If the fuse or RCD/circuit breaker of your power supply trips immediately after plugging in or switching on your RED welding machine, this can have various causes.
In this article, you will learn step by step how to safely assess the situation and what you should do before putting your device back into operation.
Important Safety Notice
When an RCD or circuit breaker trips, there is generally a risk of electric shock.
Disconnect the welding machine immediately from the power supply before you begin the inspection.
Do not attempt any repairs inside the device yourself.
Repairs may only be carried out by RED by Lorch.
Possible Causes
Power Supply Not Properly Connected
Check the following points:
Is the power plug correctly inserted into the socket?
Are possibly too many devices being operated on the same circuit?
Has an extension cable that is too long or a cable drum that is not fully unwound been used?
Are the mains or extension cables damaged or have they become warm?
Tip:
Always use a properly grounded socket and an extension cable rated for the device power (minimum cross-section 2.5 mm² for longer cables).
Is the Torch or Ground Cable in Contact with Live Parts?
Check whether the Ground Cable or the torch might be in contact with other electrically conductive and live parts. Such unintended connections can cause short circuits or fault currents that trigger the circuit breaker.
Procedure
1. Disconnect Device Immediately from the Mains
Pull the power plug and ensure that there is no longer any voltage present.
2. Visual Inspection of the Device
Check:
Housing, plug and cables for visible damage
Moisture or condensation inside or on the device
Location: Is the device near strong magnetic fields, vibrations, moisture or dust?
Note:
Moisture or metallic dust inside the device can cause leakage currents that trigger the RCD.
3. If a Defect is Visible
Take the device out of service
Contact Service via the contact form. See also article: “Welding machine defective – what to do?”
4. If No Defect is Detectable
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Switch the fuse / circuit breaker back on.
Observation:
If the fuse continues to trip, the welding machine can be ruled out as the source of the fault.
If the fuse holds, the welding machine could be the cause of the fault.
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Check behaviour:
Carefully plug in the welding machine.
If the circuit breaker trips again, immediately disconnect the device from the mains and take it out of service.
If no further tripping occurs, carefully put the device into operation and continue to monitor the behaviour.
Note
This guide refers exclusively to the tripping of the fuse or RCD immediately after switching on or plugging in the welding machine.
If the circuit breaker trips during the welding process, other causes may apply.
Please refer to the article: “Safe welding with 230V – without the fuse blowing”.