checking settings

[d c]

maybe in the wrong section but i figure it may apply to any make?
on reading up about the clarke manual being possibly incorrect i came across a post regarding testing the voltages at differing settings to confirm if the manual was correct.
what i dont understand is why doesnt an arc strike when the trigger is pulled using the following procedure ????

(copied and pasted from the post)

"It's very simple to do this on your own set, you'll need a voltmeter of some description. I have a digital voltmeter and set it to the 200v range, I also have crocodile clip leads which make life a little easier.

1. Connect positive meter lead to torch tip (or piece of protruding wire if you undo the wire tensioner to stop it feeding)
2. Connect negative meter lead to earth clamp
3. Turn on welder
4. Choose a setting on the welder - lowest would be a good starting point!
5. Pull the trigger
6. Record voltage shown on the meter
7. Change welder setting and repeat


The voltage will be somewhere around the 20 - 30v ish so is easy to measure with any old meter. Hope this helps! "

 

[Drains]

You don't get an arc cos the voltmeter has a high ohms resistor in the circuit, therefore no current. Normally when welding, it's (almost) a short circuit, so lots of current passes, and a big bleedin' spark to go with.

 

[d c]

thanks for clearing that up. makes sense now

 

[Dave Sherwood]

Would the Voltage be DC or AC,?. Sorry if this sounds a dumb question but new to welding.

 

[Drains]

Would the Voltage be DC or AC,?. Sorry if this sounds a dumb question but new to welding.

On a mig it'll be DC. Not a dumb question, just a question