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www.chpower.com
Troubleshooting Chart
Symptom
Possible Cause(s)
Corrective Action
Welder does not hum when
turned on (Green lamp not
illuminated)
Welder hums but does not weld
Welder gives trickle shocks
Welder overheats - blows fuses,
trips circuit breaker
Arc difficult to strike
Bead is intermittently too thin
Bead is intermittently too thick
Ragged depressions at edge of
weld
Weld bead does not penetrate
base metal
Electrode sticks to work piece
Electrodes sputter and stick
1. No power at receptacle
2. Broken or damaged
power cable
1. Inadequate current at
electrode
2. Poor connections at
welder
1. Accidental contact with
work piece
2. Current leakage caused
by moist clothing or
work area
1. Use of inadequate
extension cord
2. Electrode diameter too
large
3. Overloaded circuit
1. Electrode diameter too
large
2. Work piece not
properly grounded
3. Heavy loads making
power line voltage low
1. Inconsistent travel
speed
2. Output amp setting
too low
1. Slow and/or
inconsistent travel
speed
2. Output amp setting
too high
1. Travel speed too fast
2. Arc length too short
3. Output amp setting
too high
1. Inconsistent travel
speed
2. Output amp setting
too low
Electrode is held in
contact with work piece
while arc is struck
Damp electrodes
1. Check circuit fuse or circuit breaker
2. Power cable requires service
1. Check ground clamp, cable and connection to work piece. Check
electrode cable and clamp.
2. Check all welder external connections
1. Avoid contact with work piece
2. Make sure clothing and work area are dry
1. If possible, relocate welder to avoid use of extension cord. If
relocation of welder is not possible, use thicker (lower gauge
number) extension cord – See chart on page 1.
2. Use smaller diameter electrode
3. Welder requires a
dedicated
20 amp circuit
1. Use smaller diameter electrode
2. Verify proper grounding. (No paint, varnish or corrosion)
3. Run welder on
dedicated
20 amp circuit
1. Decrease and maintain travel speed
2. Increase output amp setting or change to smaller diameter
electrode
1. Increase and maintain travel speed
2. Reduce output amp setting
1. Decrease travel speed
2. Increase arc length
3. Reduce output amp setting
1. Decrease and maintain constant travel speed
2. Increase output amp setting
Lift electrode to correct arc length as soon as arc is struck
Use dry electrodes and store in dry location
For Information About This Product
Call 1-800-746-5641
