See Warranty on page 20 for important information about commercial use of this product.
Operating Instructions and Parts Manual GW4500
Please read and save these instructions. Read carefully before attempting to assemble, install, operate or maintain the product described.
Protect yourself and others by observing all safety information. Failure to comply with instructions could result in personal injury and/or
property damage! Retain instructions for future reference.
This welder / generator is powered by
an air-cooled four cycle engine and
designed to run at maximum RPM and
give a continuous wattage as rated.
A low-oil level shutoff is provided to
protect the engine. The alternator is
thermostatically protected. To operate
this unit as a generator or welder,
set the switch on the front panel
accordingly.
Unpacking
After unpacking the welder / generator,
inspect carefully for any damage that
may have occurred during transit. Make
sure to tighten fittings, bolts, etc.,
before putting unit into service. Report
any missing items by calling
1-800-543-6400.
Safety Guidelines
This manual contains information
that is very important to know and
understand. This information is
provided for SAFETY and to PREVENT
EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS. To help
recognize this information, observe the
following symbols.
Danger indicates an
imminently
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, WILL result in death or serious
injury.
Warning indicates a
potentially
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, COULD result in death or
serious injury.
Caution indicates a
potentially
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, MAY result in minor or
moderate injury.
Notice indicates
important
information, that if not followed, may
cause damage to equipment.
NOTE: Information that requires special
attention.
Attach it to this manual or file it for safekeeping.
For parts, product & service information
visit www.chpower.com or call 1-800-543-6400
IN954000AV 8/08
Operating Instructions and Parts Manual
General Safety Information
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
The cables on this
product may contain
chemicals, including lead, known to
the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
The engine exhaust
from this product
contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
This product, when
used for welding,
produces fumes or gases which contain
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause birth defects (or
other reproductive harm) and, in some
cases, cancer (California Health & Safety
Code Section 25249.5 et seq.)
You can
create dust when you cut,
sand, drill or grind materials
such as wood, paint, metal,
concrete, cement, or other masonry. This
dust often contains chemicals known
to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm. Wear protective
gear.
EMISSIONS
Engines that are
certifi ed to comply
with U.S. EPA emission regulations for
SORE (Small Off Road Equipment), are
certifi ed to operate on regular unleaded
gasoline, and may include the following
emission control systems: (EM) Engine
Modifi cations and (TWC) Three-Way
Catalyst (if so equipped).
Using a generator
indoors CAN KILL
YOU IN MINUTES. Generator exhaust
contains carbon monoxide. This is a
poison you cannot see or smell.
• NEVER use inside a house or
garage, EVEN IF doors and windows
are open.
• Only use OUTSIDE and far away
from windows, doors and vents.
GENERAL SAFETY
• Before starting or
servicing any welder /
generator, read
MANUAL
and understand all
instructions. Failure to follow safety
precautions or instructions can
cause equipment damage and or
serious personal injury or death.
Engine instructions for these units
are contained in a separate manual.
Retain all manuals for future
reference.
Never
operate
this welder / generator in
an explosive or flammable
atmosphere or poorly
ventilated area.
• Never use this welder / generator
for any application other than that
specified by the manufacturer.
Never operate this welder /
generator under conditions not
approved by the manufacturer.
Never attempt to modify this
welder / generator to perform in
any manner not intended by the
manufacturer.
• For maintenance and repairs,
use only products and parts
recommended by the manufacturer.
• Be sure that the welder / generator
is properly grounded to an external
ground path prior to operation.
Refer to the section entitled
"Grounding Instructions" for proper
grounding procedures.
• Be sure that the welder / generator
is operated only by persons who
have read and understand these
instructions.
• Be sure that the welder / generator
is placed on a flat level surface
prior to and during operation. The
welder / generator must not slide or
shift during operation.
• Keep all persons away from
the welder / generator during
operation.
• Do not allow persons wearing
loose clothing or jewelry to start
or operate the welder / generator.
Loose clothing or jewelry may
become entangled in moving
components, causing equipment
damage and or personal injury.
• Keep all persons away from parts
that move or become hot during
operation.
• Be sure all powered devices are shut
off prior to connecting them to the
welder / generator.
• Keep the welder / generator clean
and well maintained at all times.
• Be sure that all tools and appliances
are in good repair and are properly
grounded. Use devices that have
three prong power cords. If an
extension cord is used, be sure
that it has three prongs for proper
grounding.
Do not operate this
welder / generator
on wet surfaces or in the rain.
Shut off the engine
and disconnect the
spark plug wire before performing any
service or maintenance to the unit.
• Use only unleaded fuel. Do not refill
the fuel tank while the engine is
running. Use precautions to prevent
fuel spillage during refills. Be sure
the fuel tank cap is securely in place
before starting the engine. Clean up
any spilled fuel before starting the
engine. Allow engine to cool for at
least two minutes before refueling.
Do not add fuel while smoking or
if unit is near any sparks or open
flames. Do not overfill tank - allow
room for fuel to expand. Always
keep nozzle in contact with tank
during fueling.
• This welder / generator may be used
for emergency stand-by service.
In such cases, a manual transfer
switch must be installed between
the electric utilities meter and the
electrical distribution box. This
switch should be installed by a
licensed electrician.
Never mix oil with
gasoline for this
engine. This is a four cycle engine
designed to run on pure gasoline. Oil
is used for engine lubrication purposes
only.
www.chpower.com
2
GW4500
General Safety Information
(Continued)
Always
keep a
fire extinguisher accessible
while performing arc welding
operations.
• Always attach the work lead first.
• Verify that the work piece is
• Always shut off electric arc welding
• All installation, maintenance, repair
and operation of this equipment
should be performed by qualified
• Never allow any part of the body to
persons only in accordance with
national, state, and local codes.
Improper
use of
electric arc welders can cause
electric shock, injury, and
death! Take all precautions
described in this manual to reduce the
possibility of electric shock.
• Awkward welding conditions
• Verify that all components of the
arc welder are clean and in good
condition prior to operating the
welder. Be sure that the insulation
• Never attempt to use this
on all cables, electrode holders,
and power cords is not damaged.
Always repair or replace damaged
components before operating
• Never use an electric arc welder to
the welder. Always keep welder
panels, shields, etc. in place when
operating the welder.
• Always wear dry protective clothing
and welding gloves, and insulated
footwear.
• Always operate the welder in a
clean, dry, well ventilated area. Do
not operate the welder in humid,
Flying
and hot metal can cause
injury. As welds cool, slag
can be thrown off. Take all
precautions described in this manual
to reduce the possibility of injury from
flying sparks and hot metal.
• Wear ANSI approved face shield
wet, rainy, or poorly ventilated
areas.
• Be sure that the work piece is
properly supported and grounded
• Wear ear plugs when welding
prior to beginning any electric arc
welding operation.
• Coiled welding cable should be
spread out before use to avoid
overheating and damage to
insulation.
Never immerse the
electrode or
electrode holder in water. If the
welder becomes wet for any reason, be
absolutely certain that it is completely
clean and dry prior to attempting use!
Electric
welding operations produce
intense light and heat
and ultraviolet (UV) rays.
This intense light and UV rays can
cause injury to eyes and skin. Take all
precautions described in this manual to
reduce the possibility of injury to eyes
and skin.
• Always shut the equipment off
prior to moving the unit.
securely grounded.
equipment when not in use and
remove the electrode from the
holder.
touch the electrode and ground or
grounded work piece at the same
time.
and positions can be electrically
hazardous. When crouching,
kneeling or at elevations, be sure to
insulate all conductive parts, wear
appropriate protective clothing,
and take precautions to prevent
injury from falls.
equipment at current settings
or duty cycles higher than those
specified on the equipment labels.
thaw frozen pipes.
sparks
or safety glasses with side shield
protection when chipping or
grinding metal parts.
overhead to prevent spatter or slag
from falling into ears.
arc
• All persons operating this
equipment or in the area while
equipment is in use must wear
protective welding gear including:
welding helmet or shield with
at least shade 10, flame resistant
clothing, leather welding gloves,
and full foot protection.
Never look at arc
welding operations
without eye protection as described
above. Never use a shade filter lens
that is cracked, broken, or rated below
number 10. Warn others in the area not
to look at the arc.
Electric
arc
welding operations cause
sparks and heat metal to
temperatures that can cause
severe burns! Use protective gloves and
clothing when performing any metal
working operation. Take all precautions
described in this manual to reduce the
possibility of skin and clothing burns.
• Make sure that all persons in the
welding area are protected from
heat, sparks, and ultraviolet rays.
Use additional face shields and
flame resistant barriers as needed.
• Never touch work pieces until
completely cooled.
Heat and
sparks
produced during electric arc
welding and other metal
working operations can ignite
flammable and explosive materials! Take
all precautions described in this manual
to reduce the possibility of flames and
explosions.
• Remove all flammable materials
within 35 feet (10.7 meters) of
welding arc. If removal is not
possible, tightly cover flammable
materials with fire proof covers.
• Take precautions to be sure that
flying sparks and heat do not cause
flames in hidden areas, cracks,
behind bulkheads, etc.
• Do not use any part of the unit as a
work surface.
www.chpower.com
3
Operating Instructions and Parts Manual
General Safety Information
(Continued)
Fire
hazard!
Do not weld on containers
or pipes that contain or
have contained flammable
materials or gaseous or liquid
combustibles.
Arc
welding
closed cylinders or containers
such as tanks or drums
can cause explosion if not
properly vented! Verify that any
cylinder or container to be welded has
an adequate ventilation hole, so that
expanding gases can be released.
Do not
breathe
fumes that are produced by
the arc welding operation.
These fumes are dangerous.
If the welding area cannot be
adequately ventilated, be sure to use an
air-supplied respirator.
• Keep the head and face out of the
welding fumes.
• Do not perform electric arc welding
operations on metals that are
galvanized or cadmium plated, or
contain zinc, mercury, or beryllium
electromagnetic field that
is generated during arc
welding may interfere with
the operation of various electrical
and electronic devices such as cardiac
pacemakers. Persons using such devices
should consult with their physician prior
to performing any electric arc welding
operations.
• Route the electrode and work
• Never wrap arc welder cables
• Always position the electrode and
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields
Always be sure that
is secure and free of hazards (sparks,
flames, glowing metal or slag) prior to
leaving. Be sure that the equipment is
turned off and electrode is removed. Be
sure that cables are loosely coiled and
out of the way. Be sure that all metal
and slag has cooled.
without completing the following
precautions:
a. Remove the coating from the
base metal.
b. Make sure that the welding area
is well ventilated.
c. Use an air-supplied respirator.
Extremely toxic fumes are created when
these metals are heated.
The
cables together and secure with
tape when possible.
around the body.
work leads so that they are on
the same side of the body.
during welding may have other
health effects which are not known.
the welding area
ADDITIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS
ANSI Standard Z49.1 from American
Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJune Rd.
Miami, FL 33126
Safety and Health Standards
OSHA 29 CFR 1910, from Superintendent
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
National Electrical Code
NFPA Standard 70, from National Fire
Protection Association, Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269
Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in
Cylinders
CGA Pamphlet P-1, from Compressed
Gas Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis
Highway, Suite 501, Arlington, VA 22202
Code for Safety in Welding and Cutting
CSA Standard W117.2, from Canadian
Standards Association, Standards
Sales, 178 Rexdale Boulevard, Rexdale,
Ontario, Canada M9W 1R3
Cutting And Welding Processes
NFPA Standard 51B, from National Fire
Protection Association, Batterymarch
Park, Quicy, MA 02269
Safe Practices For Occupational And
Educational Eye And Face Protection
ANSI Standard Z87.1, from American
National Standards Institute, 1430
Broadway, New York, NY 10018
Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheets
and the manufacturers instructions
for metals, electrodes, coatings and
cleaners.
www.chpower.com
4
GW4500
Getting To Know Your
Welder / Generator
Glossary of Terms
AC or Alternating Current - electric
current that reverses direction
periodically. Sixty cycle current travels in
both directions sixty times per second.
Arc Length - the distance from the
end of the electrode to the point where
the arc makes contact with the work
surface.
Base Metal - the material to be
welded.
Butt Joint - a joint between two
members aligned approximately in the
same plane.
Crater - a pool, or pocket, that is
formed as the arc comes in contact with
the base metal.
DC or Direct Current - electric current
which flows only in one direction.
The polarity (+ or -) determines which
direction the current is flowing.
DC Reverse Polarity - occurs when the
electrode holder is connected to the
positive pole of the welding machine.
Reverse Polarity directs more heat
into melting the electrode rather than
the work piece. It is used on thinner
material.
DC Straight Polarity - occurs when
the electrode holder is connected to the
negative pole of the welding machine.
With straight polarity more heat is
directed to the work piece for better
penetration on thicker material.
Electrode - a coated metal wire having
approximately the same composition as
the material being welded.
Fillet Weld - approximately a triangle
in cross-section, joining two surfaces at
right angles to each other in a lap, T or
corner joint.
Flux - a coating, when heated, that
produces a shielding gas around the
welding area. This gas protects the
parent and filler metals from impurities
in the air.
Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) -
also called Gasless, is a welding process
used with a wire-feed welding machine.
The weld wire is tubular with flux
material contained inside for shielding.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) -
also called MIG, is a welding process
used with a wire feed welding machine.
The wire is solid and an inert gas is used
for shielding.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) -
also called TIG, is a welding process used
with welding equipment with a high
frequency generator. The arc is created
between a non-consumable tungsten
electrode and the work piece. Filler
metal may or may not be used.
Lap Joint - a joint between two
overlapping members in parallel planes.
Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) - the
voltage between the electrode and the
work clamp of the welding machine
when no current is flowing (not
welding). The OCV determines how
quickly the arc is struck.
Overlap - occurs when the amperage is
set too low. In this instance, the molten
metal falls from the electrode without
actually fusing into the base metal.
Porosity - gas pockets, or cavities,
formed during weld solidification. They
weaken the weld.
Penetration - the depth into the work
piece that has been heat effected by
the arc during the welding process. A
good weld achieves 100% penetration
meaning that the entire thickness of
the work piece has been heated and
resolidified. The heat effected area
should be easily seen on the opposite
side of the weld.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding
(SMAW) - also called Stick, is a welding
process that uses a consumable
electrode to support the arc. Shielding
is achieved by the melting of the flux
coating on the electrode.
Slag - a layer of flux soot that
protects the weld from oxides and
other contaminants while the weld is
solidifying (cooling). Slag should be
removed after weld has cooled.
Spatter - metal particles thrown from
the weld which cool and harden on the
work surface. Spatter can be minimized
by using a spatter resistant spray on the
work piece before welding.
Tack Weld - weld made to hold parts in
proper alignment until final welds are
made.
Travel Angle - the angle of the
electrode in the line of welding. It varies
from 5º to 45º depending on welding
conditions.
T Joint - made by placing the edge of
one piece of metal on the surface of
the other piece at approximately a 90º
angle.
Undercut - a condition that results
when welding amperage is too high.
The excessive amperage leaves a groove
in the base metal along both sides of
the bead which reduces the strength of
the weld.
Weld Pool or Puddle - a volume of
molten metal in a weld prior to its
solidification as weld metal.
Weld Bead - a narrow layer or layers of
metal deposited on the base metal as
the electrode melts. Weld bead width
is typically twice the diameter of the
electrode.
Work Angle - the angle of the
electrode from horizontal, measured at
right angles to the line of welding.
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5
Operating Instructions and Parts Manual
Pre-Operation
LOCATION
Selecting the proper location can
significantly increase performance,
reliability and life of the arc welder.
• For best results locate the welder /
generator in an environment that is
clean and dry. Dust and dirt in the
unit retain moisture and increase
wear of moving parts.
• Store electrodes in a clean, dry
location with low humidity to
preserve the flux coating.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Check engine oil level. Oil is NOT
mixed with the gasoline, however
adequate oil supply is necessary for
proper engine lubrication. Refer to
the Engine Manual for SAE, API and
fill quantity specifications. Unit is
shipped without oil in engine.
2. Use of a Ground Fault Interrupter
(GFI) is strongly recommended.
Ground Fault Interrupters can
significantly reduce the possibility
of injury if an electrical short occurs.
In order to install a GFI, the
welder / generators neutral wire
must be internally grounded to the
welder / generators frame, and the
frame must be properly grounded
to the earth.
A Ground Fault
Interrupter may
not be effective if used on a welder /
generators that is not grounded! Refer
to the section entitled Grounding for
proper steps to ground the welder /
generator.
3. When installing a GFI, be sure
to follow all national and
local regulations. If not sure of
regulations or procedures, obtain
assistance from a qualified (licensed
or certified) electrical technician.
GROUNDING
1. Use the ground terminal and wing
nut on the welder / generator frame
to connect the unit to a suitable
ground source. Securely fasten the
end terminal of the ground wire to
the ground terminal on the
welder / generators frame. Tighten
the washer and wing nut on top of
the ground wire end terminal.
2. The ground wire should be made
of #8 gauge wire. Do not use wire
with a higher gauge number.
Higher gauge numbers indicate
thinner wire, which may not
provide an adequate ground path.
3. The other end of the ground wire
must be securely fastened to an
approved ground source.
The following are ground sources
approved by the National Electric
Code. Other ground sources may be
acceptable. Refer to the National
Electric Code and local regulations for
further ground source information. If
not sure of regulations or procedures,
obtain assistance from a qualified
(licensed or certified) electrical
technician.
a. An underground water pipe at
least ten feet in length
b. A non-corrosive underground
pipe at least eight feet in length
and 3/4 inch diameter
c. A steel or iron underground rod
at least eight feet in length and
5/8 inch diameter
d. A non-ferrous rod at least
eight feet in length, 1/2 inch
in diameter, and approved for
grounding purposes
Any rod or pipe used for grounding
must be driven to eight feet deep or
buried in the deepest possible trench.
STARTING
1. Remove all electrical loads from the
welder / generators.
2. Move fuel shut-off lever as far as
possible to the right to enable fuel
flow.
3. Rotate the engine switch to the ON
position.
4. Adjust the choke lever as follows:
a. For cold engine, move the choke
lever as far as possible to the left,
choke fully ON, position.
b. For warm / hot engine, move the
choke lever midway between the
choke and run positions.
5. Pull the starter rope with a brisk,
smooth motion.
NOTE: Some models may be
equipped with an electric starter.
For models equipped with an
electric starter, turn the key.
6. After each start up, allow the
engine to run for 2-3 minutes with
no load.
7. As the engine warms up and
stabilizes, adjust the choke lever
to the right, until the lever is
positioned as far as possible to the
right.
Engine speed is
preset to provide
proper output voltage. Never attempt
to modify or adjust engine speed or
output voltage.
ENGINE BREAK-IN
After initial start-up, the engine
should be broken in according to the
manufacturer's instructions. Refer to the
engine manual for the proper break-in
procedure.
SHUT-OFF
1. Shut off and remove all electrical
load devices from the welder /
generator.
2. Allow the engine to run for 2-3
minutes with no electrical loads.
3. Rotate the engine switch to the OFF
position.
4. Verify that the welder / generator
has completely stopped.
5. Close the fuel supply valve.
6. Allow the unit to cool before
installing any covers.
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6
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