ESAB ESP-200 - 5.5 Spark Gap

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SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE
5.5 Spark Gap
High Frequency Interference Can Damage Machine Electronic Com-
ponents
Potentially damaging high frequency interference may result from
increasing the spark gap beyond recommendation. This electrical in-
terference may nd its way to pc boards in the electronics cabinet or
Vision control. The result can be failure of some portion of machine
function.
It is not recommended setting the spark gap beyond a distance of
0.040” (1,0 mm)
CAUTION
Spark gap controls the amount of starting current (high frequency) sent to the torch. There is a direct relationship between
spark gap and starting reliability/electrode life.
Spark gap should be set at 0.040 inches (1 mm).
Characteristics of spark gap below 0.040 inches (1 mm);
Negative Eect - Starting reliability is decrease.•
Positive Eect – Reduced risk of high frequency interference and improved electrode life.•
Characteristics of spark gap above 0.040 inches (1 mm);
Negative Eect – increased risk of high frequency damage and reduced electrode life.•
Positive Eect – Starting reliability is increased (until approximately 0.056 inch (1,4 mm) when the gap •
becomes too wide, resulting in no spark).
WARNING


MM

Starting Reliability
Arc stops
Reduced electrode life and risk of High Fre-
quency interference
Low
High
Spark gap
ELECTRICITY CAN KILL
DISCONNECT MAIN POWER BEFORE MAKING ANY ADJUSTMENTS.