HYPERTHERM Plasma Systems
SAFETY
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Safety Reminders
• Never bypass or shortcut the safety interlocks on any
of the plasma system units.
• Except in Hypertherm’s largest mechanized systems,
all Hypertherm torches are designed with a safety
interlock that prevents firing of the plasma arc when
the retaining cap is loosened.
• Each Hypertherm plasma system is designed to be
used only with specific Hypertherm torches. Do not
substitute other torches which could overheat and
present a potentially dangerous situation to the
operator and any personnel in the area. Hypertherm’s
warranty does not cover problems caused by the use
of torches not made by Hypertherm.
• Use only consumable parts and replacement parts
made by Hypertherm. Hypertherm’s warranty does
not cover problems caused by the use of parts not
made by Hypertherm.
• Never operate the plasma system with any of its
covers not in place. This would be hazardous to the
operator and other people in the area, and prevents
the proper cooling of the equipment.
Electronic Health Support Equipment
Plasma arc cutting and gouging systems create electric
and magnetic fields that may interfere with the correct
operation of electronic health support equipment, such
as pacemakers or hearing aids. Any person who wears
a pacemaker or hearing aid should consult a doctor
before operating or being near any plasma system
when it is in use. To minimize exposure to EMF:
• Keep both the work cable and the torch lead on one
side of your body. Keep your body from coming in
between the torch lead and the work cable.
• Route torch leads as close as possible to work cable.
• Do not wrap the torch lead or work cable around your
body.
• Stay as far away from the power supply as possible.
Hoses (continued)
• Keep hose lengths to a minimum to prevent damage,
reduce pressure drop and to prevent possible flow
restrictions.
• Prevent kinking by laying out hoses as straight as
possible between termination points.
• Coil any excess hose and place it out of the way to
prevent damage and to eliminate the danger of
tripping.
Noise Protection
The plasma cutting process can generate high
levels of noise. Depending on the arc current,
material being cut, acoustics and size of the
cutting room, distance from the torch and other factors,
acceptable noise levels as defined by national or local
codes may be exceeded by your plasma system.
• Always wear proper ear protection when cutting or
gouging with the plasma system.
Grounding
Input Power
• Be sure to connect the power cord ground wire to the
ground in the disconnect box.
• If installation of the plasma system involves
connecting the power cord to the power supply, be
sure to properly connect the power cord ground wire.
Conform to Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
standards by placing the power cord ground wire on
the stud first; then place any other ground wires on
top of the power cord ground. Fasten the retaining
nut tightly.
• Tighten all electrical connections to avoid excessive
heating.
Work Cable
• Attach the work cable securely to the workpiece or
the work table by making good metal-to-metal
contact.
Do not connect it to the piece that will fall away when
the cut is complete.
Work Table
• Connect the work table to an earth ground, in
accordance with appropriate national or local
electrical codes.
