Plasma cutter no arc, anyone have a clue

Cperry

Cperry

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Location
Durham, NC
I bought it used not working it is a HTP 400, Turns on but will not arc. It will purge air with manual switch but according to manual when you pull the trigger it should pre flow for a second and then arc. I get no preflow and no arc. All the consumables are new and in correct it appears. trigger switch looked fine not burnt or anything. would like to see if i am getting power into the trigger but what kind of voltage is here not trying to kill myself i am a fan of the 12volt sytem.

anyone no were i could get it repaired locally?
 
I would try disconnecting the torch and put an ohm meter across the switch. See if it works first. If it does then you will have to drill down deeper, but sometimes switches give out.
 
If you got no flow and arc it has to be a relay or something internal if the switch checked good. Make sure the cable pins are making a good connection.
 
Try holding the trigger down and turning the screw on tip that holds the consumables... if it works while turning, leave it there...
 
Cperry said:
I bought it used not working it is a HTP 400, Turns on but will not arc. It will purge air with manual switch but according to manual when you pull the trigger it should pre flow for a second and then arc. I get no preflow and no arc. All the consumables are new and in correct it appears. trigger switch looked fine not burnt or anything. would like to see if i am getting power into the trigger but what kind of voltage is here not trying to kill myself i am a fan of the 12volt sytem.
anyone no were i could get it repaired locally?
Click to expand...

I know on my Hypertherm if the swirl ring is cracked it will act exaclty the same as what your are describing.
The first time it went I couldn't see any cracks or much of anything wrong with it but it worked after I installed the new one.
 
I have the 380 model. There are two contact prongs that are spring loaded and have to make contact with the cup in the top of the handle. Sometimes they break or the springs get weak and therefore no contact is made and the circuit is not complete, so the unit wont come on. Check to see if they appear to be ok.
 
ABC Tool Repair, J&S Tool Repair, nor Specialty Tool work on welding equipment, they may take it in, but they will send it to another repair facility and then add a little on to the bill for themselves.

What Gofer and Tknopp are saying is the most likely cause. If the contacts in the torch handle are not made, or in poor shape, the machine will not work. My Miller will do the same thing.
 
ya the tips are good and making contact, it is nothing in the gun i am sure of it. i found a guy that repairs them in Raleigh, i will take it to him on monday.
 
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