Installation; Location; Safety; Grounding - Firepower FP 125 Operating Manual & Installation Manual

3.01 Location

For best operating characteristics and longest unit life, take care
in selecting the installation site. Avoid locations exposed to high
humidity, dust, high ambient temperature, or corrosive fumes.
Moisture can condense on electrical components, causing cor-
rosion or shorting of circuits. Dirt on components will retain this
moisture and also increases wear on moving parts.
Adequate air circulation is needed at all times in order to assure
proper operation. Provide a minimum of 12" (300mm) of free air
space at both the front and rear of the unit. Make sure that the
ventilation openings are not obstructed.
CAUTION
!
These MIG machines are not suitable for
use in rain.

3.02 Safety

Refer to additional installation instructions under the SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS (Section 1) in this manual.

3.03 Grounding

The internal frame of this welding machine should be grounded
for personal safety. Where grounding is mandatory under state or
local codes, it is the responsibility of the user to comply with all
applicable rules and regulations. Where no state or local codes
exist, it is recommended that the National Electrical Code be
followed.

3.04 Electrical Input Requirements

Plug the input cord into a properly grounded and protected (by
fuse or circuit breaker) mains receptacle capable of handling a
minimum of 20 Amperes. Firepower FP 125 & FP 135 requires
a 120VAC supply voltage and the Firepower FP 165 requires a
230VAC supply voltage.
The Firepower FP 125 & FP 135's power cord is equipped with
a NEMA 5-15P plug and will only connect to a NEMA 5-15P
receptacle.
Except for some early models, the Firepower FP 165's power
cord is equipped with a NEMA 6-50P plug and will only connect
to a NEMA 6-50P receptacle.
CAUTION
!
Consult the nameplate for proper input
voltage and input amperage. The method
of installation, conductor size, and over-
current protection shall conform to the re-
quirements of the local electrical code. All
installation wiring and machine connection
shall be done by a competent electrician.
Manual 0-5123
SECTION 3:

INSTALLATION

The National Electrical Code (Article 630B) provides standards for
amperage handling capability of supply conductors based on the
duty cycle of the welding power source. The Firepower FP 125
has a 19% duty cycle (1 minute 54 seconds of every 10 minutes
can be used for welding). The Firepower FP 135 has a 20% duty
cycle (2 minutes of every 10 minutes can be used for welding).
The Firepower FP 165 has an 18% duty cycle (1 minute 48 sec-
onds of every 10 minutes can be used for welding). The power
cords supplied with these units comply with these standards.
Ensure that the building supply and receptacle comply with NEC
standards and any additional state and local codes.
!
!

3.05 Requirements for Maximum Output

In order to obtain the maximum output capability of the Firepow-
er FP 125 a branch circuit capable of 40 amperes at 115 to 125
Volts 60 Hz is required. In order to obtain the maximum output
capability of the Firepower FP 135 a branch circuit capable of 50
amperes at 115 to 125 Volts 60 Hz is required. In order to obtain
the maximum output capability of the Firepower FP 165 a branch
circuit capable of 30 amperes at 208 to 230 Volts 60 Hz is re-
quired. This generally applies when welding steel that is equal to
or greater than 12 gauge (0.105" 2.5mm) in thickness.
3-1
FIREPOWER FP 125,135,165
NOTE!
The supply wiring for the welding power
source must be capable of handling a mini-
mum of 20 amperes. The welding power
source must be the only load connected to
the supply circuit. Poor unit performance
or frequently opening line fuses or circuit
breakers can result from an inadequate or
improper supply.
CAUTION
Do not connect the Firepower FP 125 or
135 to an input power supply with a rated
voltage that is greater than 120 +10%
VAC. Do not remove the power cord ground
prong.
CAUTION
Do not connect the Firepower FP 165 to
an input power supply with a rated voltage
that is greater than 230 + 10% VAC. Do not
remove the power cord ground prong.
INSTALLATION