handle), a flowmeter, and a gas bottle. You can adjust the output amperage
without a remote control—simply use the knob on the InverArc to adjust the output amperage as necessary.
General Information About Stick Welding
Whether welding or hard surfacing, you can choose from a plethora of stick welding electrodes, in a multitude of
material types, with even a variety of rods available in a single material type (for example, mild steel). Varieties include
fast freeze rods, high elongation rods, high tensile strength rods, low tensile strength rods, easy slag removal rods, in-
position rods, out-of-position rods, high deposition rate rods, etc. All of these rod types and varieties work on Direct
Current (although, some may also work on Alternating Current).
If you purchase rods from name brand manufacturers, the box typically provides the specifications for the rod. For
example, the specifications include the amperage range the rod is designed to run in. A good rule of thumb is to start
welding in the middle of the provided amperage range. If you experience the rod sticking, increase the amperage until
the arc runs smooth. On the other hand, if you experience a large amount of spatter, reduce the amperage until the arc
runs smooth.
The specifications will also state the required polarity. If the specifications show DCEP (Direct Current Electrode
Positive), the electrode holder and cable must be connected to the positive output receptacle (Fig. X, #Y), and the
ground clamp and cable must be connected to the negative output receptacle (Fig. X, #Y). This is commonly referred to
as reverse polarity. If the specifications show DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative), the electrode holder and
cable must be connected to the negative output receptacle, and the ground clamp and cable must be connected to the
positive output receptacle. This is commonly referred to as straight polarity.
Lastly, the specifications will often state the tensile strength, elongation, and which welding positions you can use the
rod for. For example, the specifications will state All Position, All Position Except Vertical Down, Flat and Horizontal
