11
Specications and Need-to-Know Information
alphaMIG 231ms
Generator Operation Information
This unit may be used with any clean power rated 240V
generator with a 9500W Surge Watt rating. Clean Power is
defined as 5% or less Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
This means the generator produces a clean sine wave simi-
lar to what is produced by power companies. If operating on a
120V generator, a 30A receptacle must be available and adapted for
use. Additionally 5% or less THD is still required. The generator must
not share “duties” with other tools or appliances.
NOTICE: Operation with generators not rated by the generator manu-
facturer as a “clean power” source is prohibited and will void the war-
ranty. Many manufacturers produce a version or series of their gener-
ators that produce clean power. This is usually stated up front. If
not, consult the manufacturer of the generators to confirm THD.
Clean power generators are made in both inverter types and conven-
tional types of generators. Do not assume all inverter type generators
produce clean power unless the manufacturer states it. Clean power
is needed for most electronic equipment to prevent damage.
Duty Cycle Performance
The MIG/Stick duty cycle of this machine has been established
at 50% while operating at the following Amperages. 120V:
MIG @ 125A, Stick @ 100A.
240V: MIG @ 230A, Stick @ 180A
Duty Cycle is the amount of time, out of a solid 10 minute block of
time that the unit may operate at the rated setting. For the example
of 50% @ 230A, this means the unit may be operated up to 5 minutes
continuously (or intermittently) out of 10 minutes of time before over-
heating. The balance of time remaining in the 10 minutes (5 minutes
in this example) should be spent letting the unit rest without welding
but while the unit is continuing to run and cool. As Amps are lowered,
or as the ambient temperature decreases below the 40 C testing
benchmark, duty cycle will increase.
It is not necessary to try to keep up with the duty cycle exactly by
timing it or recording it. The unit is equipped with a thermal sensor
which will trigger an interruption of operation if the temperature has
been exceeded. Keep in mind this is not a timed feature. A duty cycle
statement is based on time welding at a particular amperage, but
because so many variables exist, and ultimately the unit’s tempera-
ture is the regulating concern, duty cycle is determined by a preset
operating temperature threshold, rather than a timed one.
If you have triggered the duty cycle interrupt on this machine, allow
the unit to cool for a full 15 minutes. The unit should automatically
reset during this time, but allow a few more minutes so the machine
can cool sufficiently so as not to overheat quickly. If it does not reset
during this time, turn the machine off and back on to reset it.
Even though this unit is equipped with a duty cycle safety feature,
intentionally and repeatedly surpassing the duty cycle will shorten the
lifespan of the unit. Routine overheating damage will usually leave
signs that can be determined during warranty repair. Damage caused
by intentional abuse of the duty cycle will not be covered under war-
ranty.
If you find that you are constantly running into duty cycle issues, it is
likely you will need a bigger machine, or need to adjust your welding
strategies to comply with the duty cycle limits of this machine.
To assure maximum lifespan of the unit, never block the cooling vents
in the rear, sides, or front. Keep the unit 16” away, on all sides, from
any obstacle to free air flow such as a wall or partition.
Required Routine Maintenance
Most places where a welder is in operation, floating and
flying debris are factors that can lead to internal damage
and failure. Dust, dirt and sparks are often present in the
air. The machine will draw these contaminants in during op-
eration and they can be deposited inside the machine onto critical
components. These particles can conduct electricity and create new
circuit paths, not only causing poor operation, unit lock up, but it can
also cause long term damage. For this reason, the machine should be
opened up and cleaned with dry, compressed air on a regular basis,
once every month in heavy use, and ever 3 to 6 months under light
use. If the unit remains stored most of the time, dust still will accu-
mulate, and this should be done at least every 6 months. When not in
use, keep the machine covered. Failure to do so constitutes neglect
and may void the warranty.
To clean and service this welder:
1. Unplug the welder. Wait 10 minutes for the capacitors to dis-
charge. (To prevent electrical shock or electrocution.)
2. Put on a pair of safety glasses to prevent debris from blowing
into your eyes during this operation.
3. Remove the top handle.
4. Remove the steel cover screws.
5. Pull the cover up and to the rear while carefully watching for
wires that may catch on the louvered vents of the cover.
6. Check all wires and connections to make sure they are seated
and/or tight.
7. Use dry compressed air (or “canned” air) to blow the air off con-
nections, boards, and fittings. If the unit is particularly dirty,
unseat the affected connectors themselves, and blow out the
connections as well.
8. Reassemble the unit. Do not forget the handle!
NOTICE:
Opening the unit to clean and check connections will not void
the warranty. In fact it is required to maintain your in-warranty status
during the duration of your warranty. However, under no circum-
stances should you attempt to modify or make unauthorized changes
to the welder or its programming. To do so will void the warranty.