Lincoln Electric IM10115 FLEXTEC 650 - Manual (Page 13)

A-6 INSTALLATION
FLEXTEC™ 650
A-6
RECOMMENDED ELECTRODE AND
WORK CABLE SIZES FOR ARC WELDING
General Guidelines
Connect the electrode and work cables between the
appropriate output studs of the FLEXTEC™ 650 per
the following guidelines:
• Most welding applications run with the electrode
being positive (+). For those applications, connect
the electrode cable between the wire drive feed
plate and the positive (+) output stud on the power
source. Connect a work lead from the negative (-)
power source output stud to the work piece.
• When negative electrode polarity is required, such
as in some Innershield applications, reverse the out-
put connections at the power source (electrode
cable to the negative (-) stud, and work cable to the
positive (+) stud).
The following recommendations apply to all output
polarities and weld modes:
• Select the appropriate size cables per the
“Output Cable Guidelines” (See Table A.1).
Excessive voltage drops caused by undersized
welding cables and poor connections often result in
unsatisfactory welding performance. Always use the
largest welding cables (electrode and work) that are
practical, and be sure all connections are clean and
tight.
Note: Excessive heat in the weld circuit indicates
undersized cables and/or bad connections.
• Route all cables directly to the work and wire
feeder, avoid excessive lengths and do not coil
excess cable. Route the electrode and work cables
in close proximity to one another to minimize the
loop area and therefore the inductance of the weld
circuit.
• Always weld in a direction away from the work
(ground) connection.
** Tabled values are for operation at ambient temperatures of 104°F(40°C) and below. Applications above 104°F(40°C) may require cables
larger than recommended, or cables rated higher than 167°F(75°C).
OUTPUT CABLE GUIDELINES
CABLE SIZES FOR COMBINED LENGTHS OF ELECTRODE AND WORK CABLES
(RUBBER COVERED COPPER - RATED 167°F or 75°C)** AMPERES
200
200
250
250
250
250
300
300
350
400
400
500
600
600
600
650
650
700
800
800
PERCENT
DUTY
CYCLE
60
100
30
40
60
100
60
100
40
60
100
60
60
80
100
60
80
100
80
100
0 to 50Ft.
(0 to15m)
2
2
3
2
1
1
1
2/0
1/0
2/0
3/0
2/0
3/0
2-1/0
2-1/0
3/0
2-1/0
2-2/0
3-1/0
2-3/0
50 to 100Ft.
(15 to 30m)
2
2
3
2
1
1
1
2/0
1/0
2/0
3/0
2/0
3/0
2-1/0
2-1/0
3/0
2-1/0
2-2/0
3-1/0
2-3/0
100 to 150 Ft.
(30 to 46m)
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
2/0
2/0
2/0
3/0
3/0
3/0
2-1/0
2-1/0
4/0
2-1/0
2-3/0
3-1/0
2-3/0
150 to 200 Ft.
(46 to 61m)
1
1
1
1
1
1
1/0
2/0
2/0
3/0
3/0
3/0
4/0
2-2/0
2-2/0
2-2/0
2-2/0
2-3/0
2-3/0
2-3/0
200 to 250 Ft.
(61 to 76m)
1/0
1/0
1/0
1/0
1/0
1/0
2/0
3/0
3/0
4/0
4/0
4/0
2-3/0
2-3/0
2-3/0
2-3/0
2-3/0
2-4/0
2-4/0
2-4/0
TABLE A.1