www.parweld.co.uk
16
Faul
t
FI
n
DI
n
G
Description
possible Cause
Remedy
Arc flutters
during TIG
welding
(a) Tungsten electrode is
too large for the welding
current.
(b) Absence of oxides in
the Weld pool.
(a) Select the right
size electrode. Refer
to basic TIG welding
guide.
(b) Refer basic TIG
welding guide for
ways to reduce arc
flutter.
Welding arc
cannot be
established
(a) Work clamp is not
connected to the work
piece or the work/torch
leads are not connected
to the machine
(b) Torch lead is discon-
nected
(c) Gas flow incorrectly
set, cylinder empty or
the torch valve is off
a) Connect the work
clamp to the work
piece or connect
the work/torch leads
to the right welding
terminals.
(b) Connect it to the
‘.’ terminal.
(c) Select the right
flow rate, change
cylinders or turn
torch valve on.
Arc start is not
smooth
(a) Tungsten electrode is
too large for the welding
current .
(b) The wrong electrode
is being used for the
welding job.
(c) Gas flow rate is too
high.
(d) Incorrect shielding
gas is being used.
(e) Poor work clamp
connection to work piece
(a) Select the right
size electrode
(b) Select the right
electrode type.
Refer to basic TIG
welding guide
(c) Select the correct
rate for the welding
job. Refer to basic
TIG welding guide
(d) Select the right
shielding gas. Refer
to basic TIG welding
guide
(e) Improve
connection to work
piece
7.4 POWER SOURCE PROBLEMS
Description
Possible cause
Remedy
The welding
arc cannot be
established
(a) The primary supply
voltage has not been
switched on
(b) The welding power
source switch is switched
off
(c) Loose connections
internally
(a) Switch on the
primary supply
voltage.
(b) Switch on the
welding power
source.
(c) Have a
qualified service
engineer repair the
connection.
Maximum
output welding
current cannot
be achieved
with nominal
mains supply
voltage
Defective control circuit
Have a qualified
service engineer
inspect then repair
the welder.
Description
Possible cause
Remedy
Welding
current
reduces when
welding
Poor work lead
connection to the work
piece
Ensure that the
work lead has a
reliable electrical
connection to the
work piece.
Gas pockets
or voids in
weld metal
(porosity)
(a) Electrodes are damp
(b) Welding current is too
high.
(c) Surface impurities
such as oil, grease, paint,
etc
(a) Dry electrodes
before use
(b) Reduce welding
current
(c) Clean joint
before welding
Gas pockets
or voids in
weld metal
(porosity)
(a) Electrodes are damp
(b) Welding current is too
high.
(c) Surface impurities
such as oil, grease, paint,
etc
(a) Dry electrodes
before use
(b) Reduce welding
current
(c) Clean joint
before welding
rOutIne MaIntenanCe
The only routine maintenance required for the power supply is a
thorough cleaning and inspection, with the frequency depending on
the usage and the operating environment.
Warning
Disconnect primary power at the source before removing the cover.
Wait at least two minutes before opening the cover to allow the
primary capacitors to discharge.
To clean the unit, remove the screws securing the outer cover,
lift off the outer cover and use a vacuum cleaner to remove any
accumulated dirt and dust. The unit should also be wiped clean,
if necessary; with solvents that are recommended for cleaning
electrical apparatus.