Checking Unit Before Applying Power; Tools Needed For Troubleshooting And Servicing - Thermal Arc 181i FABRICATOR Service Manual

FABRICATOR 181i
The following table is a guide for analysing problems and making repairs to the Power Source
Fault
8 Wirefeed motor operates
when the torch trigger
switch is depressed but the
gas valve does not operate.
9 A welding arc can be
established but the weld is
erratic or inconsistent
!

6.02 Checking Unit Before Applying Power

Turn SW1 to OFF position, and disconnect unit from primary line voltage before working on unit.
Significant DC voltage can remain on capacitors after unit is Off. Wait until all front panel LED's are off
before removing case.
!
Check DC bus voltage according to Section 6.07 after removing case.
!
Before troubleshooting or applying power to unit, complete the following checks to avoid causing further
damage.

6.03 Tools Needed for Troubleshooting and Servicing

Troubleshooting
Possible Cause
A Internal wiring fault
B Faulty Solenoid
C Impurity in gas system causing
solenoid to stay open or closed
D Faulty Power Inverter board
E Faulty Control board
A Work Lead cable too small
B Loose welding connections
C Loose earth clamp
D Incorrect weld polarity selected
E No shielding gas
F Wind blows shielding gas away
G Incorrect TIG tungsten electrode
H Poorly prepared or worn TIG
tungsten
Table 6-2 Power Source Faults
6-2
TROUBLESHOOTING
Remedy
A Check solenoid wiring header is
plugged securely into Control
board. Check solenoid wiring is
not damaged
B
Replace Solenoid
Clean out gas system.
C
Disassemble solenoid & clean
out impurities
D Replace Power Inverter board
Replace Control board
E
A Use correct weld cable size
Tighten welding connections
B
Tighten earth clamp
C
D
Correct weld polarity. Refer to
weld consumable manufacturers
recommended polarity
E
Connect shielding gas
F Shield welding area from
draughts
G
Use correct tungsten type
H Regrind tungsten to correct
shape
Manual 0-5152
Art # A-09849