Users of ESAB equipment have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that anyone who
works on or near the equipment observes all the relevant safety precautions. Safety
precautions must meet the requirements that apply to this type of equipment. The following
recommendations should be observed in addition to the standard regulations that apply to
the workplace.
All work must be carried out by trained personnel well-acquainted with the operation of the
equipment. Incorrect operation of the equipment may lead to hazardous situations which can
result in injury to the operator and damage to the equipment.
1.Anyone who uses the equipment must be familiar with:
○its operation
○location of emergency stops
○its function
○relevant safety precautions
○welding and cutting or other applicable operation of the equipment
2.The operator must ensure that:
○no unauthorised person is stationed within the working area of the equipment when it
is started up
○no-one is unprotected when the arc is struck or work is started with the equipment
3.The workplace must:
○be suitable for the purpose
○be free from drafts
4.Personal safety equipment:
○Always wear recommended personal safety equipment, such as safety glasses,
flame-proof clothing, safety gloves
○Do not wear loose-fitting items, such as scarves, bracelets, rings, etc., which could
become trapped or cause burns
5.General precautions:
○Make sure the return cable is connected securely
○Work on high voltage equipment may only be carried out by a qualified electrician
○Appropriate fire extinguishing equipment must be clearly marked and close at hand
○Lubrication and maintenance must not be carried out on the equipment during
Arc welding and cutting can be injurious to yourself and others. Take precautions
when welding and cutting. Ask for your employer's safety practices which should
be based on manufacturers' hazard data.
ELECTRIC SHOCK - Can kill
•Install and earth the unit in accordance with applicable standards
•Do not touch live electrical parts or electrodes with bare skin, wet gloves or
wet clothing
•Insulate yourself from earth and the workpiece
•Ensure your working stance is safe
FUMES AND GASES - Can be dangerous to health
•Keep your head out of the fumes
•Use ventilation, extraction at the arc, or both, to take fumes and gases away
from your breathing zone and the general area
ARC RAYS - Can injure eyes and burn skin
•Protect your eyes and body. Use the correct welding screen and filter lens and
wear protective clothing
•Protect bystanders with suitable screens or curtains
FIRE HAZARD
•Sparks (spatter) can cause fire. Make sure therefore that there are no
inflammable materials nearby
NOISE - Excessive noise can damage hearing
•Protect your ears. Use earmuffs or other hearing protection.
•Warn bystanders of the risk
MALFUNCTION - Call for expert assistance in the event of malfunction.
Read and understand the instruction manual before installing or operating.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS!
WARNING!
Do not use the power source for thawing frozen pipes.
CAUTION!
Read and understand the instruction manual before
installing or operating.
0463 369 001
CAUTION!
Class A equipment is not intended for use in residential
locations where the electrical power is provided by the
public low-voltage supply system. There may be potential
difficulties in ensuring electromagnetic compatibility of
class A equipment in those locations, due to conducted
as well as radiated disturbances.
The Heliarc 283i and 353i AC/DC are welding power sources intended for MMA and TIG
welding. The Heliarc 283i is rated up to 280 A and the Heliarc 353i up to 350 A.
A 230 V AC auxiliary supply is available, accessed through the rear panel, when using the
Heliarc cooling unit.
The Heliarc cooling unit is used with the Heliarc 283i and 353i AC/DC. It distributes 2
litres/min, with the torch connected, with a power of 60 W.
A trolley is an option available for the power sources.
ESAB's accessories for the product can be found in the "ACCESSORIES" chapter of
this manual.
The installation must be carried out by a professional.
4.2Lifting instructions
Lifting the power source by hand.
WARNING!
The power source weighs 50 kg (110 lbs).
WARNING!
Be two persons and lift the power
source by using the two handles.
Lifting the power source using hoist and strap.
WARNING!
Lift the power source by using the
eyebolt. Keep the power supply
as horizontal as possible.
WARNING!
Secure the equipment particularly if the ground is
uneven or sloping.
4.3Location
Position the welding power source such that its cooling air inlets and outlets are not
obstructed. Make sure that no deposits or dust goes into the power source. Prevent impacts,
rubbing and exposure to dripping water, excessive heat sources or any unusual situations.
This equipment complies with IEC 61000-3-12 provided that the short-circuit
power is greater than or equal to S
supply and the public system. It is the responsibility of the installer or user of the
equipment to ensure, by consultation with the distribution network operator if
necessary, that the equipment is connected only to a supply with a short-circuit
power greater than or equal to S
scmin
TECHNICAL DATA chapter.
CAUTION!
Make sure that the ON/OFF switch is set to OFF (0) before making any electrical
connections between the power source and the mains power supply.
Make sure that the welding power source is connected to the correct supply voltage and that
it is protected by the correct fuse rating. The mains distribution panel must comply with the
regulations in force in the country of use. The mains supply system must be of the industrial
type.
at the interface point between the user's
scmin
. Refer to the technical data in the
A protective earth connection must be made in accordance with regulations. The power
source must be correctly connected to earth to protect the operator. It is indispensable to
provide good earthing by means of the yellow-green lead in the power cable, to prevent
discharges due to accidental contacts with earthed objects. The chassis, which is conductive,
is electrically connected with the earth lead. If the equipment is not correct connected with
the earth lead it may cause electric shocks which are dangerous for the operator.
The power source works at mains voltages differing by 20% from the rated mains (400 V
rated, minimum voltage 320 V, maximum voltage 480 V).
Make sure that the Heliarc is correctly connected to earth to protect the operator. It is
indispensable to provide good earthing by means of the yellow-green lead in the power
cable, to prevent discharges due to accidental contacts with earthed objects.
The chassis, which is conductive, is electrically connected with the earth lead. If the
equipment is not correct connected with the earth lead it may cause electric shocks which
are dangerous for the operator.
The cooling unit must be connected to the power source with the special ILME multipole plug
supplied. Make sure that the power source is turned off and disconnected from the mains
power supply before making any electrical connections between the cooling unit and the
power source.
If the cooling unit is going to be connected to three phase mains voltage, replace the special
ILME 4-way plug with a three phase plug. Connect the supply wires to only two of the
contacts (black-brown) of the plug and the earth led (yellow/green) to the earth contact.
1.Remove the screws (1), the safety bolt (2) and the door panel (3).
2.Remove the plastic cap at the rear of the trolley chassi.
3.Pull the cooling unit input cable through the hole at the rear of the trolley chassi.
4.Fasten the input cable with the screws (4).
The Heliarc 353i AC/DC is already equipped with a connector to connect the cooling unit. To
start the cooling unit it is necessary to switch on both the power source and the cooling unit.
Hydraulic connection
Connect the water delivery pipe of the torch to water output coupling on the cooling unit.
Connect the water return pipe of the torch to the water input coupling on the cooling unit.
General safety regulations for handling the equipment can be found in the "SAFETY"
chapter of this manual. Read it through before you start using the equipment!
5.2Connections and control devices power source
Front connections
TypeConnectionPINDescription
YESAGas
TIG
TypeConnectionPINDescription
MMA
TIG TORCHBNegative
YESD-FPin
EARTH CLAMPEPositive
NOAGas
EARTH CLAMPBNegative
POSSIBLE REMOTEFPin
ELECTRODEEPositive
NOTE!
Connection D, 2 pin cannon, can be used for either analogue foot control or
torch.
1.Press the select mode button (1) repeatedly until the TIG four stroke LED is lit.
2.Press the slope up/down button (3) once to adjust the down slope (ds displayed in V
window). Press the slope up/down button (3) twice to adjust the up slope (us displayed in
V window). Use the enconder knob (2) to adjust the slope time, 0.1 to 10 seconds.
3.Press the base current button (4) and adjust the current level (10-90% of main amps)
with the encoder knob (2).
5.3.6TIG (GTAW) spot mode
1.Press the select mode button (1) repeatedly until the TIG Spot mode LED is lit.
2.Adjust the spot time, shown in A display, with the encoder knob (2).
3.Set the spot welding current level in Normal TIG mode.
4.Press the select mode button (1) repeatedly until the TIG Spot mode LED is lit.
5.3.7AC mode
1.Press the AC mode button (1) to turn on the AC mode.
2.Adjust the spot time, shown in A display, with the AC frequency button (2).
3.Adjust the balance (10 to 90%) with the AC balance button (3).
4.Press the AC mode button (1) for 3 seconds to turn off the AC mode.
2.Press the select mode button for 2 seconds and release it. The LED blinks and the
display shows "HS".
3.Adjust the value of "Hot start", from 0 to 100% of the main welding current set (max 135
A), with the encoder knob.
5.5Main functions power source
TIG 2-stroke
Ampere
A = Pre gas
B = Arc ON
C = t slope
D = Arc OFF
E = Post gas time
F = Torch trigger ON
G = Torch trigger OFF
t
TIG 4-stroke
Ampere
A = Pre gas
B = Arc ON
C1= t slope up
C2= t slope down
D = Arc off
E = Post gas time
F = Torch trigger ON
G = Torch trigger OFF
H = Torch trigger ON/OFF
t
TIG dual schedule
The TIG dual schedule function allows the operator to use 2 current level switching from the
main and base current by quickly pressing the trigger torch.
When welding in AC/DC it is possible to adjust the AC frequency from 20 to 200 Hz with the
AC frequency button.
I
(A)
OUT
It is also possible to adjust the AC balance from 10% to 90% EN (Electrode Negative) with
the AC balance button. The figure below shows 2 extreme conditions.
Case A: Maximum cleaning, minimum penetration, Tungsten electrode wear out.
Case B: Maximum penetration, minimum cleaning, limited Tungsten electrode wear out.
The best compromise is normally with a balance of 80% and 80 Hz of frequency.
For AC/DC and DC welding, Grey Cerium or Gold Lanthanium electrodes are recommended.
In case of change fron AC/DC to DC welding substitute the electrode. A tip is made on the
electrode as shown in the figure below.
The angle varies as the welding current varies. The table below show recommended values.
Angle (°)Welding current
305-30
60 - 9030 - 120
90 - 120120 - 160
Filler material
Many kinds of material can be treated, however there are som basic rules:
1.The rods of weld material must have the same mechanical and chemical properties as
the material to be welded.
2.It is recommended not to use parts of the base material, as they could contain impurities
due to the work process.
3.If the material used has a different chemical composition, it is advisable to assess the
final characteristics of the joint, both mechanical and anti-corrosive.
Gas
The protection gas normally used is pure argon with a quantity that varies according to the
current used (4-6 l/min).
TIG welding on copper
Due to the properties already described, TIG welding is also excellent for working on
materials with high heat conductivity. The gas used is always argon and, in the case of
copper, the use of a backing support is recommended. Preparation of the edges for welding
copper (flat butt joint).
The electrode used is of the same type described for welding steel, it is prepared as
described above. To prevent possible oxidation in the welded area, weld materials containing
phosphor, silicon and deoxidizing components are used.
The duty cycle refers to the time as a percentage of a ten-minute period that you can weld or
cut at a certain load without overloading. The duty cycle is valid for 40°C/104°F, or below.
If the power source is overheated:
•The over temperature LED is lit
•Wait for 10 minutes before starting welding again
At the first start, the cooling unit might alarm due to lack of liquid in the pipes.
Wait a few minutes or turn the cooling unit ON and OFF a couple of times.
NOTE!
The cooling unit alarms if the torch is not connected, damaged or if the liquid
level is to low.
1.Check that the cooling unit is filled with coolant to the maximum level. If not, fill the
cooling unit to the maximum level.
2.Make all the electrical and hydraulic connections.
3.Turn on the power source to feed the cooling unit.
4.Turn on the cooling unit.
5.Make sure that the coolant is circulating through the hydraulic circuit of the torch and
returning to the tank.
6.Check the level of coolant again and top up if necessary.
NOTE!
Check the coolant level regurlarly and top up if necessary.
Lack of coolant
If air get into the pump due to lack of coolant or no coolant, the following can happen:
•the alarm is activated
•the pump sounds loud
•the coolant does not circulate
To solve the problem do the following actions:
1.Make sure that there is coolant in the cooling unit and at the maximum level.
2.Disconnect the torch hose from the hot-water return (red hose).
Regular maintenance is important for safe, reliable operation.
Only personnel with the appropriate electrical skills (authorized staff) may remove safety
plates.
CAUTION!
All warranty undertakings from the supplier cease to apply if the customer
attempts any work to rectify any faults in the product during the warranty period.
6.2Power source
Check regularly that the welding power source is not clogged with dirt. Clogged or blocked
air inlets and outlets can result in overheating.
How often and which cleaning methods apply depend on:
•the welding process
•the arc times
•the environment
•the surrounding environment
It is normally sufficient to blow down the power source with dry compressed air (reduced
pressure) once a year.
6.3Welding torch
A regular programme of care and maintenance reduces unnecessary and expensive
downtime.
Each time a wire bobbin is changed, the welding torch should be removed from the power
source and blown clean with compressed air.
The wire end must not have sharp edges when inserted into the wire liner.
For detailed information see instruction manuals for welding torches.
6.4Cooling unit
For the cooling unit it is sufficient to keep the inside clean. A dusty environment requires a
more frequent cleaning.
WARNING!
Before any actions are taken, disconnet the cooling unit from the mains power
supply (disconnect the ILME 4-way connector from the power source).
To clean the cooling unit do the following:
1.Disconnect and remove the cooling unit from the power source.
2.Remove all the coolant from the cooling unit.
3.Clean the inside of the cooling unit with compressed air, not higher than 3 bar.
4.Check that all the electrical connections are tightened.
5.Check that all the hydraulic connections are tightened.
Repair and electrical work should be performed by an authorised ESAB service technician.
Use only ESAB original spare and wear parts.
The Heliarc 283i and Heliarc 353i AC/DC are designed and tested in accordance with
international and european standards IEC/EN 60974-1 and IEC/EN 60974-10. On
completion of service or repair work, it is the responsibility of the person(s) performing the
work to ensure that the product still complies with the requirements of the above standard.
The Heliarc cooling unit is designed and tested in accordance with international and
european standard IEC/EN 60974-2. On completion of service or repair work, it is the
responsibility of the person(s) performing the work to ensure that the product still complies
with the requirements of the above standard.
Spare parts may be ordered through your nearest ESAB dealer, see the last page of this
document.