Installation And Operator Instructions; Duty Cycle And Overheating - Lincoln Electric POWERTEC 161C Operator's Manual

CYLINDER MAY EXPLODE IF DAMAGED: Use only compressed gas cylinders containing the
correct shielding gas for the process used and properly operating regulators designed for the gas and
pressure used. Always keep cylinders in an upright position securely chained to a fixed support. Do
not move or transport gas cylinders with the protection cap removed. Do not allow the electrode,
electrode holder, work clamp or any other electrically live part to touch a gas cylinder. Gas cylinders
must be located away from areas where they may be subjected to physical damage or the welding
process including sparks and heat sources.

Installation and Operator Instructions

Read this entire section before installation or operation
of the machine.
Location and Environment
This machine will operate in harsh environments.
However, it is important that simple preventative
measures are followed to assure long life and reliable
operation.
• Do not place or operate this machine on a surface
with an incline greater than 15° from horizontal.
•
Do not use this machine for pipe thawing.
•
This machine must be located where there is free
circulation of clean air without restrictions for air
movement to and from the air vents. Do not cover
the machine with paper, cloth or rags when
switched on.
• Dirt and dust that can be drawn into the machine
should be kept to a minimum.
•
This machine has a protection rating of IP23. Keep
it dry when possible and do not place it on wet
ground or in puddles.
•
Locate the machine away from radio controlled
machinery. Normal operation may adversely affect
the operation of nearby radio controlled machinery,
which may result in injury or equipment damage.
Read the section on electromagnetic compatibility in
this manual.
•
Do not operate in areas with an ambient
temperature greater than 40°C.

Duty cycle and Overheating

The duty cycle of a welding machine is the percentage of
time in a 10 minute cycle at which the welder can
operate the machine at rated welding current.
20% duty cycle:
Welding for 2 minutes.
Excessive extension of the duty cycle will cause the
thermal protection circuit to activate.
The welding transformer in the machine is protected
from overheating by a thermostat. When the machine is
overheated the output of the machine will turn "OFF",
and the Thermal Indicator Light will turn "ON". When the
machine has cooled to a safe temperature the Thermal
Indicator Light will go out and the machine may resume
normal operation. Note: For safety reasons the machine
will not come out of thermal shutdown if the trigger on
the welding gun has not been released.
Break for 8 minutes.
Input Supply Connection
Installation and mains outlet socket shall be made and
protected according to appropriate rules.
Check the input voltage, phase, and frequency supplied
to this machine before turning it on. Verify the
connection of grounding wires from the machine to the
input source. The allowable input voltages are 1x230V
50Hz/60Hz. For more information about input supply
refer to the technical specification section of this manual
and to the rating plate of the machine.
Make sure the amount of power available from the input
connection is adequate for normal operation of the
machine. The necessary delayed fuse (or circuit breaker
with "D" characteristic) and cable sizes are indicated in
the technical specification section of this manual.
Controls and Operational Features
POWERTEC 191C/231C/271C
1. WFS (Wire Feed Speed) Control Knob: It enables
continuous control of wire feeding speed in the
range from 1.0 to 20m/min
2. Power and Welding Voltage Changing Switch: It
enables to turn the machine ON and switching the
voltage. The POWERTEC 161C has a 7-steps
switch.
3. Thermal Overload Indicator: This lamp will light up
when the machine is overheated and the output has
been turned off. Leave the machine on to allow the
internal components to cool, when the lamp turns off
A-2
Minutes or decrease
duty cycle
POWERTEC 161C