How do I combat “dirty power” (the voltage fluctuations that hamper my arc stability and weld quality)?
Whether it be other workers running tools and equipment off of the same primary power line, brownouts, power spikes, or generators that don’t regulate auxiliary power voltage, voltage fluctuations can cause havoc with welding parameters. New technologies are ensuring that operators never experience a fluctuation in the welding arc. Line voltage compensation devices have been implemented on units to help curtail such fluctuations. Manufacturers are also creating new technology that makes sure the primary power remains within certain parameters. One of the newest multiprocess units available promises no arc fluctuation or wandering as long as the primary power remains within a 185 to 635-V range. That covers a “low line” 208-V primary all the way through a “high line” 575-V primary. This system takes primary power and converts it to a buss voltage, then using that buss voltage to drive the control part of the inverter mechanism. This technology is ideal for job sites where many workers r
