Thermal Arc 180 AC, User Manual

Page: 8 / 36

Notice NOT 034
THERMAL ARC 180 AC/DC
Rev : 00
Date : 03/12/02
SAFETY
USER’S MANUAL
Page
8/ 36
However, metallic components bonded to the work piece will increase the risk that the operator could receive
an electric shock by touching these metallic components and the electrode at the same time. The operator
should be insulated from all such bonded metallic components.
1.2.2.5. Earthing of the workpiece
Where the workpiece is not bonded to earth for electrical safety, nor connected to earth because of its size
and position, e.g. ships hull or building steelwork, a connection bonding the workpiece to earth may reduce
emissions in some, but not all instances. Care should be taken to prevent the earthing of the workpiece
increasing the risk of injury to users, or damage to other electrical equipment. Where necessary, the
connection of the workpiece to earth should be made by a direct connection to the workpiece, but in some
countries where direct connection is not permitted, the bonding should be achieved by suitable capacitance,
selected according to national regulations.
1.2.2.6. Screening and shielding
Selective screening and shielding of other cables and equipment in the surrounding area may alleviate
problems of interference. Screening of the entire welding installation may be considered for special
applications.
2. ELECTRIC SAFETY
2.1. CONNECTION OF THE WELDING POWER SOURCE TO THE NETWORK
Before connecting your equipment, you must check that:
-The meter, the safety device against over-currents, and the electric installation are compatible with the
maximum power and the supply voltage of the welding power source (refer to the instructions plates).
-The connection, either single-phase, or three-phase with earth can be effected on a socket compatible with
the welding power source cable plug.
If the cable is connected to a fixed post, the earth, if provided, will never be cut by the safety device against
electric shocks.
-The ON/OFF switch (if exists) situated on the welding power source, is turned off.
2.2. WORKING AREA
The use of arc welding implies a strict respect of safety conditions with regard to electric currents (Decree
dated 14.12.1988).
It is necessary to check that no metal piece accessible to the operators and to their assistants can come into
direct contact with a phase conductor and the neutral of the network. In case of uncertainty, this metal part
will be connected to the earth with a conductor of at least equivalent section to the largest phase conductor.
Make sure that all metal pieces that the operator could touch with a non insulated part of his body (head,
hands without gloves on, naked arms ...) is properly grounded with a conductor of at least equivalent section
to the biggest supply cable of the ground clamp or welding torch. If more than one metal ground are
concerned, they need to be all interlinked in one, which must be grounded in the same conditions.
Unless very special care have been taken, do not proceed to any arc welding or cutting in