Thread: OT: Welder Help

Jock
If your earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) is tripping then there is a problem with the welder. ELCBs work by sensing the current going out on the active (red or brown) and comparing it with the current coming back on the neutral (black or blue). If they aren't equal and opposite then there has been a current "leakage". This leakage is to earth. The leakage will be

a. back through the green or green yellow earth wire,
b. directly to earth, for example through the lump of metal sitting on the ground that you are welding, or
c. through YOU.

a. and b. could possibly pop a normal circuit breaker or blow your fuse.
c. can kill you.

ELCBs protect you from this form of fault. If you put yourself "in circuit" between active and neutral you will not be protected.

John Scott

Marc
It depends on the sort of motors you are using. Star or Delta. I'll try some ascii art

Star

A _______________
/ \
/ \
B ___________/ ____ \
C _________________|

E_____
|

Delta

A_______________
|
N______________ |
/ \
B_____________/ \
C ________________|

E_____
|

I'm not up on 3 phase commercial stuff so you would have to check on the motors that you intend to use. To be on the safe side go for a 5 wire connection, phases A,B,C neutral and earth. More expensive but it lets you connect either type of motor. Just drop the neutral wire when connecting up a star.

John Scott

bugger. ascii art don't work. all the spaces are removed. i hope you get the picture.

Thank you Ivan !

My welder is rated at 15 amps but it can take up to 18amp but they are not allowed to say that or you could not use it.
Well it works fine in 10 amp power points but I have trouble with the electronic control if I use long extention leads. It makes noise the blows fuses or CB.
So try with out a lead and se if it helps, or closer to the house inlet.

With welders, always make the primary lead (supply to machine) as short possible. Its better to make the welding leads longer if needed. Not always practical but thats the way I was taught.

Cheers

Jock,

As per previous posts, if RCB or ELCB is operating is an earth leakage fault. If the welder was in storage for long periods then moisture may have got in and may cause the problem. Open it up & dry it out, if symptoms persist call a sparky.

Regards,

Theva