Lincoln Electric E500 User Manual

IM656-A

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RED-D-ARC
E500

For use with machines having Code Numbers:

April, 2004

10649, 11042

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Red-D-Arc Spec-Built Welding Equipment

This RED-D-ARC welder is built to RED-D-ARC Extreme Duty
design specifications by Lincoln Electric.

Safety Depends on You

This welder is designed and built with safety in mind.

However, your overall safety can be increased by proper installation

... and thoughtful operation on your part.

DO NOT INSTALL, OPERATE OR REPAIR THIS EQUIPMENT
WITHOUT READING THIS MANUAL AND THE SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS CONTAINED THROUGHOUT.

And, most importantly, think before you act and be careful.

1-800-245-3660

North America’s Largest Fleet of Welding Equipment

i

SAFETY

WARNING

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNINGS

Diesel engine exhaust and some of its constituents
are known to the State of California to cause can­cer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm.

The Above For Diesel Engines

ARC WELDING CAN BE HAZARDOUS. PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS FROM POSSIBLE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. PACEMAKER WEARERS SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR DOCTOR BEFORE OPERATING.

Read and understand the following safety highlights. For additional safety information, it is strongly recommended that you
purchase a copy of “Safety in Welding & Cutting - ANSI Standard Z49.1” from the American Welding Society, P.O. Box 351040,
Miami, Florida 33135 or CSA Standard W117.2-1974. A Free copy of “Arc Welding Safety” booklet E205 is available from the
Lincoln Electric Company, 22801 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44117-1199.

BE SURE THAT ALL INSTALLATION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PROCEDURES ARE
PERFORMED ONLY BY QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS.

The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

The Above For Gasoline Engines

i

FOR ENGINE
powered equipment.

1.a. Turn the engine off before troubleshooting and maintenance
work unless the maintenance work requires it to be running.

____________________________________________________

1.b.Operate engines in open, well-ventilated
areas or vent the engine exhaust fumes
outdoors.

____________________________________________________

1.c. Do not add the fuel near an open flame weld-

ing arc or when the engine is running. Stop
the engine and allow it to cool before refuel­ing to prevent spilled fuel from vaporizing on
contact with hot engine parts and igniting. Do
not spill fuel when filling tank. If fuel is spilled,
wipe it up and do not start engine until fumes
have been eliminated.

____________________________________________________

1.d. Keep all equipment safety guards, covers

and devices in position and in good
repair.Keep hands, hair, clothing and tools
away from V-belts, gears, fans and all other
moving parts when starting, operating or
repairing equipment.

____________________________________________________

1.e. In some cases it may be necessary to remove safety
guards to perform required maintenance. Remove
guards only when necessary and replace them when the
maintenance requiring their removal is complete.
Always use the greatest care when working near moving
parts.

___________________________________________________

1.f. Do not put your hands near the engine fan. Do not attempt to
override the governor or idler by pushing on the throttle con­trol rods while the engine is running.

___________________________________________________

1.g. To prevent accidentally starting gasoline engines while
turning the engine or welding generator during maintenance
work, disconnect the spark plug wires, distributor cap or
magneto wire as appropriate.

1.h. To avoid scalding, do not remove the
radiator pressure cap when the engine is
hot.

ELECTRIC AND
MAGNETIC FIELDS
may be dangerous

2.a. Electric current flowing through any conductor causes
localized Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF). Welding
current creates EMF fields around welding cables and
welding machines

2.b. EMF fields may interfere with some pacemakers, and
welders having a pacemaker should consult their physician
before welding.

2.c. Exposure to EMF fields in welding may have other health
effects which are now not known.

2.d. All welders should use the following procedures in order to
minimize exposure to EMF fields from the welding circuit:

2.d.1.

Route the electrode and work cables together - Secure
them with tape when possible.

2.d.2. Never coil the electrode lead around your body.

2.d.3. Do not place your body between the electrode and

work cables. If the electrode cable is on your right
side, the work cable should also be on your right side.

2.d.4. Connect the work cable to the workpiece as close as

possible to the area being welded.

2.d.5. Do not work next to welding power source.

Mar ‘95

E500

ii

SAFETY

ii

ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.

3.a. The electrode and work (or ground) circuits
are electrically “hot” when the welder is on.
Do not touch these “hot” parts with your bare
skin or wet clothing. Wear dry, hole-free
gloves to insulate hands.

3.b. Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry insulation.
Make certain the insulation is large enough to cover your full
area of physical contact with work and ground.

In addition to the normal safety precautions, if welding
must be performed under electrically hazardous
conditions (in damp locations or while wearing wet
clothing; on metal structures such as floors, gratings or
scaffolds; when in cramped positions such as sitting,
kneeling or lying, if there is a high risk of unavoidable or
accidental contact with the workpiece or ground) use
the following equipment:

• Semiautomatic DC Constant Voltage (Wire) Welder.

• DC Manual (Stick) Welder.

• AC Welder with Reduced Voltage Control.

3.c. In semiautomatic or automatic wire welding, the electrode,
electrode reel, welding head, nozzle or semiautomatic
welding gun are also electrically “hot”.

3.d. Always be sure the work cable makes a good electrical
connection with the metal being welded. The connection
should be as close as possible to the area being welded.

3.e. Ground the work or metal to be welded to a good electrical
(earth) ground.

3.f.

Maintain the electrode holder, work clamp, welding cable and
welding machine in good, safe operating condition. Replace
damaged insulation.

3.g. Never dip the electrode in water for cooling.

3.h. Never simultaneously touch electrically “hot” parts of
electrode holders connected to two welders because voltage
between the two can be the total of the open circuit voltage
of both welders.

3.i. When working above floor level, use a safety belt to protect
yourself from a fall should you get a shock.

3.j. Also see Items 6.c. and 8.

ARC RAYS can burn.

4.a. Use a shield with the proper filter and cover
plates to protect your eyes from sparks and
the rays of the arc when welding or observing
open arc welding. Headshield and filter lens
should conform to ANSI Z87. I standards.

4.b. Use suitable clothing made from durable flame-resistant
material to protect your skin and that of your helpers from
the arc rays.

4.c. Protect other nearby personnel with suitable, non-flammable
screening and/or warn them not to watch the arc nor expose
themselves to the arc rays or to hot spatter or metal.

FUMES AND GASES
can be dangerous.

5.a. Welding may produce fumes and gases
hazardous to health. Avoid breathing these
fumes and gases.When welding, keep
your head out of the fume. Use enough
ventilation and/or exhaust at the arc to keep

fumes and gases away from the breathing zone. When

welding with electrodes which require special
ventilation such as stainless or hard facing (see
instructions on container or MSDS) or on lead or
cadmium plated steel and other metals or coatings
which produce highly toxic fumes, keep exposure as
low as possible and below Threshold Limit Values (TLV)
using local exhaust or mechanical ventilation. In
confined spaces or in some circumstances, outdoors, a
respirator may be required. Additional precautions are
also required when welding on galvanized steel.

5.b.

Do not weld in locations near chlorinated hydrocarbon
coming from degreasing, cleaning or spraying operations.
The heat and rays of the arc can react with solvent vapors
form phosgene, a highly toxic gas, and other irritating
products.

5.c. Shielding gases used for arc welding can displace air and
cause injury or death. Always use enough ventilation,
especially in confined areas, to insure breathing air is safe.

5.d. Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for this

equipment and the consumables to be used, including the
material safety data sheet (MSDS) and follow your
employer’s safety practices. MSDS forms are available from
your welding distributor or from the manufacturer.

vapors

to

5.e. Also see item 1.b.

Mar ‘95

E500

iii

SAFETY

iii

WELDING SPARKS can
cause fire or explosion.

6.a.

Remove fire hazards from the welding area.

If this is not possible, cover them to prevent

the welding sparks from starting a fire.

materials from welding can easily go through small cracks
and openings to adjacent areas. Avoid welding near
hydraulic lines. Have a fire extinguisher readily available.

6.b. Where compressed gases are to be used at the job site,
special precautions should be used to prevent hazardous
situations. Refer to “Safety in Welding and Cutting” (ANSI
Standard Z49.1) and the operating information for the
equipment being used.

6.c. When not welding, make certain no part of the electrode
circuit is touching the work or ground. Accidental contact can
cause overheating and create a fire hazard.

6.d. Do not heat, cut or weld tanks, drums or containers until the
proper steps have been taken to insure that such procedures
will not cause flammable or toxic vapors from substances
inside. They can cause an explosion even
been “cleaned”. For information, purchase “Recommended
Safe Practices for the
Containers and Piping That Have Held Hazardous
Substances”, AWS F4.1 from the American Welding Society

(see address above).

6.e. Vent hollow castings or containers before heating, cutting or
welding. They may explode.

Sparks and spatter are thrown from the welding arc. Wear oil

6.f.
free protective garments such as leather gloves, heavy shirt,
cuffless trousers, high shoes and a cap over your hair. Wear
ear plugs when welding out of position or in confined places.
Always wear safety glasses with side shields when in a
welding area.

6.g. Connect the work cable to the work as close to the welding
area as practical. Work cables connected to the building
framework or other locations away from the welding area
increase the possibility of the welding current passing
through lifting chains, crane cables or other alternate circuits.
This can create fire hazards or overheat lifting chains or
cables until they fail.

6.h. Also see item 1.c.

Remember that welding sparks and hot

though

they have

Preparation

for Welding and Cutting of

CYLINDER may explode
if damaged.

7.a. Use only compressed gas cylinders
containing the correct shielding gas for the
process used and properly operating
regulators designed for the gas and

pressure used. All hoses, fittings, etc. should be suitable for
the application and maintained in good condition.

7.b. Always keep cylinders in an upright position securely
chained to an undercarriage or fixed support.

7.c. Cylinders should be located:

• Away from areas where they may be struck or subjected to

physical damage.

• A safe distance from arc welding or cutting operations and

any other source of heat, sparks, or flame.

7.d. Never allow the electrode, electrode holder or any other
electrically “hot” parts to touch a cylinder.

7.e. Keep your head and face away from the cylinder valve outlet
when opening the cylinder valve.

7.f. Valve protection caps should always be in place and hand
tight except when the cylinder is in use or connected for
use.

7.g. Read and follow the instructions on compressed gas
cylinders, associated equipment, and CGA publication P-l,
“Precautions for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in
Cylinders,” available from the Compressed Gas Association
1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.

FOR ELECTRICALLY
powered equipment.

8.a. Turn off input power using the disconnect
switch at the fuse box before working on
the equipment.

8.b. Install equipment in accordance with the U.S. National
Electrical Code, all local codes and the manufacturer’s
recommendations.

8.c. Ground the equipment in accordance with the U.S. National
Electrical Code and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Mar ‘95

E500

iv

SAFETY

iv

PRÉCAUTIONS DE SÛRETÉ

Pour votre propre protection lire et observer toutes les instructions
et les précautions de sûreté specifiques qui parraissent dans ce
manuel aussi bien que les précautions de sûreté générales suiv­antes:

Sûreté Pour Soudage A L’Arc

1. Protegez-vous contre la secousse électrique:

a. Les circuits à l’électrode et à la piéce sont sous tension

quand la machine à souder est en marche. Eviter toujours
tout contact entre les parties sous tension et la peau nue
ou les vétements mouillés. Porter des gants secs et sans
trous pour isoler les mains.

b. Faire trés attention de bien s’isoler de la masse quand on

soude dans des endroits humides, ou sur un plancher met­allique ou des grilles metalliques, principalement dans
les positions assis ou couché pour lesquelles une grande
partie du corps peut être en contact avec la masse.

c. Maintenir le porte-électrode, la pince de masse, le câble de

soudage et la machine à souder en bon et sûr état defonc­tionnement.

d.Ne jamais plonger le porte-électrode dans l’eau pour le

refroidir.

e. Ne jamais toucher simultanément les parties sous tension

des porte-électrodes connectés à deux machines à soud­er parce que la tension entre les deux pinces peut être le
total de la tension à vide des deux machines.

f. Si on utilise la machine à souder comme une source de

courant pour soudage semi-automatique, ces precautions
pour le porte-électrode s’applicuent aussi au pistolet de
soudage.

zones où l’on pique le laitier.

6. Eloigner les matériaux inflammables ou les recouvrir afin de
prévenir tout risque d’incendie dû aux étincelles.

7. Quand on ne soude pas, poser la pince à une endroit isolé de
la masse. Un court-circuit accidental peut provoquer un
échauffement et un risque d’incendie.

8. S’assurer que la masse est connectée le plus prés possible de
la zone de travail qu’il est pratique de le faire. Si on place la
masse sur la charpente de la construction ou d’autres endroits
éloignés de la zone de travail, on augmente le risque de voir
passer le courant de soudage par les chaines de levage,
câbles de grue, ou autres circuits. Cela peut provoquer des
risques d’incendie ou d’echauffement des chaines et des
câbles jusqu’à ce qu’ils se rompent.

9. Assurer une ventilation suffisante dans la zone de soudage.
Ceci est particuliérement important pour le soudage de tôles
galvanisées plombées, ou cadmiées ou tout autre métal qui
produit des fumeés toxiques.

10. Ne pas souder en présence de vapeurs de chlore provenant
d’opérations de dégraissage, nettoyage ou pistolage. La
chaleur ou les rayons de l’arc peuvent réagir avec les vapeurs
du solvant pour produire du phosgéne (gas fortement toxique)
ou autres produits irritants.

11. Pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements sur la sûreté, voir
le code “Code for safety in welding and cutting” CSA Standard
W 117.2-1974.

2. Dans le cas de travail au dessus du niveau du sol, se protéger
contre les chutes dans le cas ou on recoit un choc. Ne jamais
enrouler le câble-électrode autour de n’importe quelle partie
du corps.

3. Un coup d’arc peut être plus sévère qu’un coup de soliel,
donc:

a. Utiliser un bon masque avec un verre filtrant approprié

ainsi qu’un verre blanc afin de se protéger les yeux du ray­onnement de l’arc et des projections quand on soude ou
quand on regarde l’arc.

b. Porter des vêtements convenables afin de protéger la

peau de soudeur et des aides contre le rayonnement de
l‘arc.

c. Protéger l’autre personnel travaillant à proximité au

soudage à l’aide d’écrans appropriés et non-inflammables.

4. Des gouttes de laitier en fusion sont émises de l’arc de
soudage. Se protéger avec des vêtements de protection libres
de l’huile, tels que les gants en cuir, chemise épaisse, pan­talons sans revers, et chaussures montantes.

5. Toujours porter des lunettes de sécurité dans la zone de
soudage. Utiliser des lunettes avec écrans lateraux dans les

PRÉCAUTIONS DE SÛRETÉ POUR
LES MACHINES À SOUDER À
TRANSFORMATEUR ET À
REDRESSEUR

1. Relier à la terre le chassis du poste conformement au code de
l’électricité et aux recommendations du fabricant. Le dispositif
de montage ou la piece à souder doit être branché à une
bonne mise à la terre.

2. Autant que possible, I’installation et l’entretien du poste seront
effectués par un électricien qualifié.

3. Avant de faires des travaux à l’interieur de poste, la debranch­er à l’interrupteur à la boite de fusibles.

4. Garder tous les couvercles et dispositifs de sûreté à leur
place.

Mar. ‘93

E500

for selecting this QUALITY product. We want you to take pride in

Thank You

operating this product ••• as much pride as we have in bringing this
product to you!

Please Examine Carton and Equipment For Damage Immediately

When this equipment is shipped, title passes to the purchaser upon receipt by the carrier. Consequently, Claims
for material damaged in shipment must be made by the purchaser against the transportation company at the
time the shipment is received.

Please record your equipment identification information below for future reference. This information can be found
on your machine nameplate.

Model Name & Number _____________________________________

Code & Serial Number _____________________________________

Date of Purchase _____________________________________

Whenever you request replacement parts for or information on this equipment always supply the information you
have recorded above.

vv

Read this Operators Manual completely before attempting to use this equipment. Save this manual and keep it

handy for quick reference. Pay particular attention to the safety instructions we have provided for your protection.
The level of seriousness to be applied to each is explained below:

WARNING

This statement appears where the information must be followed exactly to avoid serious personal injury or
loss of life.

CAUTION

This statement appears where the information must be followed to avoid minor personal injury or damage to
this equipment.

E500

vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section A

Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Input Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Output Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section B

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section C

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section D

Troubleshooting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-7 – D-10

Wiring Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section E

Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In Process (P353 Series, P66-J & -K)*

* Go to www.lincolnelectric.com for the latest Parts List information.

vi

E500

A-1

INSTALLATION

A-1

LOCATION

WARNING

FALLING EQUIPMENT can cause
injury.

• Do not lift this machine using lift
bail if it is equipped with a heavy

• accessory such as trailer or gas cylinder.

• Lift only with equipment of adequate lifting
capacity.

• Be sure machine is stable when lifting.

Install the welder in a dry location where there is a free
circulation of air in through the front louvers and out the
back of the case. A location which minimizes the
amount of smoke and dirt drawn into the front louvers
reduces the chance of dirt accumulation that can block
air passages, causing overheating and nuisance shut­down of the machine.

INPUT WIRING

Recommended Input Wire,

Ground Wire and Fuse Sizes

Based on U.S. National Electrical Code.

For 60 hertz, 3 phase Welders at 60% Duty Cycle.

Copper Wire Size

Type 75°C in Conduit

Welder Volts Input Wires Wire Size in Amps

Input Amps 3 Input 1 Ground Super Lag Fuse

E500 230 100 4 6 150

460 50 8 8 70

575 40 10 10 60

This welder is rated for 500 Amps 60% duty cycle. Duty
cycle is based on a ten minute period. Therefore, the
welder can be operated at nameplate rated output for
6 minutes of every 10 minute period without overheat­ing. An amber high temperature warning light provides
a visual indication of an over temperature condition.

OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

WARNING

ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.

• Have an electrician install and ser­vice this equipment.

• Turn the input power off at the fuse
box before working on equipment.

• Do not touch electrically hot parts.

Welder is rated for 230/460/575V input and is shipped
from the factory connected for 460V input. To change
the connection, see the wiring or connection diagram
pasted to the inside of the access panel in the case
back.

Be sure the voltage, phase and frequency of the input
power is as specified on the welder nameplate.
Have a qualified electrician remove the access panel in
the case back and connect the three phase AC power
to terminals L
dance with the U. S. National Electrical Code, all local
codes, and the wiring diagram located inside the
machine.

, L2, L3of the input contactor in accor-

1

OUTPUT STUDS

With the machine off, run electrode and work cables of
the appropriate sizes (see the following table) up
through the rectangular holes in the machine base
located below the output studs. Connect the cable lugs
to the output terminals marked (+) and (-) or, if the
welder comes equipped with the polarity switch option
“electrode” and “to work”. Tighten the holding nuts with
a wrench.

Cable Sizes for Combined Length of Electrode

and Work Cable (Copper) at 60% Duty Cycle
Extreme care must be observed when installing or
extending the wiring of a remote control.

Machine Up to 100 ft. 100 to 150 ft. 150 to 200 ft. 200 to 250 ft.

Size (30 m) (30 – 46 m) (46 – 61 m) (61 – 76 m)

E500 2/0 (68 mm

2

) 3/0 (86 mm2) 3/0 (86 mm2) 4/0 (108 mm2)

TIG WELDING

The E500 is shipped with proper R.F. By-pass circuitry
installed to protect the control circuit when TIG welding
with a TIG Module unit.

The welder frame must be grounded. A stud marked
with the symbol located on the floor of the input box is
provided for this purpose. See the U.S. National
Electrical Code for details on proper grounding meth­ods.

CAUTION

To provide protection, the welder frame grounding
stud must be connected to ground.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

E500

B-1

OPERATION

B-1

WARNING

ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.

• Do not touch electrically live parts
or electrode with skin or wet cloth­ing.

• Insulate yourself from work and ground.

• Always wear dry insulating gloves.

FUMES AND GASES can be danger­ous.

• Keep your head out of fumes.

• Use ventilation or exhaust to

• remove fumes from breathing zone.

WELDING SPARKS can cause fire or
explosion.

• Keep flammable material away.

• Do not weld on containers that
have held combustibles.

ARC RAYS can burn.

• Wear eye, ear and body protection.

b. Provisions for remote control are standard. A

current control switch on the machine control
panel labeled “Current Control at E500” or
“Current Control Remote” is provided for select­ing the desired mode of operation, either at the
machine or remote, Be certain the machine
remote switch is in the machine position, unless
a remote control is connected.

c. The “Arc Force Control”, located on the right side

of the front control panel, is calibrated from one
to ten. Lower settings will provide less short cir­cuit current and a softer arc. A setting that is too
low may cause the electrode to stick in the pud­dle. Higher settings will provide a higher short
circuit current, a more forceful arc, and possibly
more spatter. For most welding, the dial should
be set at approximately mid range (5 – 6).
Adjustment up or down can then be made
depending on the electrode, procedures, and
operator preference. For most TIG welding appli­cations adjust this control to minimum for best
operating characteristics.

115 VAC Duplex Receptacle (Code 10649 only)

The duplex receptacle is located near the output

studs and is protected by a 15 amp circuit breaker.

NOTE: The P.C. Board is protected by a moisture
resistant coating. When the welder is operated, this
coating will “bake off” of certain power resistors that
normally operate at high temperatures, emitting some
smoke and odor for a short time. These resistors and
the P.C. Board beneath them may become blackened.
This is a normal occurrence and does not damage the
component or affect the machine performance.

NOTE: The cooling fan on this unit is controlled by a
thermostat to operate only when it is needed.

1. To Start the Welder, move the “Power” switch to
“On”. This starts the welder and lights the white pilot
light on the machine control panel. This light indi­cates that the line contactor is energized).

2. Setting Welding Current

a. The “Current Control” dials on the front of the

machine indicates the output current at the
NEMA arc voltage. The “A” range controls the
current over about 1/2 of the range of the “B”
range. A toggle switch on the control panel
allows selection of the desired range. The output
control can be adjusted while welding.

115 VAC GFCI Receptacle (Codes 11042 and above)

The GFCI receptacle is located near the output studs

and is protected by a 15 amp circuit breaker.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

1. Undercarriage – (K817, K817R) includes a spring
loaded handle for hand towing and a choice of
wheels.

2. Remote Control - Supplied by Red-D-Arc.

E500