How The Electrostatic Air Spray Gun Works - Graco 218-026 Instructions-Parts List Manual

FIRE OR EXPLOSION HAZARD
To reduce the risk of fire, explosion, or electric shock, which may result
from electrical discharge, it is essential that:
All parts of the electrostatic system are properly grounded.
All personnel in or close to the spray area are properly grounded.
All electrically conductive objects or devices in the spray area, includ-
ing paint containers, wash cans and tools, are properly grounded.
When operating the electrostatic device, any ungrounded objects in the
spray area (such as people, containers, tools, etc.) can become electri-
cally charged. Arcing may occur if these objects then come in contact or
close to ground. Arcing of sufficient energy levels can ignite the fluid be-
ing sprayed, fumes from solvents, dust particles, and other flammable
substances. This can cause a fire or explosion and result in serious bod-
ily injury and property damage.
Static electricity can also be generated by the flow of fluid through the
pump, hose, gun, and nozzle, but it is dissipated through proper ground-
ing as described in Grounding below.
If you experience any arcing or feel even a slight shock, STOP SPRAY-
ING IMMEDIATELY. Check for proper grounding of the entire system. Be
sure you have corrected the problem before starting to spray again.
Grounding
The following are minimum requirements for grounding a basic electro-
static system. Your system may include other equipment or objects
which must also be grounded. Always check your local electrical code for
detailed grounding instructions. Be sure your system is connected to a
true earth ground.
1. Pump: ground by using a ground wire and clamp as described in
your separate pump instruction manual.
2. Air compressors and hydraulic power supplies: ground according to
the manufacturer's recommendations.
3. Electrostatic Spray Gun: obtain grounding through connection to a
properly grounded air supply hose. Use only the Graco Electrically
Conductive Air Supply Hose; see ACCESSORIES section to order.
Connect the air hose ground wire to a true earth ground.
4. Object being sprayed: keep the work piece hangers clean and
grounded at all times. Contact points must be sharp points or knife
edges.
5. All electrically conductive objects or devices in the spray area,
including paint containers and wash cans, must be properly
grounded.
United States Government safety standards have been adopted under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. These standards––particularly the
General Standards, Part 1910.107 and any other appropriate regulations––should be consulted in connection with the installation, operation, and
maintenance of electrostatic spray painting equipment.

HOW THE ELECTROSTATIC AIR SPRAY GUN WORKS

The air hose supplies air to the spray gun. Part of the air
operates the turbine and the rest of the air atomizes the
fluid being sprayed. The turbine generates power, which
is converted by the power cartridge, to supply high
voltage current to the gun's ionizing electrode.
6. All persons entering the spray area: shoes must have conductive
soles, such as leather, or personal grounding straps must be worn.
Rubber or plastic soles are not conductive. The operator must not
wear gloves which insulate the hand from spray gun. The gloves
must be conductive or modified as shown on page 9.
7. The floor of the spray area must be electrically conductive and
grounded. Do not cover the floor with cardboard or any
non–conductive material which would interrupt grounding
continuity.
8. Flammable liquids in the spray area must be kept in approved,
grounded containers. Do not store more than the quantity needed
for one shift.
9. All solvent pails: use only grounded metal pails, which are
conductive. Do not place the pail on any non–conductive surface,
such as cardboard or paper, which would interrupt grounding
continuity.
10. All air and fluid lines and electric cables must be properly grounded.
Flushing and Cleaning Safety
To reduce the risk of static sparking or splashing, always follow the Pres-
sure Relief Procedure on page 4.
Be sure the ES valve lever is OFF before flushing or cleaning any
part of the spray system.
Use the lowest possible pressure to flush. Trigger the gun into a grounded
metal waste container.
To flush or purge equipment, ALWAYS use solvents with a flash point
equal to or greater than that of the fluid being sprayed.
To clean the exterior of the equipment, ALWAYS use solvents with a flash
point of higher than 38
ALWAYS remove all solvent from the system before reactivating the
spray gun.
Use only non–sparking tools to clean residue from the booth and
hangers.
Ventilate the Spray Booth
To prevent hazardous concentrations of toxic and/or flammable vapors,
spray only in a properly ventilated spray booth.
NEVER operate the spray gun unless the ventilating fans are operating.
Check and follow all National, State and Local codes regarding air ex-
haust velocity requirements. Check and follow all local safety and fire
codes and OSHA standard 1910–107(b)(5)(i).
IMPORTANT
The pump supplies fluid to the hose and gun, where the
fluid is electrostatically charged as it passes the elec-
trode. The charged fluid is attracted to the grounded
workpiece, wrapping around and evenly coating all sur-
faces.
C (100 F).