Miller Blue Thunder 253, Blue Thunder 403, Blue Thunder 443, Blue Thunder 343 Owner's Manual
OM-233 381C 2007−09
Processes
Stick (SMAW) Welding
Description
Arc Welding Power Source
Blue Thunder Series
Visit our website at
www.MillerWelds.com
Models: 253, 343, 403, 443
From Miller to You
Thank you and congratulations on choosing Miller. Now you can get
the job done and get it done right. We know you don’t have time to do
it any other way.
That’s why when Niels Miller first started building arc welders in 1929,
he made sure his products offered long-lasting value and superior
quality. Like you, his customers couldn’t afford anything less. Miller
products had to be more than the best they could be. They had to be the
best you could buy.
Today, the people that build and sell Miller products continue the
tradition. They’re just as committed to providing equipment and service
that meets the high standards of quality and value established in 1929.
This Owner’s Manual is designed to help you get the most out of your
Miller products. Please take time to read the Safety precautions. They
will help you protect yourself against potential hazards on the worksite.
We’ve made installation and operation quick
and easy. With Miller you can count on years
of reliable service with proper maintenance.
And if for some reason the unit needs repair,
there’s a Troubleshooting section that will
help you figure out what the problem is. The
Miller is the first welding
equipment manufacturer in
the U.S.A. to be registered to
the ISO 9001:2000 Quality
System Standard.
parts list will then help you to decide the
exact part you may need to fix the problem.
Warranty and service information for your
particular model are also provided.
Working as hard as you do
− every power source from
Miller is backed by the most
hassle-free warranty in the
business.
Miller Electric manufactures a full line
of welders and welding related equipment.
For information on other quality Miller
products, contact your local Miller distributor to receive the latest full
line catalog or individual specification sheets. To locate your nearest
distributor or service agency call 1-800-4-A-Miller, or visit us at
www.MillerWelds.com on the web.
Mil_Thank 2005−04
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 − SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - READ BEFORE USING 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-1. Symbol Usage 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-2. Arc Welding Hazards 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-3. Additional Symbols For Installation, Operation, And Maintenance 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-4. California Proposition 65 Warnings 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-5. Principal Safety Standards 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-6. EMF Information 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 2 − DEFINITIONS 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2-1. Warning Label Definitions (For Wordless Labels) 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2-2. WEEE Label (For Products Sold Within The EU) 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2-3. Manufacturer’s Rating Label 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2-4. Symbols And Definitions 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 3 − INSTALLATION 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-1. Specifications 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-2. Volt-Ampere Curves 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-3. Duty Cycle and Overheating 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-4. Selecting A Location 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-5. Tipping 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-6. Weld Output Terminals and Selecting Cable Sizes 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-7. Typical Connections For Stick (SMAW) Welding 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-8. Positioning Jumper Links 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-9. Electrical Service Guide 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3-10. Connecting Input Power 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 4 − OPERATION 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4-1. Controls 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 5 − MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5-1. Routine Maintenance 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5-2. Troubleshooting 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 6 − ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7 − PARTS LIST 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WARRANTY
Declaration of Conformity for
European Community (CE) Products
This information is provided for units with CE certification (see rating label on unit).
Manufacturer: European Contact:
ITW Welding Products Italy S.r.l. Mr. Danilo Fedolfi,
Via Privata Iseo 6/E Managing Director
20098 San Giuliano ITW Welding Products Italy S.r.l.
Milanese, Italy Via Privata Iseo 6/E
Phone: 39(02)98290-1 20098 San Giuliano
Milanese, Italy
Phone: 39(02)98290-1
Fax: 39(02)98290203
European Contact Signature:
Declares that this product: Blue Thunder 253, 343, 403, 443
conforms to the following Directives and Standards:
Directives
Low Voltage Directive: 73/23/EEC, 2006/95/EC
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directives: 89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC, 2004/108/EC
Machinery Directives: 98/37EEC, 91/368/EEC, 92/31/EEC, 133/04, 93/68/EEC
CE Marking Directive: 93/68/EEC
Standards
Arc Welding Equipment − Part 1: Welding Power Sources. IEC 60974-1 Ed. 3, 2005-07
Arc Welding Equipment − Part 10: Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Requirements.
IEC 60974-10 Ed. 1.1, 2004-10
Degrees of Protection Provided By Enclosures (IP Code): IEC 60529 Ed. 2.1, 2001-02
The product technical file is maintained by the responsible Business Unit(s) located at the manufacturing facility.
dec_stat_milan1/07
SECTION 1 − SAFETY PRECAUTIONS - READ BEFORE USING
7
Protect yourself and others from injury — read and follow these precautions.
1-1. Symbol Usage
som _2007−04
DANGER! − Indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. The
possible hazards are shown in the adjoining symbols
or explained in the text.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury. The possible
hazards are shown in the adjoining symbols or explained in the text.
NOTICE − Indicates statements not related to personal injury .
1-2. Arc Welding Hazards
The symbols shown below are used throughout this manual
to call attention to and identify possible hazards. When you
see the symbol, watch out, and follow the related instructions
to avoid the hazard. The safety information given below is
only a summary of the more complete safety information
found in the Safety Standards listed in Section 1-5. Read and
follow all Safety Standards.
Only qualified persons should install, operate, maintain, and
repair this unit.
During operation, keep everybody, especially children, away .
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.
Touching live electrical parts can cause fatal shocks
or severe burns. The electrode and work circuit is
electrically live whenever the output is on. The input
live when power is on. In semiautomatic or automatic wire welding, the
wire, wire reel, drive roll housing, and all metal parts touching the
welding wire are electrically live. Incorrectly installed or improperly
grounded equipment is a hazard.
Do not touch live electrical parts.
Wear dry , hole-free insulating gloves and body protection.
Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry insulating mats
or covers big enough to prevent any physical contact with the work
or ground.
Do not use AC output in damp areas, if movement is confined, or if
there is a danger of falling.
Use AC output ONLY if required for the welding process.
If AC output is required, use remote output control if present on
unit.
Additional safety precautions are required when any of the follow-
ing electrically hazardous conditions are present: 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; or when there is a high risk of unavoidable or accidental contact with the workpiece or ground. For these
conditions, use the following equipment in order presented: 1) a
semiautomatic DC constant voltage (wire) welder, 2) a DC manual
(stick) welder, or 3) an AC welder with reduced open-circuit voltage. In most situations, use of a DC, constant voltage wire welder
is recommended. And, do not work alone!
Disconnect input power or stop engine before installing or
servicing this equipment. Lockout/tagout input power according to
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 (see Safety Standards).
Properly install and ground this equipment according to its
Owner’s Manual and national, state, and local codes.
power circuit and machine internal circuits are also
Indicates special instructions.
This group of symbols means Warning! Watch Out! ELECTRIC
SHOCK, MOVING P ARTS, and HOT PARTS hazards. Consult sym bols and related instructions below for necessary actions to avoid the
hazards.
Always verify the supply ground − check and be sure that input
power cord ground wire is properly connected to ground terminal in
disconnect box or that cord plug is connected to a properly
grounded receptacle outlet.
When making input connections, attach proper grounding conduc-
tor first − double-check connections.
Keep cords dry, free of oil and grease, and protected from hot metal
and sparks.
Frequently inspect input power cord for damage or bare wiring −
replace cord immediately if damaged − bare wiring can kill.
Turn off all equipment when not in use.
Do not use worn, damaged, undersized, or poorly spliced cables.
Do not drape cables over your body.
If earth grounding of the workpiece is required, ground it directly
with a separate cable.
Do not touch electrode if you are in contact with the work, ground,
or another electrode from a different machine.
Do not touch electrode holders connected to two welding ma-
chines at the same time since double open-circuit voltage will be
present.
Use only well-maintained equipment. Repair or replace damaged
parts at once. Maintain unit according to manual.
Wear a safety harness if working above floor level.
Keep all panels and covers securely in place.
Clamp work cable with good metal-to-metal contact to workpiece
or worktable as near the weld as practical.
Insulate work clamp when not connected to workpiece to prevent
contact with any metal object.
Do not connect more than one electrode or work cable to any
single weld output terminal.
SIGNIFICANT DC VOLTAGE exists in inverter-type
welding power sources after removal of input
power.
Turn Off inverter, disconnect input power, and discharge input
capacitors according to instructions in Maintenance Section
before touching any parts.
HOT PARTS can cause severe burns.
Do not touch hot parts bare handed.
Allow cooling period before working on gun or
torch.
To handle hot parts, use proper tools and/or
wear heavy, insulated welding gloves and
clothing to prevent burns.
OM-233 381 Page 1
FUMES AND GASES can be hazardous.
d
r
t
Welding produces fumes and gases. Breathing
these fumes and gases can be hazardous to your
health.
Keep your head out of the fumes. Do not breathe the fumes.
If inside, ventilate the area and/or use local forced ventilation at the
arc to remove welding fumes and gases.
If ventilation is poor, wear an approved air-supplied respirator.
Read and understand the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
and the manufacturer’s instructions for metals, consumables,
coatings, cleaners, and degreasers.
Work in a confined space only if it is well ventilated, or while
wearing an air-supplied respirator. Always have a trained watchperson nearby. Welding fumes and gases can displace air and
lower the oxygen level causing injury or death. Be sure the breathing air is safe.
Do not weld in locations near degreasing, cleaning, or spraying op-
erations. The heat and rays of the arc can react with vapors to form
highly toxic and irritating gases.
Do not weld on coated metals, such as galvanized, lead, or
cadmium plated steel, unless the coating is removed from the weld
area, the area is well ventilated, and while wearing an air-supplied
respirator. The coatings and any metals containing these elements
can give off toxic fumes if welded.
ARC RAYS can burn eyes and skin.
Arc rays from the welding process produce intense
visible and invisible (ultraviolet and infrared) rays
that can burn eyes and skin. Sparks fly off from the
weld.
Wear an approved welding helmet fitted with a proper shade of fil-
ter lenses to protect your face and eyes when welding or watching
(see ANSI Z49.1 and Z87.1 listed in Safety Standards).
Wear approved safety glasses with side shields under your
helmet.
Use protective screens or barriers to protect others from flash,
glare and sparks; warn others not to watch the arc.
Wear protective clothing made from durable, flame-resistant mate-
rial (leather, heavy cotton, or wool) and foot protection.
WELDING can cause fire or explosion.
Do not use welder to thaw frozen pipes.
Remove stick electrode from holder or cut off welding wire at
contact tip when not in use.
Wear oil-free protective garments such as leather gloves, heavy
shirt, cuffless trousers, high shoes, and a cap.
Remove any combustibles, such as a butane lighter or matches,
from your person before doing any welding.
After completion of work, inspect area to ensure it is free of sparks,
glowing embers, and flames.
Use only correct fuses or circuit breakers. Do not oversize or by-
pass them.
Follow requirements in OSHA 1910.252 (a) (2) (iv) and NFPA 51B
for hot work and have a fire watcher and extinguisher nearby.
FLYING ME TAL or DIRT can injure eyes.
Welding, chipping, wire brushing, and grinding
cause sparks and flying metal. As welds cool,
they can throw off slag.
Wear approved safety glasses with side
shields even under your welding helmet.
BUILDUP OF GAS can injure or kill.
Shut of f shielding gas supply when not in use.
Always ventilate confined spaces or use
approved air-supplied respirator.
MAGNETIC FIELDS can affect Implanted
Medical Devices.
Wearers of Pacemakers and other Implante
Medical Devices should keep away.
Implanted Medical Device wearers should consult their docto
and the device manufacturer before going near arc welding, spo
welding, gouging, plasma arc cutting, or induction heating
operations.
NOISE can damage hearing.
Noise from some processes or equipment can
damage hearing.
Wear approved ear protection if noise level is
high.
Welding on closed containers, such as tanks,
drums, or pipes, can cause them to blow up. Sparks
can fly off from the welding arc. The flying sparks, hot
burns. Accidental contact of electrode to metal objects can cause
sparks, explosion, overheating, or fire. Check and be sure the area is
safe before doing any welding.
Remove all flammables within 35 ft (10.7 m) of the welding arc. If
this is not possible, tightly cover them with approved covers.
Do not weld where flying sparks can strike flammable material.
Protect yourself and others from flying sparks and hot metal.
Be alert that welding sparks and hot materials from welding can
easily go through small cracks and openings to adjacent areas.
Watch for fire, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Be aware that welding on a ceiling, floor, bulkhead, or partition can
cause fire on the hidden side.
Do not weld on closed containers such as tanks, drums, or pipes,
unless they are properly prepared according to AWS F4.1 (see
Safety Standards).
Do not weld where the atmosphere may contain flammable dust,
gas, or liquid vapors (such as gasoline).
Connect work cable to the work as close to the welding area as
practical to prevent welding current from traveling long, possibly
unknown paths and causing electric shock, sparks, and fire
hazards.
OM-233 381 Page 2
workpiece, and hot equipment can cause fires and
CYLINDERS can explode if damaged.
Shielding gas cylinders contain gas under high
pressure. If damaged, a cylinder can explode. Since
gas cylinders are normally part of the welding
process, be sure to treat them carefully .
Protect compressed gas cylinders from excessive heat, mechani-
cal shocks, physical damage, slag, open flames, sparks, and arcs.
Install cylinders in an upright position by securing to a stationary
support or cylinder rack to prevent falling or tipping.
Keep cylinders away from any welding or other electrical circuits.
Never drape a welding torch over a gas cylinder.
Never allow a welding electrode to touch any cylinder.
Never weld on a pressurized cylinder − explosion will result.
Use only correct shielding gas cylinders, regulators, hoses, and fit-
tings designed for the specific application; maintain them and
associated parts in good condition.
Turn face away from valve outlet when opening cylinder valve.
Keep protective cap in place over valve except when cylinder is in
use or connected for use.
Use the right equipment, correct procedures, and sufficient n u m -
ber of persons to lift and move cylinders.
Read and follow instructions on compressed gas cylinders,
associated equipment, and Compressed Gas Association (CGA)
publication P-1 listed in Safety Standards.
1-3. Additional Symbols For Installation, Operation, And Maintenance
FIRE OR EXPLOSION hazard.
Do not install or place unit on, over, or near
combustible surfaces.
Do not install unit near flammables.
Do not overload building wiring − be sure power supply system is
properly sized, rated, and protected to handle this unit.
FALLING UNIT can cause injury.
Use lifting eye to lift unit only, NOT running
gear, gas cylinders, or any other accessories.
Use equipment of adequate capacity to lift and
support unit.
If using lift forks to move unit, be sure forks are
long enough to extend beyond opposite side of
unit.
OVERUSE can cause OVERHEATING
Allow cooling period; follow rated duty cycle.
Reduce current or reduce duty cycle before
starting to weld again.
Do not block or filter airflow to unit.
FLYING SPARKS can cause injury.
Wear a face shield to protect eyes and face.
Shape tungsten electrode only on grinder with
proper guards in a safe location wearing proper
face, hand, and body protection.
Sparks can cause fires — keep flammables away.
STATIC (ESD) can damage PC boards.
MOVING PARTS can cause injury.
Keep away from moving parts such as fans.
Keep all doors, panels, covers, and guards
closed and securely in place.
Have only qualified persons remove doors, panels, covers, or
guards for maintenance as necessary.
Reinstall doors, panels, covers, or guards when maintenance is
finished and before reconnecting input power.
READ INSTRUCTIONS.
Read Owner’s Manual before using or servic-
ing unit.
Use only genuine replacement parts from the
manufacturer.
H.F. RADIATION can cause interference.
High-frequency (H.F.) can interfere with radio
navigation, safety services, computers, and
communications equipment.
Have only qualified persons familiar with
electronic equipment perform this installation.
The user is responsible for having a qualified electrician prompt-
ly correct any interference problem resulting from the installation.
If notified by the FCC about interference, stop using the
equipment at once.
Have the installation regularly checked and maintained.
Keep high-frequency source doors and panels tightly shut, keep
spark gaps at correct setting, and use grounding and shielding to
minimize the possibility of interference.
Put on grounded wrist strap BEFORE handling
boards or parts.
Use proper static-proof bags and boxes to
store, move, or ship PC boards.
MOVING PARTS can cause injury.
Keep away from moving parts.
Keep away from pinch points such as drive
rolls.
WELDING WIRE can cause injury.
Do not press gun trigger until instructed to do
so.
Do not point gun toward any part of the body,
other people, or any metal when threading
welding wire.
ARC WELDING can cause interference.
Electromagnetic energy can interfere with
sensitive electronic equipment such as
computers and computer-driven equipment
such as robots.
Be sure all equipment in the welding area is
electromagnetically compatible.
To reduce possible interference, keep weld cables as short as
possible, close together, and down low, such as on the floor.
Locate welding operation 100 meters from any sensitive elec-
tronic equipment.
Be sure this welding machine is installed and grounded
according t o this manual.
If interference still occurs, the user must take extra measures
such as moving the welding machine, using shielded cables,
using line filters, or shielding the work area.
OM-233 381 Page 3
1-4. California Proposition 65 Warnings
Welding or cutting equipment produces fumes or gases
which contain chemicals known to the State of California to
cause birth defects and, in some cases, cancer. (California
Health & Safety Code Section 25249.5 et seq.)
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
1-5. Principal Safety Standards
Safety i n W elding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, ANSI Standard Z49.1,
from Global Engineering Documents (phone: 1-877-413-5184, website:
www.global.ihs.com).
Recommended Safe Practices for the Preparation for Welding and Cutting of Containers and Piping, American Welding Society Standard
AWS F4.1, from Global Engineering Documents (phone:
1-877-413-5184, website: www.global.ihs.com).
National Electrical Code, NFP A Standard 70, from National Fire Protection Association, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101 (phone:
617-770-3000, website: www.nfpa.org and www. sparky.org).
Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Cylinders, CGA Pamphlet P-1,
from Compressed Gas Association, 4221 Walney Road, 5th Floor,
Chantilly , V A 20151 (phone: 703-788-2700, website:www.cganet.com).
Code for Safety in Welding and Cutting, CSA Standard W117.2, from
Canadian Standards Association, Standards Sales, 5060 Mississauga,
For Gasoline Engines:
Engine exhaust contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For Diesel Engines:
Diesel engine exhaust and some of its constituents are
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects, and other reproductive harm.
Ontario, Canada L4W 5NS (phone: 800-463-6727 or in Toronto
416-747-4044, website: www.csa-international.org).
Safe Practice For Occupational And Educational Eye And Face Protection, ANSI Standard Z87.1, from American National Standards Institute,
25 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036–8002 (phone:
212-642-4900, website: www.ansi.org).
Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot
Work, NFP A Standard 51B, from National Fire Protection Association,
P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101 (phone: 617-770-3000, website: www.nfpa.org.
OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry, Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1910, Subpart Q,
and Part 1926, Subpart J, from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, P .O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954
(phone: 1-866-512-1800) (there are 10 Regional Offices—phone for
Region 5, Chicago, is 312-353-2220, website: www.osha.gov).
1-6. EMF Information
Considerations About Welding And The Effects Of Low Frequency
Electric And Ma g netic Fields
Welding current, as it flows through welding cables, will cause electromagnetic fields. There has been and still is some concern about such
fields. However, after examining more than 500 studies spanning 17
years of research, a special blue ribbon committee of the National
Research Council concluded that: “The body of evidence, in the
committee’s judgment, has not demonstrated that exposure to powerfrequency electric and magnetic fields is a human-health hazard.”
However, studies are still going forth and evidence continues to be
examined. Until the final conclusions of the research are reached, you
may wish to minimize your exposure to electromagnetic fields when
welding or cutting.
To reduce magnetic fields in the workplace, use the following
procedures:
1. Keep cables close together by twisting or taping them, or using a
cable cover.
2. Arrange cables to one side and away from the operator.
3. Do not coil or drape cables around your body.
4. Keep welding power source and cables as far away from operator as practical.
5. Connect work clamp to workpiece as close to the weld as possible.
About Implanted Medical Devices:
Implanted Medical Device wearers should consult their doctor and the
device manufacturer before performing or going near arc welding, spot
welding, gouging, plasma arc cutting, or induction heating operations.
If cleared by your doctor, then following the above procedures is recommended.
OM-233 381 Page 4
SECTION 2 − DEFINITIONS
2-1. Warning Label Definitions (For Wordless Labels)
Warning! Watch Out! There are
possible hazards as shown by the
symbols.
1 Electric shock from welding
electrode or wiring can kill.
1.1 Wear dry insulating gloves.
Do not touch electrode with
bare hand. Do not wear wet or
damaged gloves.
1.2 Protect yourself from electric
shock by insulating yourself
from work and ground.
1.3 Disconnect input plug or
power before working on
machine.
2 Breathing welding fumes can
be hazardous to your health.
2.1 Keep your head out of the
fumes.
2.2 Use forced ventilation or local
exhaust to remove the fumes.
2.3 Use ventilating fan to remove
fumes.
3 Welding sparks can cause
explosion or fire.
3.1 Keep flammables away from
welding. Do not weld near
flammables.
3.2 Welding sparks can cause
fires. Have a fire extinguisher
nearby, and have a
watchperson ready to use it.
3.3 Do not weld on drums or any
closed containers.
4 Arc rays can burn eyes and
injure skin.
4.1 Wear hat and safety glasses.
Use ear protection and button
shirt collar. Use welding
helmet with correct shade of
filter. Wear complete body
protection.
5 Become trained and read the
instructions before working on
the machine or welding.
6 Do not remove or paint over
(cover) the label.
OM-233 381 Page 5
Warning! Watch Out! There are
possible hazards as shown by the
symbols.
Electric shock from wiring can kill.
Disconnect input plug or power
before working on machine.
Read the Owner’s Manual before
working on this machine.
1 Consult rating label for input
power requirements, and
check power available at the
job site − they must match.
2 Read Owner’s Manual and
inside labels for connection
points and procedures.
3 Move jumper links as shown
on inside label to match
voltage at job site.
4 Having a loop of extra length,
connect grounding conductor
first.
5 Connect line input conductors
as shown on inside label −
double-check all connections,
jumper link positions, and
input voltage before applying
power.
2-2. WEEE Label (For Products Sold Within The EU)
1/96
Do not discard product (where applicable) with general waste.
Reuse or recycle Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
by disposing at a designated collection facility.
Contact your local recycling office
or your local distributor for further
information.
OM-233 381 Page 6
2-3. Manufacturer ’s Rating Label
OM-233 381 Page 7
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