Chicago Electric 68886 owner manual Duty Cycle Duration of Use, Torch Concrete slab

Duty Cycle (Duration of Use)

Avoid damage to the Welder by not welding for more than the prescribed duty cycle time. The Duty Cycle defines the number of minutes, within a 10 minute period, during which a given welder can produce a particular welding current without overheating. For example, this Welder with a 20% duty cycle at rated output (140A) must be allowed to rest for at least 8 minutes after every 2 minutes of continuous welding.

Failure to carefully observe any duty cycle limitations can easily over-stress a welder’s power generation system contributing to premature welder failure.

This welder has an internal thermal protection system to help prevent this sort of over-stress. When the unit overheats, it automatically shuts down and the Overload Indicator lights, then the welder automatically returns to service after cooling off. Rest the Torch on an electrically non-conductive, heat‑proof surface, such as a concrete slab, well clear of the ground clamp while allowing the welder to cool with the Power Switch on, so that the internal Fan will help cool the welder. When the welder can be used again, use shorter welding periods and longer rest periods to prevent needless wear.

Note: The following charts are only intended to show general guidelines for different wire sizes and for different thicknesses of material. The settings should only be used at the beginning of a weld and must be adjusted after stopping and carefully inspecting the weld. Proper welding takes experience.

20% Rated Duty Cycle

at 140A output

2 minutes welding

followed by

at least 8 minutes

of rest

I

O

MIG 180

WIRE FEED WELDER

ITEM 68886

Torch

concrete slab

(or other heat-proof,

non-conductive

surface)

SAFETY

SETUP

BASIC WELDING

WELDING TIPS

MAINTENANCE

SKU 68886 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 17