Lincoln Electric IM998 User Manual

INVERTER ARC ™ 120

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IM998

August, 2009

For use with machines having Code Numbers:

Safety Depends on You

Century® arc welding and cutting
equipment is designed and built
with safety in mind. However, your
overall safety can be increased by
proper installation ... and thought­ful operatio n on your part. DO

NO T IN STAL L, OPERATE O R
REPAIR THIS EQ U IPMENT
WITHOUT READING THIS
MANUAL AND THE SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS C O N TA I N E D
THROUGHOUT. And, most

importantly, think before you act
and be careful.

11565

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Copyright © Lincoln Global Inc.

Century Equipment

2345 Murphy Blvd. Gainesville, GA30504 TEL: [phone]

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
welding 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.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.

___________________________________________________

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.

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

ii

SAFETY

ii

ELECT RIC 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 o r we t cloth ing. Wea r 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
mu s t be pe rfor m e d un d er electr i c a l ly haza r d o us
con ditions (in damp locatio ns 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 ree l, weldi ng hea d, noz zle or semia utom at ic
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 si mul tan eous ly touc h elec tric ally “h ot” par ts 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 fu mes and gase s
hazardous to health. Avoid breathing these
fumes and gas es. Wh en we lding, ke ep
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

we l d i ng with e l e c t rode s w h i ch re q u i re spe c i a l
ve n t ilatio n such as stainl e s s or hard fa cing (see
in s tru c tion s on con t aine r or MS D S) or on le a d or
cadmium plated steel and o ther m et als or coat in gs
which produce highly toxic fumes, keep exposure as
low as possible and within applicable OSHA PEL and
ACGIH TLV limits 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. The operation of welding fume control equipment is affected
by various factors including proper use and positioning of the
equipment, maintenance of the equipment and the specific
welding procedure and application involved. Worker expo­sure level should be checked upon installation and periodi­cally thereafter to be certain it is within applicable OSHA
PEL and ACGIH TLV limits.

5.c.

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.d. Shielding gases used for arc welding can displace air and

ca use inj ury or d eat h. Always us e en oug h ve nti lat ion ,
especially in confined areas, to insure breathing air is safe.

vapors

to

5.e. Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for this
equipment and the consumables to be used, including the
ma t e r i a l sa fet y da t a she e t (MSDS ) and f ollow your
employer’s safety practices. MSDS forms are available from
yo u r we l d ing d i s t r i buto r or fro m th e ma n u factu r e r.

5.f. Also see item 1.b.

Jan ‘09

iii

SAFETY

iii

WELDING and CUTTING
SPARKS can
cause fire or explosion.

6.a.

Remove fire hazards from the welding area.
If this is not possible, cover them to prevent

Re m e m ber th a t w elding sp a r k s and ho t
materials from welding can easily go through small cracks
an d o p enin g s to adja c ent are as. Avo i d weld i ng 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 operat in g in formati on for th e
equipment being used.

6.c. When not welding, make cer tain 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
Co n t a iners an d Pi p i n g That Have He l d H a z a rdous
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 safet y 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
incre ase th e possib il ity of t he welding current pa ss ing
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.

the weld ing spa rks from starting a fire.

though

they have

Preparation

for Welding and Cutting of

CYLINDER may explode
if damaged.

7.a. Us e o n l y c ompre s s e d gas cyli n d e rs
containing the correct shielding gas for the
pr o c e ss us e d and p r o perly o p e r a ting
re g u l ators de signed fo r th e gas and

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

7.b. Always keep cyl ind ers in an u pright position sec ure ly
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. Rea d and follow the i nstr u cti o ns on c o mpr ess e d ga s
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. Insta ll equipment in accordance w it h the U.S. N at ional
Ele ctri cal Code, all l ocal co des and the manufacturer ’s
recommendations.

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

6.I. Read and follow NFPA 51B “ Standard for Fire Prevention
During Welding, Cutting and Other Hot Work”, available from
NFPA, 1 Batter ymarch Park, PO box 9101, Quincy, Ma
022690-9101.

6.j. Do not use a welding power source for pipe thawing.

Refer to http://www.lincolnelectric.com/safety for additional safety information.

Jan ‘09

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.

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
zones où l’on pique le laitier.

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

v

SAFETY

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

Conformance
Products displaying the CE mark are in conformity with European Community Council Directive of 3 May
1989 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility
(89/336/EEC). It was manufactured in conformity with a national standard that implements a harmonized
standard: EN 60974-10 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Product Standard for Arc Welding Equipment.
It is for use with other Lincoln Electric equipment. It is designed for industrial and professional use.

Introduction
All electrical equipment generates small amounts of electromagnetic emission. Electrical emission may be
transmitted through power lines or radiated through space, similar to a radio transmitter. When emissions
are received by other equipment, electrical interference may result. Electrical emissions may affect many
kinds of electrical equipment; other nearby welding equipment, radio and TV reception, numerical controlled
machines, telephone systems, computers, etc. Be aware that interference may result and extra precautions
may be required when a welding power source is used in a domestic establishment.

Installation and Use
The user is responsible for installing and using the welding equipment according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. If electromagnetic disturbances are detected then it shall be the responsibility of the user of the
welding equipment to resolve the situation with the technical assistance of the manufacturer. In some cases
this remedial action may be as simple as earthing (grounding) the welding circuit, see Note. In other cases it
could involve construction of an electromagnetic screen enclosing the power source and the work complete
with associated input filters. In all cases electromagnetic disturbances must be reduced to the point where
they are no longer troublesome.

v

Note: The welding circuit may or may not be earthed for safety reasons according to national codes.

Changing the earthing arrangements should only be authorized by a person who is compe­tent to access whether the changes will increase the risk of injury, e.g., by allowing parallel
welding current return paths which may damage the earth circuits of other equipment.

Assessment ofArea
Before installing welding equipment the user shall make an assessment of potential electromagnetic prob­lems in the surrounding area. The following shall be taken into account:

a) other supply cables, control cables, signaling and telephone cables; above, below and adjacent to the

welding equipment;
b) radio and television transmitters and receivers;
c) computer and other control equipment;
d) safety critical equipment, e.g., guarding of industrial equipment;
e) the health of the people around, e.g., the use of pacemakers and hearing aids;
f) equipment used for calibration or measurement
g) the immunity of other equipment in the environment. The user shall ensure that other equipment being

used in the environment is compatible. This may require additional protection measures;
h) the time of day that welding or other activities are to be carried out.

L10093 3-1-96H

vi

SAFETY

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

The size of the surrounding area to be considered will depend on the structure of the building and other
activities that are taking place. The surrounding area may extend beyond the boundaries of the premises.

Methods of Reducing Emissions
Mains Supply

Welding equipment should be connected to the mains supply according to the manufacturer’s recommenda­tions. If interference occurs, it may be necessary to take additional precautions such as filtering of the mains
supply. Consideration should be given to shielding the supply cable of permanently installed welding equip­ment, in metallic conduit or equivalent. Shielding should be electrically continuous throughout its length. The
shielding should be connected to the welding power source so that good electrical contact is maintained
between the conduit and the welding power source enclosure.

Maintenance of the Welding Equipment
The welding equipment should be routinely maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
All access and service doors and covers should be closed and properly fastened when the welding equip­ment is in operation. The welding equipment should not be modified in any way except for those changes
and adjustments covered in the manufacturers instructions. In particular, the spark gaps of arc striking and
stabilizing devices should be adjusted and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

vi

Welding Cables
The welding cables should be kept as short as possible and should be positioned close together, running at
or close to floor level.

Equipotential Bonding
Bonding of all metallic components in the welding installation and adjacent to it should be considered.
However, metallic components bonded to the work piece will increase the risk that the operator could
receive a shock by touching these metallic components and the electrode at the same time. The operator
should be insulated from all such bonded metallic components.

Earthing of the Workpiece
Where the workpiece is not bonded to earth for electrical safety, not connected to earth because of its size
and position, e.g., ships hull or building steelwork, a connection bonding the workpiece to earth may reduce
emissions in some, but not all instances. Care should be taken to prevent the earthing of the workpiece
increasing the risk of injury to users, or damage to other electrical equipment. Where necessary, the connec­tion of the workpiece to earth should be made by a direct connection to the workpiece, but in some countries
where direct connection is not permitted, the bonding should be achieved by suitable capacitance, selected
according to national regulations.

Screening and Shielding
Selective screening and shielding of other cables and equipment in the surrounding area may alleviate prob­lems of interference. Screening of the entire welding installation may be considered for special applications.
1

_________________________

1

Portions of the preceding text are contained in EN 60974-10: “Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) prod­uct standard for arc welding equipment.”

L10093 3-1-96H

viivii

for selecting one of our QUALITY products. We want you to take

TThhaannkk YYoouu

CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE POLICY

The business of our company is manufacturing and selling high quality welding equipment. Our challenge is to
meet the needs of our customers and to exceed their expectations. On occasion, purchasers may ask us for
advice or information about their use of our products. We respond to our customers based on the best informa­tion in our possession at that time. We are not in a position to warrant or guarantee such advice, and assume no
liability, with respect to such information or advice. We expressly disclaim any warranty of any kind, including any
warranty of fitness for any customer’s particular purpose, with respect to such information or advice. As a matter
of practical consideration, we also cannot assume any responsibility for updating or correcting any such informa­tion or advice once it has been given, nor does the provision of information or advice create, expand or alter any
warranty with respect to the sale of our products.

We are a responsive manufacturer, but the selection and use of specific products sold by us is solely within the
control of, and remains the sole responsibility of the customer. Many variables beyond our control affect the
results obtained in applying these types of fabrication methods and service requirements.

Subject to Change – This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing.

pride in 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.

Product _________________________________________________________________________________
Model Number ___________________________________________________________________________
Code Number or Date Code (if available)______________________________________________________
Serial Number (if available)__________________________________________________________________
Date Purchased___________________________________________________________________________
Where Purchased_________________________________________________________________________
Whenever you request replacement parts or information on this equipment, always supply the information you

have recorded above.

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.