Wire Feed Overload Protection; Welding Thermal Overload Protection; Overcurrent Protection; Explanation Of Prompting And Error Messages - Lincoln Electric IDEALARC SP-255 Operator's Manual

B-14
LINE message will be displayed (see Section on
Explanation of Prompting and Error Messages). The
unit will continue to weld, but the output will be less
than what is set.
WIRE FEED OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The SP-255 has solid state overload protection of the
wire drive motor. If the motor becomes overloaded,
the protection circuitry turns off the arc voltage, wire
feed speed and gas solenoid and then causes the
alarm to beep 3 times. The screen displays a mes-
sage for 2.5 seconds stating that the motor is being
overloaded and the gun and wire drive should be
checked. Check for proper size tip, liner, and drive
rolls, for any obstructions or bends in the gun cable,
and any other factors that would impede the wire
feeding. To resume welding, simply pull the trigger.

EXPLANATION OF PROMPTING AND ERROR MESSAGES

On Screen Error Message
PROCESS MUST
MATCH WIRE & GAS
ONLY SET UP FOR
.035 STAINLESS
ONLY ARGON USED
WITH ALUMINUM
ONLY SET UP FOR
.045 OUTERSHIELD
NO GAS REQUIRED
WITH INNERSHIELD
MEMORY 1 NOW
CONTAINS SETUP
MEMORY 2
IS EMPTY
MEMORY 4 DOESN'T
MATCH WIRE & GAS
IDEALARC SP-255
OPERATION
Message Explanation
Reminder that in Auto mode the process entered with the Process key must match
the process installed in the machine.
Unit is only programmed for .035 (0.9 mm) diameter in stainless steel wire. Other
wire diameters can be accommodated by using the Manual mode.
Unit is programmed to use only argon gas with aluminum electrodes. Other gases
can be accommodated by using the Manual mode.
Unit is only programmed for .045 (1.1 mm) diameter in Outershield
Other wire diameters within the SP-255 rating can be accommodated by using the
Manual mode.
Innershield ® electrode wire does not require a shielding gas. In the Auto mode the
SP-255 automatically leaves the solenoid de-energized even when the trigger is
closed.
Verifies that the setup was saved to memory number 1. The actual memory num-
ber is determined by the memory number key that was pressed following Save.
An attempt was made to recall a setup from a memory that does not contain one.
The actual memory number is determined by the memory number key that was
just pressed.
An attempt was made to enter Toggle mode and the process of the Auto setup in
memory 4 doesn't match the process in the machine. Press memory 4 to find out
what process is required. The memory number indicates which memory, 4 or 5,
doesn't match.
WELDING THERMAL OVERLOAD
PROTECTION
The SP-255 has built-in protective thermostats that
respond to excessive temperature. they open the wire
feed and welder output circuits if the machine
exceeds the maximum safe operating temperature
because of a frequent overload, or high ambient tem-
perature plus overload. The thermostats automatically
reset when the temperature reaches a safe operating
level.

OVERCURRENT PROTECTION

The machine will automatically reduce the output if
the load on the machine exceeds 260 to 280
amperes. This protects the welding power SCR's from
excessive short circuit currents and from exceeding
their temperature rating before the thermostats can
react. A CURRENT OVERLOAD message is dis-
played when the overcurrent protection is active (see
Section on Explanation of Prompting and Error
Messages).
® electrode wire.