Common Cutting Problems - ESAB ESP-150 Manuel D'instruction

SECTION 4
Tripped circuit breaker (located un-
der the top hinged cover) may indi-
cate dangerous high voltage existed
between the work cable and earth
ground. This is usually caused by a
missing or poor connection of the
work cable to the work piece. The
work cable MUST be electrically con-
nected to the work piece to prevent
dangerous shock conditions.

COMMON CUTTING PROBLEMS

The following is a listing of common cutting problems and the probable cause. If
problems are determined to be caused by the ESP-150, refer to the maintenance
section of this manual. If the problem is not corrected after referring to the main-
tenance section, contact your ESAB representative.
A. Insufficient Penetration:
1. Cutting speed too fast
2. Damaged cutting nozzle
3. Improper gas settings
4. Inadequate delay for pierce
B. Main Arc Extinguishes:
1. Cutting speed too slow
C. Dross Formation:
1. Cutting speed too fast or too slow
2. Improper air pressure
3. Faulty nozzle or electrode
4. Improper standoff
5. Current too low
D. Double Arcing:
1. Low air pressure
2. Damaged cutting nozzle
3. Loose cutting nozzle
4. Heavy spatter
5. Nozzle touches work while cutting
6. Pierce height too low
7. Current too low
E. Uneven Arc:
1. Damaged cutting nozzle or worn electrode
F. Unstable Cutting Conditions:
1. Incorrect cutting speed
2. Loose cable or hose connections
3. Electrode and/or cutting nozzle in poor condition
G. Main Arc Does Not Strike:
1. Loose connections
2. Work clamp not connected
3. Gas pressures not correct
4. Insufficient coolant to operate flow switch
H. Poor Consumable Life:
1. Improper gas pressure
2. Contaminated air supply
3. Improper gas/electrode combination
4. Torch hitting work piece or turned up parts
5. Parts damaged by double arcing (see D above)
6. Use of non-genuine parts
7. Water leaks in torch
8. Torch not purged after changing consumables or idle period
9. Using wrong consumables for selected gases
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OPERATION