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
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SAFETY
i
WARNING
PLASMA CUTTING or GOUGING 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.
BE SURE THAT ALL INSTALLATION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR PROCEDURES ARE
PERFORMED ONLY BY QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS.
ELECTRIC SHOCK can
kill.
1.a. The electrode and work (or ground) circuits
are electrically “hot” when the power source is on.
Do not touch these “hot” parts with your bare skin
or wet clothing. Wear dry, hole-free gloves to
insulate hands.
1.b. When the power source is operating voltages in excess of
250 volts are produced. This creates the potential for serious
electrical shock - potentially even fatal.
1.c. Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry insulation.
When cutting or gouging in damp locations, on metal framework such as floors, gratings or scaffolds and when in positions such as sitting or lying, make certain the insulation is
large enough to cover your full area of physical contact with
work and ground.
1.d. Always be sure the work cable makes a good electrical connection with the metal being cut or gouged. The connection
should be as close as possible to the area being cut or
gouged.
1.e. Ground the work or metal to be cut or gouged to a good electrical (earth) ground.
1.f. Maintain the plasma torch, cable and work clamp in good,
safe operating condition. Replace damaged insulation.
1.g. Never dip the torch in water for cooling or plasma cut or
gouge in or under water.
1.h. When working above floor level, protect yourself from a fall
should you get a shock.
1.i. Operate the pilot arc with caution. The pilot arc is capable of
burning the operator, others or even piercing safety clothing.
1.j. Also see Items 4c and 6.
ARC RAYS can burn.
2.a. Use safety glasses and a shield with the proper filter and cover plates to protect your eyes from
sparks and the rays of the arc when performing or
observing plasma arc cutting or gouging.
Glasses,headshield and filter lens should conform
to ANSI Z87. I standards.
2.b. Use suitable clothing including gloves made
from durable flame-resistant material to protect your skin and
that of your helpers from the arc rays.
2.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.
to keep fumes and gases away from the breathing zone.
When cutting or gouging 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.
3.b. Do not use plasma arc cutting or gouging in locations near
chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors coming from degreasing,
cleaning or spraying operations. The heat and rays of the arc
can react with solvent vapors to form phosgene, a highly
toxic gas, and other irritating products.
3.c. Gases used for plasma cutting and gouging can displace air
and cause injury or death. Always use enough ventilation,
especially in confined areas, to insure breathing air is safe.
3.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.
easily go through small cracks and openings to adjacent
areas. Avoid cutting or gouging near hydraulic lines. Have a
fire extinguisher readily available.
4.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.
4.c. When not cutting or gouging, make certain no part of the electrode circuit is touching the work or ground. Accidental contact can cause overheating and create a fire hazard.
4.d. Do not cut or gouge 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 though they have been
“cleaned.” For information purchase “Recommended Safe
Practices for the Preparation for Welding and Cutting of
Containers and Piping That Have Held Hazardous
Substances”, AWS F4.1 from the American Welding Society
(see address above).
4.e. Vent hollow castings or containers before heating, cutting or
gouging. They may explode.
4.f. Do nor fuel engine driven equipment near area where plasma
cutting or gouging.
FUMES AND GASES
can be dangerous.
3.a. Plasma cutting or gouging may produce
fumes and gases hazardous to health. Avoid
breathing these fumes and gases.When cutting
or gouging, keep your head out of the fumes.
Use enough ventilation and/or exhaust at the arc
CUTTING SPARKS can
cause fire or explosion.
4.a..Remove fire hazards from the plasma cutting
or gouging area. If this is not possible, cover them
to prevent the cutting or gouging sparks from
starting a fire. Remember that welding sparks and
hot materials from plasma cutting or gouging can
VIPER
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SAFETY
ii
4.g. Sparks and spatter are thrown from the plasma arc. Wear
safety glasses, ear protection and oil free protective garments
such as leather gloves, heavy shirt, cuffless trousers, high
shoes and a cap over your hair. Wear ear plugs when cutting
or gouging out of position or in confined places. Always wear
safety glasses with side shields when in a cutting or gouging
area.
4.h. Connect the work cable to the work as close to the cutting or
gouging area as practical. Work cables connected to the building framework or other locations away from the cutting or
gouging area increase the possibility of the 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.
CYLINDER may explode
if damaged.
5.a. Use only compressed gas cylinders containing the correct 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.
5.b. Always keep cylinders in an upright position securely
chained to an undercarriage or fixed support.
5.c. Cylinders should be located:
• Away from areas where they may be struck or subjected to
physical damage.
• A safe distance from plasma cutting or gouging, arc weld-
ing operations and any other source of heat, sparks,
or flame.
5.d. Never allow any part of the electrode, torch or any other
electrically “hot” parts to touch a cylinder.
5.e. Keep your head and face away from the cylinder valve outlet
when opening the cylinder valve.
5.f. Valve protection caps should always be in place and hand
tight except when the cylinder is in use or connected for
use.
5.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.
6.a. Turn off input power using the disconnect
switch at the fuse box before working on the
equipment.
6.b. Install equipment in accordance with the U.S. National
Electrical Code, all local codes and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
6.c. Ground the equipment in accordance with the U.S. National
Electrical Code and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
PLASMA ARC can injure.
7.a. Keep your body away from nozzle and
plasma arc.
7.b. Operate the pilot arc with caution. The pilot arc is capable of
burning the operator, others or even piercing safety clothing.
ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS
may be dangerous
8.a. Electric current flowing through any conductor causes localized Electric and Magnetic
Fields (EMF). Cutting or gouging current creates EMF fields around torch cables and cutting
machines.
8.b. EMF fields may interfere with some pacemakers, so operators having a pacemaker should consult their physician
before cutting or gouging.
8.c. Exposure to EMF fields during cutting or gouging may have
other health effects which are now not known.
8d. All operators should use the following procedures in order to
minimize exposure to EMF fields from the cutting or gouging
circuit:
8.d.1. Route the torch and work cables together - Secure
them with tape when possible.
8.d.2. Never coil the torch cable around your body.
8.d.3. Do not place your body between the torch and
work cables. If the torch cable is on your right side,
the work cable should also be on your right side.
8.d.4. Connect the work cable to the workpiece as close as
possible to the area being cut or gouged.
8.d.5. Do not work next to cutting power source.
VIPER
Apr. ‘93
NOTES
VIPER
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.
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.
5. Toujours porter des lunettes de sécurité dans la zone de
soudage. Utiliser des lunettes avec écrans lateraux dans les
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.
PRÉCAUTIONS DE SÛRETÉ POUR
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.
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
VIPER
for selecting a 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 Number ___________________________________________________________________________
Code Number or Date Code_________________________________________________________________
Serial Number____________________________________________________________________________
Date Purchased___________________________________________________________________________
Where Purchased_________________________________________________________________________
vv
Whenever you request replacement parts or information on this equipment, always supply the information you
have recorded above. The code number is especially important when identifying the correct replacement parts.
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.
VIPER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Installation.......................................................................................................................Section A
(1) Input voltage must be within ±10% of rated value.
W
11.0 in.
280 mm
208/50/60808 (8.4mm2)8 (8.4mm2)
230/50/60808 (8.4mm2)8 (8.4mm2)
460/50/604010 (6mm2)8 (8.4mm2)
Weight
Depth
Including Machine, Torch and
Torch Cable (Length)
(25ft/7.6m)
26.0 in.
660 mm
74 lbs.
34 kg.
A-2
INSTALLATION
A-2
Read entire Installation Section before installing the
VIPER.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL.
•Only qualified personnel
should install this machine.
•Turn the input power OFF
at the disconnect switch or
fuse box and discharge input
capacitors before working
inside the equipment.
•Do not touch electrically hot parts.
•Always connect the VIPER grounding terminal (located on the side of the
Case Back Assembly) to a good electrical
earth ground.
•Turn the VIPER Power Switch OFF
when connecting power cord to input
power.
___________________________________________
LIFTING AND MOVING
Either the front or rear handles or both may be used to
lift or move the machine.
NOT use the pull handle on the optional undercar-
DO
riage, if installed, to lift the machine. This handle is not
designed to support the full weight of the machine and
using it to lift the machine could cause personal injury
or damage to the machine.
TILTING
The VIPER must be placed on a stable, level surface
so it will not topple over.
HIGH FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE
PROTECTION
The VIPER employs a touch start mechanism for arc
initiation which eliminates high frequency emissions
from the machine as compared with spark gap and
solid state type high frequency generators. Keep in
mind, though, that these machines may be used in an
environment where other high frequency generating
machines are operating. By taking the following
steps, high frequency interference into the VIPER can
be minimized
SELECT PROPER LOCATION
Place the VIPER where clean cool air can freely circulate in through the rear louvers and out through the
front/bottom opening. Dirt, dust or any foreign material
that can be drawn into the machine should be kept at
a minimum. Failure to observe these precautions can
result in excessive operating temperatures and nuisance shutdown of the machine.
A source of clean, dry air or nitrogen must be supplied
to the VIPER. Oil in the air is a severe problem and
must be avoided. The supply pressure must be
between 80 and 150 psi. The flow rate is approximately 6.0 cfm (170 l/min.). Failure to observe these precautions could result in excessive operating temperatures or damage to the torch.
STACKING
The VIPER cannot be stacked.
(1) Make sure the power supply chassis is connected
to a good earth ground. The work terminal ground
does NOT ground the machine frame.
(2) Keep the work ground clamp isolated from other
work clamps that have high frequency.
(3) If the ground clamp cannot be isolated, then keep
the clamp as far as possible from other work
clamp connections.
(4) When the machine is enclosed in a metal building,
several good earth driven electrical grounds
around the periphery of the building are recommended.
Failure to observe these recommended installation
procedures may cause improper function of the
VIPER or possibly even damage to the control system
or power supply components.
VIPER
A-3
INSTALLATION
A-3
INPUT ELECTRICAL
CONNECTIONS
Before installing the machine, check that input supply
voltage, phase, and frequency are the same as the
machine's voltage, phase, and frequency as specified
on the machine's rating plate.
The VIPER should be connected only by a qualified
electrician. Installation should be made in accordance
with all local and national codes (eg: U.S. National
Electrical Code) and the information detailed below.
POWER INPUT CONNECTION
The VIPER, as received directly from the factory, is
internally connected for the highest rated input voltage
listed on the nameplate. Re-connection will be necessary if a different input voltage is used.
WARNING
Machine damage could result if the machine is
improperly configured for the input voltage
applied.
INPUT POWER CORD CONNECTOR
INSTALLATION
5. Angle the line switch so the screws on the near
side of the switch can be loosened.
6. Loosen the screws and remove the existing cord
from the switch.
7. Remove the nut, lock washer, plain washer and
green lead off of the ground screw assembly.
8. Loosen the cable connector on the case back.
9. Pull the line cord out of the machine, carefully
feeding it under the aluminum bracket as you pull.
CORD INSTALLATION:
1. Feed the new cord through the cable connector
and into the machine, carefully feeding it under the
aluminum bracket.
2. If the ground screw assembly is loose, tighten the
assembly to the base before installing the new
ground lead. Install the green lead on the ground
screw assembly, replace the plain washer and lock
washer, then tighten nut. Install in accordance with
all local and national electrical codes.
3. Connect the new cord to the switch, observing the
color code on the wiring diagram.
A cord connector provides a strain relief for the input
power cord as it passes through the left rear access
hole. The cord connector is designed for a cord diameter of .40 - 1.03 in (10.2 - 26.2mm) if it becomes necessary to install a different input cord.
CORD REMOVAL:
1. Unplug line cord from the receptacle.
WARNING
NOTE: DO NOT PERFORM THE NEXT STEP
UNTIL THE HIGH VOLTAGES INSIDE THE
MACHINE HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO DISSIPATE,
APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES.
2. Remove wraparound by unscrewing the eleven
screws on the case sides and top.
3. Unscrew the two screws that hold the line switch
onto the case front.
4. Pull the line switch out of the case front.
4. Angle the line switch so the screws on the switch
can be tightened. Comply with the torque rating
stamped on the switch.
5. Feed the line switch back into case front.
6. Replace the two screws that hold the line switch
onto the case front.
7. Tighten the cable connector on the case back.
8. Replace wraparound and tighten the eleven
screws on the case sides and top.
9. Connect the new input power cord to a fused three
phase power supply. Make sure the green lead is
connected to the panel and the panel is connected
to a good earth ground. Install in accordance with
all local and national electric codes.
NOTE: Fusing requirements of the machine input will
change, depending on whether the machine is used
on single phase or three phase. Use the chart in the
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS to change the fuses
to the proper value.
VIPER
A-4
INSTALLATION
A-4
FRAME GROUNDING
The frame of the VIPER must be properly grounded.
A ground terminal marked is mounted on the case
bottom directly behind the input power switch for this
purpose. The cable that is sent attached to the
machine is connected to this ground terminal. See the
National Electric Code for details on proper grounding
methods. Install in accordance with all local and
national electrical codes.
INPUT VOLTAGE RECONNECTION
PROCEDURE
When changing input voltages, it is necessary to
change the settings behind the access door on the
side of the machine.
WARNING
Failure to do so may result in damage to the
machine.
To reconnect the VIPER, follow the directions as outlined below. Follow this procedure ONLY while the
VIPER is disconnected from the input power and the
capacitors have properly discharged.
1. Open the access door on the side of the machine.
USE ON ENGINE DRIVEN POWER SUPPLIES
The VIPER can be used on engine driven power supplies. However, the following AC Wave Form Voltage
and Input Power Restrictions do apply.
AC Wave Form Restrictions
The VIPER can be operated on engine driven generators as long as the engine drive output meets the following conditions:
The AC wave form frequency is between 45 and 65
Hz.
For 200 - 230 VAC Supplies:
The AC wave form peak voltage must be below 420
volts.
The RMS voltage must be greater than 230VAC +/-
15%.
*The 230 VAC auxiliaries of Lincoln engine drives
meet these conditions when run in the high idle mode.
For 460 VAC Supplies:
The AC wave form peak voltage must be below 840
volts.
The RMS voltage of the AC wave form must be 460
VAC +/- 10%.
2. For 200 to 230 : Position the large switch to 200-230.
For 400 to 460 : Position the large switch to 400-460.
For 550 to 575 : Position the large switch to 550-575.
3. Move the "A" lead to the appropriate terminal.
Input Power Restrictions
The available output current of the VIPER may be limited due to the output capacity of the engine driven
power supply. The following are recommended output
current settings when used with various Lincoln and
Red-D-Arc engine driven power supplies.