Connections for MMA welding and gouging

This chapter describes the connections with the wire feeder connected to the system. In this case, the wire feeder control panel is used to control the MMA welding parameters. For standalone MMA welding use of the power source, refer to Connections for standalone MMA welding and gouging.

The following steps describe connecting the electrode holder, but the same connection method and cautionary notes apply with the gouging cable for carbon arc gouging.

MMA welding requires disconnecting the welding cable (to the wire feeder) from the welding connector (+) in the rear of the power source.

Optionally, an additional DIX splitter cable adapter connected to the rear welding connector (+) can be used, if MMA welding is more frequent.

To connect the electrode holder (or gouging cable) to the X3 power source, proceed as follows:

1.

If already connected, temporarily disconnect the welding current cable (going to the wire feeder) from the rear of the power source.

2.

Connect the electrode holder directly to the welding connector (+) in the rear of the power source.

To connect to the X3 power source using the optional splitter cable adapter, proceed as follows:

Disconnect the electrode holder or the electrode from the electrode holder when not welding in MMA mode. Connected like this, the MMA cable is part of the circuitry even when welding in other operation modes (e.g. MIG).

1.

If already connected, disconnect the welding current cable (going to the wire feeder) from the rear of the power source.

2.

Attach a DIX splitter cable adapter to the welding current cable connector (+) in the rear of the power source.

3.

Connect both, the welding current cable (going to the wire feeder) and the electrode holder cable to the DIX splitter cable adapter.

 

To connect the earth return cable and to change into MMA mode, proceed as follows:

1.

Connect the earth return cable to the power source's connector (-) in the front.

2.

Change the welding system's operation mode to MMA using the control panel on the wire feeder. For more information, refer to X3 control panel.

 

Most MMA applications require the welding current cable (or gouging cable) to be connected to the positive terminal of the power source. The polarity can be selected by connecting the welding current cable (or gouging cable) and earth return cable accordingly to either the positive or negative connector on the power source. For this purpose, an additional cable extension for the interconnection cable's welding current cable is available as an optional extra.