LC-416 has arrived

[MAD4metal]

I also just scored an 8' x ½" old grounding copper ( steel core ) rod....... I cut it in half. I have not put it in the ground yet. I don't know what I'd have to do to get an 8' piece in the ground. It is so rocky here. I'd have to run a fairly long ground wire from it too to be able to use in my shop....

[JDC]

I got lucky and was able to muscle it down about 4' into a bed right near the shop. The rest of the way I used the "convincer" (my large sledge hammer) to drive it home.

[LONGEVITY]

Guys,

The extra ground is not only a safety feature, but it also actually can prevent your unit from numerous high frequency issues and as well as protect it in case of a voltage issue. You should use it!

Simon

[JDC]

Well I guess it was really worth the 15 minutes to install. Thanks for clearing it up Simon.

[MAD4metal]

I put one ( ground pole ) in , but I only used 4 ft. I hope that's good enough. I thought that when I wanted to use it I would just connect it with some jumper cables. I think that would work if it's long enough.

[Gadget]

I put one ( ground pole ) in , but I only used 4 ft. I hope that's good enough. I thought that when I wanted to use it I would just connect it with some jumper cables. I think that would work if it's long enough.

I am using the ground rod that the garage electrical uses. I also use jumper cables to connect to ground, it seems to work well.
Thanks Simon for clearing up the ground or no ground question. I will be sure to use it from now on.
Dan

[vault]

Why are people running seperate ground rod from the main electrical service ground instead of connecting the machine to the service ground. In almost all instances this is probably against NEC code. It creates a paralell (sp) path for a short. Also an electrical potential difference can be created between the ground rod at the service entrance and this secondary ground rod- increasing shock hazard.

[MAD4metal]

Interesting comment....I don't know. I only do as I'm told, but in my experience in the past I also have not seen a separate ground used other than to the work piece....This topic deserves some clarification I think.

[JDC]

Why are people running seperate ground rod from the main electrical service ground instead of connecting the machine to the service ground. In almost all instances this is probably against NEC code. It creates a paralell (sp) path for a short. Also an electrical potential difference can be created between the ground rod at the service entrance and this secondary ground rod- increasing shock hazard.

OK so I should NOT have this set up the way I have it? So what do I connect to that grounding screw on the back of the machine? How can I ground it to the service ground?

Thanks,

Jim

[KHK]

The green wire on the welder's power cord is internalily connected to it's chassie. It is the same as the ground connector on the back of the welder. The main reasion for the rear ground connection is due to the radio frequency generated by the welder in some modes of operation. The possible long run of the netural wire can cause an antanna effect to the area.(30 to 50 ft) This can cause interference on area radios.(FCC no no) This antenna effect is reduced when the incomming power is in wraped in metal shielding.(condudit, BX, liquid tight, etc.)

It is also possible to get a slight electrical shock from ungrounded metal to ground, when the welder is in operation.
This is magified with wet floors / very high humidity.

The rear ground should eliminate or reduce both of these effects.

Now to the real world!!!
Not knowing your work area, it is not possible to give you a specific recommendation.
I DO have my rear ground connected to earth ground, with a 220vac huck up. Most people do not connect the rear ground.
It is good to be aware of the possible problems that can occure with out this ground.

If the welder is connected to a 208 vac line, one leg of 480 to ground is 208 vac, the second ground wire is highly recommended as a safty percaution, and the problems mentioned above.

keith