ESAB ET 186i AC/DC
INTRODUCTION 2-2 Manual 0-5425
2.05 User Responsibility
This equipment will perform as per the information contained
herein when installed, operated, maintained and repaired in
accordance with the instructions provided. This equipment
must be checked periodically. Defective equipment (includ-
ing welding leads) should not be used. Parts that are broken,
missing, plainly worn, distorted or contaminated, should be
replaced immediately. Should such repairs or replacements
become necessary, it is recommended that such repairs be
carried out by appropriately qualified persons approved by
ESAB. Advice in this regard can be obtained by contacting an
Accredited ESAB Distributor.
This equipment or any of its parts should not be altered from
standard specification without prior written approval of ESAB.
The user of this equipment shall have the sole responsibil-
ity for any malfunction which results from improper use or
unauthorized modification from standard specification, faulty
maintenance, damage or improper repair by anyone other than
appropriately qualified persons approved by ESAB.
2.06 Transporting Methods
This unit is equipped with a handle for carrying purposes.
!
WARNING
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill. DO NOT TOUCH
live electrical parts. Disconnect input
power conductors from de-energized sup-
ply line before moving the welding power
source.
!
WARNING
FALLING EQUIPMENT can cause serious
personal injury and equipment damage.
Lift unit with handle on top of case.
Use handcart or similar device of adequate capacity.
If using a fork lift vehicle, place and secure unit on a proper
skid before transporting.
2.07 Packaged Items
• ET 186i AC/DC Inverter Power Source
• ESAB 200 Amp Electrode Holder with 13ft (4m) Lead
• ESAB 200 Amp Work Clamp with 10ft (3m) Lead
• 26 TIG Torch 13ft (4m) Lead with Integrated Controls &
Accessory
• 9ft (2.75m) Power Cord and NEMA6-50P 230V AC Plug
• Victor Argon Flow Gauge & 12.5 ft (3.8m) Hose
• 4 General Purpose Stick Electrodes (E6013)
• Shoulder Strap
• Operating Manual & CD
• ESAB Cap
Art# A-13114
Figure 2-1: ET 186i AC/DC Packaged System
2.08 Duty Cycle
The rated duty cycle of a Welding Power Source, is a statement
of the time it may be operated at its rated welding current
output without exceeding the temperature limits of the insula-
tion of the component parts. To explain the 10 minute duty
cycle period the following example is used. Suppose a Welding
Power Source is designed to operate at a 20% duty cycle, 200
amperes at 18.0 volts. This means that it has been designed
and built to provide the rated amperage (200A) for 2 minutes,
i.e. arc welding time, out of every 10 minute period (20% of
10 minutes is 2 minutes). During the other 8 minutes of the
10 minute period the Welding Power Source must idle and be
allowed to cool. The thermal cut out will operate if the duty
cycle is exceeded.
