ESAB ET 186i AC/DC
Manual 0-5425 3-3 INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND SETUP
3.07 Electromagnetic Compatibility
!
WARNING
Extra precautions for Electromagnetic Compatibility may be required when this Welding Power Source
is used in a domestic situation.
A. Installation and Use - Users Responsibility
The user is responsible for installing and using the welding equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If electromag-
netic disturbances are detected then it shall be the responsibility of the user of the welding equipment to resolve the situation with
the technical assistance of the manufacturer. In some cases this remedial action may be as simple as earthing the welding circuit,
see NOTE below. In other cases it could involve constructing an electromagnetic screen enclosing the Welding Power Source and
the work, complete with associated input filters. In all cases, electromagnetic disturbances shall be reduced to the point where
they are no longer Troublesome.
NOTE!
The welding circuit may or may not be earthed for safety reasons. Changing the earthing arrangements
should only be authorized by a person who is competent to assess whether the changes will increase
the risk of injury, e.g. by allowing parallel welding current return paths which may damage the earth
circuits of other equipment.
B. Assessment of Area
Before installing welding equipment, the user shall make an assessment of potential electromagnetic problems in the surrounding
area. The following shall be taken into account.
1. Other supply cables, control cables, signaling and telephone cables; above, below and adjacent to the welding equipment.
2. Radio and television transmitters and receivers.
3. Computer and other control equipment.
4. Safety critical equipment, e.g. guarding of industrial equipment.
5. The health of people around, e.g. the use of pace-makers and hearing aids.
6. Equipment used for calibration and measurement.
7. The time of day that welding or other activities are to be carried out.
8. The immunity of other equipment in the environment: the user shall ensure that other equipment being used in the environment
is compatible: this may require additional protection measures.
The size of the surrounding area to be considered will depend on the structure of the building and other activities that are taking
place. The surrounding area may extend beyond the boundaries of the premises.
C. Methods of Reducing Electromagnetic Emissions
1. Electricity Supply
Welding equipment should be connected to the Electricity Supply according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If interference
occurs, it may be necessary to take additional precautions such as filtering of the Electricity Supply. Consideration should be
given to shielding the supply cable of permanently installed welding equipment in metallic conduit or equivalent. Shielding should
be electrically continuous throughout its length. The shielding should be connected to the Welding Power Source so that good
electrical contact is maintained between the conduit and the Welding Power Source enclosure.
2. Maintenance of Welding Equipment
The welding equipment should be routinely maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. All access and service
doors and covers should be closed and properly fastened when the welding equipment is in operation. The welding equipment
should not be modified in any way except for those changes and adjustments covered in the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Welding Cables
