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WF 25i REEL R /4R
WF 30i REEL R /2R
Operating instructions
EN
Wire-feed unit
42,0426,0154,EN 017-11092020
Contents
Safety rules 5
Explanation of safety notices 5
General 5
Proper use 5
Environmental conditions 6
Obligations of the operator 6
Obligations of personnel 6
Mains connection 6
Protecting yourself and others 7
Danger from toxic gases and vapours 7
Danger from flying sparks 8
Risks from mains current and welding current 8
Meandering welding currents 9
EMC Device Classifications 10
EMC measures 10
EMF measures 11
Specific hazards 11
Requirement for the shielding gas 12
Danger from shielding gas cylinders 12
Danger from escaping shielding gas 13
Safety measures at the installation location and during transport 13
Safety measures in normal operation 13
Commissioning, maintenance and repair 14
Safety inspection 14
Disposal 15
Safety symbols 15
Data protection 15
Copyright 15
General 16
Safety 16
Device concept 16
Application area 16
Proper use 16
Application example 17
Warning notices on the device 17
Description of Warning Notices on the Device 20
Controls, connections and mechanical components 22
Safety 22
Controls, connections and mechanical components 22
Control panel 24
Fitting the wire-feed unit 26
Fitting the unreeling wirefeeder 26
Inserting/replacing feed rollers 27
Safety 27
General 27
4-roller drive: Inserting/replacing feed rollers 27
2-roller drive: Inserting/replacing feed rollers 28
Feeding in the wire electrode 30
Insulated routing of wire electrode to wirefeeder 30
Safety 30
2- and 4-roller drive: feeding in the wire electrode 30
4-roller drive - setting the contact pressure 31
2-roller drive - setting the contact pressure 32
Care, maintenance and disposal 33
General 33
Safety 33
Every start-up 33
Every 6 months 33
Disposal 33
Troubleshooting 34
EN
3
General 34
Safety 34
Fault diagnosis 34
Technical data 36
WF 25i REEL R /4R/G/W 36
WF 30i REEL R /2R/G/W 36
4
Safety rules
EN
Explanation of
safety notices
DANGER!
Indicates immediate danger.
If not avoided, death or serious injury will result.
▶
WARNING!
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation.
If not avoided, death or serious injury may result.
▶
CAUTION!
Indicates a situation where damage or injury could occur.
If not avoided, minor injury and/or damage to property may result.
▶
NOTE!
Indicates a risk of flawed results and possible damage to the equipment.
General The device is manufactured using state-of-the-art technology and according to recog-
nised safety standards. If used incorrectly or misused, however, it can cause:
- injury or death to the operator or a third party,
- damage to the device and other material assets belonging to the operating company,
- inefficient operation of the device.
All persons involved in commissioning, operating, maintaining and servicing the device
must:
- be suitably qualified,
- have sufficient knowledge of welding and
- read and follow these operating instructions carefully.
The operating instructions must always be at hand wherever the device is being used. In
addition to the operating instructions, attention must also be paid to any generally applicable and local regulations regarding accident prevention and environmental protection.
All safety and danger notices on the device
- must be in a legible state,
- must not be damaged,
- must not be removed,
- must not be covered, pasted or painted over.
For the location of the safety and danger notices on the device, refer to the section
headed "General" in the operating instructions for the device.
Before switching on the device, rectify any faults that could compromise safety.
This is for your personal safety!
Proper use The device is to be used exclusively for its intended purpose.
5
The device is intended solely for the welding processes specified on the rating plate.
Any use above and beyond this purpose is deemed improper. The manufacturer shall not
be held liable for any damage arising from such usage.
Proper use includes:
- carefully reading and following all the instructions given in the operating instructions
- studying and obeying all safety and danger notices carefully
- performing all stipulated inspection and maintenance work.
Never use the device for the following purposes:
- Thawing out pipes
- Charging batteries
- Starting engines
The device is designed for use in industry and the workshop. The manufacturer accepts
no responsibility for any damage caused through use in a domestic setting.
The manufacturer likewise accepts no liability for inadequate or incorrect results.
Environmental
conditions
Obligations of the
operator
Operation or storage of the device outside the stipulated area will be deemed as not in
accordance with the intended purpose. The manufacturer shall not be held liable for any
damage arising from such usage.
Ambient temperature range:
- during operation: -10 °C to + 40 °C (14 °F to 104 °F)
- during transport and storage: -20 °C to +55 °C (-4 °F to 131 °F)
Relative humidity:
- up to 50% at 40 °C (104 °F)
- up to 90% at 20 °C (68 °F)
The surrounding air must be free from dust, acids, corrosive gases or substances, etc.
Can be used at altitudes of up to 2000 m (6561 ft. 8.16 in.)
The operator must only allow persons to work with the device who:
- are familiar with the fundamental instructions regarding safety at work and accident
prevention and have been instructed in how to use the device
- have read and understood these operating instructions, especially the section
"safety rules", and have confirmed as much with their signatures
- are trained to produce the required results.
Checks must be carried out at regular intervals to ensure that operators are working in a
safety-conscious manner.
Obligations of
personnel
Mains connection Devices with a higher rating may affect the energy quality of the mains due to their cur-
6
Before using the device, all persons instructed to do so undertake:
- to observe the basic instructions regarding safety at work and accident prevention
- to read these operating instructions, especially the "Safety rules" section and sign to
confirm that they have understood them and will follow them.
Before leaving the workplace, ensure that people or property cannot come to any harm
in your absence.
rent consumption.
This may affect a number device types in terms of:
- Connection restrictions
-
Criteria with regard to the maximum permissible mains impedance
-
Criteria with regard to the minimum short-circuit power requirement
*)
at the interface with the public grid
*)
*)
see "Technical data"
In this case, the plant operator or the person using the device should check whether the
device may be connected, where appropriate by discussing the matter with the power
supply company.
IMPORTANT! Ensure that the mains connection is earthed properly
EN
Protecting yourself and others
Anyone working with the device exposes themselves to numerous risks, e.g.
- flying sparks and hot pieces of metal
- Arc radiation, which can damage eyes and skin
- Hazardous electromagnetic fields, which can endanger the lives of those using cardiac pacemakers
- Risk of electrocution from mains current and welding current
- Greater noise pollution
- Harmful welding fumes and gases
Suitable protective clothing must be worn when working with the device. The protective
clothing must have the following properties:
- Flame-resistant
- Insulating and dry
- Covers the whole body, is undamaged and in good condition
- Safety helmet
- Trousers with no turn-ups
Protective clothing refers to a variety of different items. Operators should:
- Protect eyes and face from UV rays, heat and sparks using a protective visor and
regulation filter
- Wear regulation protective goggles with side protection behind the protective visor
- Wear stout footwear that provides insulation even in wet conditions
- Protect the hands with suitable gloves (electrically insulated and providing protection
against heat)
- Wear ear protection to reduce the harmful effects of noise and to prevent injury
Danger from
toxic gases and
vapours
Keep all persons, especially children, out of the working area while any devices are in
operation or welding is in progress. If, however, there are people in the vicinity:
- Make them aware of all the dangers (risk of dazzling by the arc, injury from flying
sparks, harmful welding fumes, noise, possible risks from mains current and welding
current, etc.)
- Provide suitable protective equipment
- Alternatively, erect suitable safety screens/curtains.
The fumes produced during welding contain harmful gases and vapours.
Welding fumes contain substances that cause cancer, as stated in Monograph 118 of the
International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Use at-source extraction and a room extraction system.
If necessary, use a welding torch with an integrated extraction device.
Keep your face away from welding fumes and gases.
7
Fumes and hazardous gases
- must not be breathed in
- must be extracted from the working area using appropriate methods.
Ensure an adequate supply of fresh air. Ensure that there is a ventilation rate of at least
20 m³ per hour at all times.
Otherwise, a welding helmet with an air supply must be worn.
If there is any doubt about whether the extraction capacity is sufficient, the measured
toxic emission values should be compared with the permissible limit values.
The following components are responsible, amongst other things, for the degree of toxicity of welding fumes:
- Metals used for the workpiece
- Electrodes
- Coatings
- Cleaners, degreasers, etc.
- Welding process used
The relevant material safety data sheets and manufacturer's specifications for the listed
components should therefore be studied carefully.
Recommendations for trade fair scenarios, risk management measures and for identifying working conditions can be found on the European Welding Association website under
Health & Safety (https://european-welding.org).
Danger from flying sparks
Flammable vapours (e.g. solvent fumes) should be kept away from the arc's radiation
area.
Close the shielding gas cylinder valve or main gas supply if no welding is taking place.
Flying sparks may cause fires or explosions.
Never weld close to flammable materials.
Flammable materials must be at least 11 metres (36 ft. 1.07 in.) away from the arc, or
alternatively covered with an approved cover.
A suitable, tested fire extinguisher must be available and ready for use.
Sparks and pieces of hot metal may also get into adjacent areas through small gaps or
openings. Take appropriate precautions to prevent any danger of injury or fire.
Welding must not be performed in areas that are subject to fire or explosion or near
sealed tanks, vessels or pipes unless these have been prepared in accordance with the
relevant national and international standards.
Do not carry out welding on containers that are being or have been used to store gases,
propellants, mineral oils or similar products. Residues pose an explosive hazard.
Risks from mains
current and welding current
8
An electric shock is potentially life threatening and can be fatal.
Do not touch live parts either inside or outside the device.
During MIG/MAG welding and TIG welding, the welding wire, the wirespool, the feed
rollers and all pieces of metal that are in contact with the welding wire are live.
Always set the wirefeeder up on a sufficiently insulated surface or use a suitable, insulated wirefeeder holder.
Make sure that you and others are protected with an adequately insulated, dry base or
cover for the earth or ground potential. This base or cover must extend over the entire
area between the body and the earth or ground potential.
All cables and leads must be secured, undamaged, insulated and adequately dimensioned. Replace loose connections and scorched, damaged, or inadequately dimensioned cables and leads immediately.
Use the handle to ensure the power connections are tight before every use.
In the case of power cables with a bayonet connector, rotate the power cable around the
longitudinal axis by at least 180° and pretension.
Do not wrap cables or leads around the body or parts of the body.
The electrode (rod electrode, tungsten electrode, welding wire, etc.) must
- never be immersed in liquid for cooling
- Never touch the electrode when the power source is switched on.
Double the open circuit voltage of a power source can occur between the welding electrodes of two power sources. Touching the potentials of both electrodes at the same time
may be fatal under certain circumstances.
Arrange for the mains cable to be checked regularly by a qualified electrician to ensure
the ground conductor is functioning properly.
Protection class I devices require a mains supply with ground conductor and a connector
system with ground conductor contact for proper operation.
EN
Operation of the device on a mains supply without ground conductor and on a socket
without ground conductor contact is only permitted if all national regulations for protective
separation are observed.
Otherwise, this is considered gross negligence. The manufacturer shall not be held liable
for any damage arising from such usage.
If necessary, provide adequate earthing for the workpiece.
Switch off unused devices.
Wear a safety harness if working at height.
Before working on the device, switch it off and pull out the mains plug.
Attach a clearly legible and easy-to-understand warning sign to the device to prevent
anyone from plugging the mains plug back in and switching it on again.
After opening the device:
- Discharge all live components
- Ensure that all components in the device are de-energised.
If work on live parts is required, appoint a second person to switch off the main switch at
the right moment.
Meandering welding currents
If the following instructions are ignored, meandering welding currents can develop with
the following consequences:
- Fire hazard
- Overheating of parts connected to the workpiece
- Irreparable damage to ground conductors
- Damage to device and other electrical equipment
Ensure that the workpiece is held securely by the workpiece clamp.
Attach the workpiece clamp as close as possible to the area that is to be welded.
9
Position the device with sufficient insulation against electrically conductive environments,
e.g. Insulation against conductive floor or insulation to conductive racks.
If distribution boards, twin-head mounts, etc., are being used, note the following: The
electrode of the welding torch / electrode holder that is not used is also live. Make sure
that the welding torch / electrode holder that is not used is kept sufficiently insulated.
In the case of automated MIG/MAG applications, ensure that only an insulated wire electrode is routed from the welding wire drum, large wirefeeder spool or wirespool to the
wirefeeder.
EMC Device Classifications
EMC measures In certain cases, even though a device complies with the standard limit values for emis-
Devices in emission class A:
- Are only designed for use in industrial settings
- Can cause line-bound and radiated interference in other areas
Devices in emission class B:
- Satisfy the emissions criteria for residential and industrial areas. This is also true for
residential areas in which the energy is supplied from the public low-voltage mains.
EMC device classification as per the rating plate or technical data.
sions, it may affect the application area for which it was designed (e.g. when there is
sensitive equipment at the same location, or if the site where the device is installed is
close to either radio or television receivers).
If this is the case, then the operator is obliged to take appropriate action to rectify the
situation.
Check and evaluate the immunity to interference of nearby devices according to national
and international regulations. Examples of equipment that may be susceptible to interference from the device include:
- Safety devices
- Power, signal and data transfer lines
- IT and telecommunications devices
- Measuring and calibrating devices
Supporting measures for avoidance of EMC problems:
1. Mains supply
- If electromagnetic interference arises despite correct mains connection, addi-
tional measures are necessary (e.g. use a suitable line filter).
2. Welding power leads
- must be kept as short as possible
- must run close together (to avoid EMF problems)
- must be kept well apart from other leads
3. Equipotential bonding
4. Earthing of the workpiece
- If necessary, establish an earth connection using suitable capacitors.
5. Shielding, if necessary
- Shield off other nearby devices
- Shield off entire welding installation
10
EMF measures Electromagnetic fields may pose as yet unknown risks to health:
- effects on the health of others in the vicinity, e.g. wearers of pacemakers and hearing aids
- wearers of pacemakers must seek advice from their doctor before approaching the
device or any welding that is in progress
- for safety reasons, keep distances between the welding cables and the welder's
head/torso as large as possible
- do not carry welding cables and hosepacks over the shoulders or wind them around
any part of the body
Specific hazards Keep hands, hair, clothing and tools away from moving parts. For example:
- Fans
- Cogs
- Rollers
- Shafts
- Wirespools and welding wires
Do not reach into the rotating cogs of the wire drive or into rotating drive components.
Covers and side panels may only be opened/removed while maintenance or repair work
is being carried out.
During operation
- Ensure that all covers are closed and all side panels are fitted properly.
- Keep all covers and side panels closed.
EN
The welding wire emerging from the welding torch poses a high risk of injury (piercing of
the hand, injuries to the face and eyes, etc.).
Therefore always keep the welding torch away from the body (devices with wire-feed
unit) and wear suitable protective goggles.
Never touch the workpiece during or after welding - risk of burns.
Slag can jump off cooling workpieces. The specified protective equipment must therefore
also be worn when reworking workpieces, and steps must be taken to ensure that other
people are also adequately protected.
Welding torches and other parts with a high operating temperature must be allowed to
cool down before handling.
Special provisions apply in areas at risk of fire or explosion - observe relevant
national and international regulations.
Power sources for work in areas with increased electric risk (e.g. near boilers) must carry
the "Safety" sign. However, the power source must not be located in such areas.
Risk of scalding from escaping coolant. Switch off cooling unit before disconnecting
coolant flow or return lines.
Observe the information on the coolant safety data sheet when handling coolant. The
coolant safety data sheet may be obtained from your service centre or downloaded from
the manufacturer's website.
Use only suitable load-carrying equipment supplied by the manufacturer when transporting devices by crane.
- Hook chains and/or ropes onto all suspension points provided on the load-carrying
equipment.
- Chains and ropes must be at the smallest angle possible to the vertical.
- Remove gas cylinder and wire-feed unit (MIG/MAG and TIG devices).
11
If the wire-feed unit is attached to a crane holder during welding, always use a suitable,
insulated wirefeeder hoisting attachment (MIG/MAG and TIG devices).
If the device has a carrying strap or handle, this is intended solely for carrying by hand.
The carrying strap is not to be used if transporting with a crane, counterbalanced lift truck
or other mechanical hoist.
All lifting accessories (straps, handles, chains, etc.) used in connection with the device or
its components must be tested regularly (e.g. for mechanical damage, corrosion or
changes caused by other environmental factors).
The testing interval and scope of testing must comply with applicable national standards
and directives as a minimum.
Odourless and colourless shielding gas may escape unnoticed if an adapter is used for
the shielding gas connection. Prior to assembly, seal the device-side thread of the
adapter for the shielding gas connection using suitable Teflon tape.
Requirement for
the shielding gas
Danger from
shielding gas cylinders
Especially with ring lines, contaminated shielding gas can cause damage to equipment
and reduce welding quality.
Meet the following requirements regarding shielding gas quality:
- Solid particle size < 40 µm
- Pressure condensation point < -20 °C
- Max. oil content < 25 mg/m³
Use filters if necessary.
Shielding gas cylinders contain gas under pressure and can explode if damaged. As the
shielding gas cylinders are part of the welding equipment, they must be handled with the
greatest of care.
Protect shielding gas cylinders containing compressed gas from excessive heat, mechanical impact, slag, naked flames, sparks and arcs.
Mount the shielding gas cylinders vertically and secure according to instructions to prevent them falling over.
Keep the shielding gas cylinders well away from any welding or other electrical circuits.
Never hang a welding torch on a shielding gas cylinder.
Never touch a shielding gas cylinder with an electrode.
12
Risk of explosion - never attempt to weld a pressurised shielding gas cylinder.
Only use shielding gas cylinders suitable for the application in hand, along with the correct and appropriate accessories (regulator, hoses and fittings). Only use shielding gas
cylinders and accessories that are in good condition.
Turn your face to one side when opening the valve of a shielding gas cylinder.
Close the shielding gas cylinder valve if no welding is taking place.
If the shielding gas cylinder is not connected, leave the valve cap in place on the cylinder.
The manufacturer's instructions must be observed as well as applicable national and
international regulations for shielding gas cylinders and accessories.
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