FRO­NIUS WF 15i User manual

Fronius prints on elemental chlorine free paper (ECF) sourced from certified sustainable forests (FSC).
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WF 15i
WF 15i n.S.
WF 25i
WF 30i
EN
Operating instructions
42,0426,0116,EN 035-18112021

Contents
Safety rules 5
Explanation of safety notices 5
General 5
Proper use 5
Environmental conditions 6
Obligations of the operator 6
Obligations of personnel 6
Mains connection 6
Protecting yourself and others 7
Danger from toxic gases and vapours 7
Danger from flying sparks 8
Risks from mains current and welding current 8
Meandering welding currents 9
EMC Device Classifications 10
EMC measures 10
EMF measures 11
Specific hazards 11
Requirement for the shielding gas 12
Danger from shielding gas cylinders 12
Danger from escaping shielding gas 13
Safety measures at the installation location and during transport 13
Safety measures in normal operation 13
Commissioning, maintenance and repair 14
Safety inspection 14
Disposal 15
Safety symbols 15
Data protection 15
Copyright 15
General 17
General 19
Device concept 19
Warning notices on the device 19
Controls, connections and mechanical components 21
Controls, connections and mechanical components 23
Safety 23
Front of wire-feed unit 23
Rear of wire-feed unit 24
Wire-feed unit side 24
Wire-feed unit underside 25
Optional control panels 26
Safety 26
OPT/i WF POT control panel 26
OPT/i WF gas test & wire threading 27
OPT/i WF Standard control panel 29
Installation and commissioning 35
Before installation and commissioning 37
Safety 37
Proper use 37
Setup regulations 37
Placing wire-feed unit on swivel pin holder 38
Safety 38
Placing wire-feed unit on swivel pin holder 38
Connecting wire-feed unit to power source 39
Safety 39
General information 39
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EN

Connecting the wirefeeder to the power source 39
Connecting the extension hosepack 40
Connecting the welding torch 42
Safety 42
Connecting MIG/MAG welding torches 42
Inserting/replacing feed rollers 43
Safety 43
General 43
Inserting/replacing feed rollers 43
Inserting the wirespool, inserting the basket-type spool 45
Safety 45
Inserting the wirespool 45
Installing the basket-type spool 46
Threading the wire electrode 48
General 48
Preparatory work 48
Threading the wire electrode 49
Setting the contact pressure 49
Adjust the brake 51
General 51
Adjusting the brake 51
Design of the brake 52
Start-up 53
Safety 53
Prerequisites 53
General 53
Troubleshooting, maintenance and disposal 55
Troubleshooting 57
Safety 57
Troubleshooting 57
Care, maintenance and disposal 61
General 61
Safety 61
Every start-up 61
Every 6 months 61
Disposal 62
Technical data 63
Technical data 65
WF 15i 65
WF 15i n.S. 65
WF 25i 66
WF 30i 66
HP 70i 67
HP 95i 67
HP 120i 67
HP 70i, HP PC Cable HD 70 68
4

Safety rules
Explanation of
safety notices DANGER!
Indicates immediate danger.
▶If not avoided, death or serious injury will result.
WARNING!
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation.
▶If not avoided, death or serious injury may result.
CAUTION!
Indicates a situation where damage or injury could occur.
▶If not avoided, minor injury and/or damage to property may result.
NOTE!
Indicates a risk of flawed results and possible damage to the equipment.
General The device is manufactured using state-of-the-art technology and according to recog-
nised safety standards. If used incorrectly or misused, however, it can cause:
- injury or death to the operator or a third party,
- damage to the device and other material assets belonging to the operating com-
pany,
- inefficient operation of the device.
All persons involved in commissioning, operating, maintaining and servicing the device
must:
- be suitably qualified,
- have sufficient knowledge of welding and
- read and follow these operating instructions carefully.
The operating instructions must always be at hand wherever the device is being used. In
addition to the operating instructions, attention must also be paid to any generally applic-
able and local regulations regarding accident prevention and environmental protection.
All safety and danger notices on the device
- must be in a legible state,
- must not be damaged,
- must not be removed,
- must not be covered, pasted or painted over.
For the location of the safety and danger notices on the device, refer to the section
headed "General" in the operating instructions for the device.
Before switching on the device, rectify any faults that could compromise safety.
This is for your personal safety!
Proper use The device is to be used exclusively for its intended purpose.
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The device is intended solely for the welding processes specified on the rating plate.
Any use above and beyond this purpose is deemed improper. The manufacturer shall not
be held liable for any damage arising from such usage.
Proper use includes:
- carefully reading and following all the instructions given in the operating instructions
- studying and obeying all safety and danger notices carefully
- performing all stipulated inspection and maintenance work.
Never use the device for the following purposes:
- Thawing out pipes
- Charging batteries
- Starting engines
The device is designed for use in industry and the workshop. The manufacturer accepts
no responsibility for any damage caused through use in a domestic setting.
The manufacturer likewise accepts no liability for inadequate or incorrect results.
Environmental
conditions
Operation or storage of the device outside the stipulated area will be deemed as not in
accordance with the intended purpose. The manufacturer shall not be held liable for any
damage arising from such usage.
Ambient temperature range:
- during operation: -10 °C to + 40 °C (14 °F to 104 °F)
- during transport and storage: -20 °C to +55 °C (-4 °F to 131 °F)
Relative humidity:
- up to 50% at 40 °C (104 °F)
- up to 90% at 20 °C (68 °F)
The surrounding air must be free from dust, acids, corrosive gases or substances, etc.
Can be used at altitudes of up to 2000 m (6561 ft. 8.16 in.)
Obligations of the
operator
The operator must only allow persons to work with the device who:
- are familiar with the fundamental instructions regarding safety at work and accident
prevention and have been instructed in how to use the device
- have read and understood these operating instructions, especially the section
"safety rules", and have confirmed as much with their signatures
- are trained to produce the required results.
Checks must be carried out at regular intervals to ensure that operators are working in a
safety-conscious manner.
Obligations of
personnel
Before using the device, all persons instructed to do so undertake:
- to observe the basic instructions regarding safety at work and accident prevention
- to read these operating instructions, especially the "Safety rules" section and sign to
confirm that they have understood them and will follow them.
Before leaving the workplace, ensure that people or property cannot come to any harm
in your absence.
Mains connection Devices with a higher rating may affect the energy quality of the mains due to their cur-
rent consumption.
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This may affect a number device types in terms of:
- Connection restrictions
-Criteria with regard to the maximum permissible mains impedance *)
-Criteria with regard to the minimum short-circuit power requirement *)
*) at the interface with the public grid
see "Technical data"
In this case, the plant operator or the person using the device should check whether the
device may be connected, where appropriate by discussing the matter with the power
supply company.
IMPORTANT! Ensure that the mains connection is earthed properly
Protecting your-
self and others
Anyone working with the device exposes themselves to numerous risks, e.g.
- flying sparks and hot pieces of metal
- Arc radiation, which can damage eyes and skin
- Hazardous electromagnetic fields, which can endanger the lives of those using car-
diac pacemakers
- Risk of electrocution from mains current and welding current
- Greater noise pollution
- Harmful welding fumes and gases
Suitable protective clothing must be worn when working with the device. The protective
clothing must have the following properties:
- Flame-resistant
- Insulating and dry
- Covers the whole body, is undamaged and in good condition
- Safety helmet
- Trousers with no turn-ups
Protective clothing refers to a variety of different items. Operators should:
- Protect eyes and face from UV rays, heat and sparks using a protective visor and
regulation filter
- Wear regulation protective goggles with side protection behind the protective visor
- Wear stout footwear that provides insulation even in wet conditions
- Protect the hands with suitable gloves (electrically insulated and providing protection
against heat)
- Wear ear protection to reduce the harmful effects of noise and to prevent injury
Keep all persons, especially children, out of the working area while any devices are in
operation or welding is in progress. If, however, there are people in the vicinity:
- Make them aware of all the dangers (risk of dazzling by the arc, injury from flying
sparks, harmful welding fumes, noise, possible risks from mains current and welding
current, etc.)
- Provide suitable protective equipment
- Alternatively, erect suitable safety screens/curtains.
Danger from tox-
ic gases and va-
pours
The fumes produced during welding contain harmful gases and vapours.
Welding fumes contain substances that cause cancer, as stated in Monograph 118 of the
International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Use at-source extraction and a room extraction system.
If necessary, use a welding torch with an integrated extraction device.
Keep your face away from welding fumes and gases.
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Fumes and hazardous gases
- must not be breathed in
- must be extracted from the working area using appropriate methods.
Ensure an adequate supply of fresh air. Ensure that there is a ventilation rate of at least
20 m³ per hour at all times.
Otherwise, a welding helmet with an air supply must be worn.
If there is any doubt about whether the extraction capacity is sufficient, the measured
toxic emission values should be compared with the permissible limit values.
The following components are responsible, amongst other things, for the degree of tox-
icity of welding fumes:
- Metals used for the workpiece
- Electrodes
- Coatings
- Cleaners, degreasers, etc.
- Welding process used
The relevant material safety data sheets and manufacturer's specifications for the listed
components should therefore be studied carefully.
Recommendations for trade fair scenarios, risk management measures and for identify-
ing working conditions can be found on the European Welding Association website under
Health & Safety (https://european-welding.org).
Flammable vapours (e.g. solvent fumes) should be kept away from the arc's radiation
area.
Close the shielding gas cylinder valve or main gas supply if no welding is taking place.
Danger from fly-
ing sparks
Flying sparks may cause fires or explosions.
Never weld close to flammable materials.
Flammable materials must be at least 11 metres (36 ft. 1.07 in.) away from the arc, or
alternatively covered with an approved cover.
A suitable, tested fire extinguisher must be available and ready for use.
Sparks and pieces of hot metal may also get into adjacent areas through small gaps or
openings. Take appropriate precautions to prevent any danger of injury or fire.
Welding must not be performed in areas that are subject to fire or explosion or near
sealed tanks, vessels or pipes unless these have been prepared in accordance with the
relevant national and international standards.
Do not carry out welding on containers that are being or have been used to store gases,
propellants, mineral oils or similar products. Residues pose an explosive hazard.
Risks from mains
current and weld-
ing current
An electric shock is potentially life threatening and can be fatal.
Do not touch live parts either inside or outside the device.
During MIG/MAG welding and TIG welding, the welding wire, the wirespool, the feed
rollers and all pieces of metal that are in contact with the welding wire are live.
Always set the wirefeeder up on a sufficiently insulated surface or use a suitable, insu-
lated wirefeeder holder.
8

Make sure that you and others are protected with an adequately insulated, dry base or
cover for the earth or ground potential. This base or cover must extend over the entire
area between the body and the earth or ground potential.
All cables and leads must be secured, undamaged, insulated and adequately dimen-
sioned. Replace loose connections and scorched, damaged, or inadequately dimen-
sioned cables and leads immediately.
Use the handle to ensure the power connections are tight before every use.
In the case of power cables with a bayonet connector, rotate the power cable around the
longitudinal axis by at least 180° and pretension.
Do not wrap cables or leads around the body or parts of the body.
The electrode (rod electrode, tungsten electrode, welding wire, etc.) must
- never be immersed in liquid for cooling
- Never touch the electrode when the power source is switched on.
Double the open circuit voltage of a power source can occur between the welding elec-
trodes of two power sources. Touching the potentials of both electrodes at the same time
may be fatal under certain circumstances.
Arrange for the mains cable to be checked regularly by a qualified electrician to ensure
the ground conductor is functioning properly.
Protection class I devices require a mains supply with ground conductor and a connector
system with ground conductor contact for proper operation.
Operation of the device on a mains supply without ground conductor and on a socket
without ground conductor contact is only permitted if all national regulations for protective
separation are observed.
Otherwise, this is considered gross negligence. The manufacturer shall not be held liable
for any damage arising from such usage.
If necessary, provide adequate earthing for the workpiece.
Switch off unused devices.
Wear a safety harness if working at height.
Before working on the device, switch it off and pull out the mains plug.
Attach a clearly legible and easy-to-understand warning sign to the device to prevent
anyone from plugging the mains plug back in and switching it on again.
After opening the device:
- Discharge all live components
- Ensure that all components in the device are de-energised.
If work on live parts is required, appoint a second person to switch off the main switch at
the right moment.
Meandering weld-
ing currents
If the following instructions are ignored, meandering welding currents can develop with
the following consequences:
- Fire hazard
- Overheating of parts connected to the workpiece
- Damage to ground conductors
- Damage to device and other electrical equipment
Ensure that the workpiece is held securely by the workpiece clamp.
Attach the workpiece clamp as close as possible to the area that is to be welded.
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EN

Position the device with sufficient insulation against electrically conductive environments,
such as insulation against conductive floor or insulation to conductive racks.
If power distribution boards, twin-head mounts, etc., are being used, note the following:
The electrode of the welding torch / electrode holder that is not used is also live. Make
sure that the welding torch / electrode holder that is not used is kept sufficiently insu-
lated.
In the case of automated MIG/MAG applications, ensure that only an insulated wire elec-
trode is routed from the welding wire drum, large wirefeeder spool or wirespool to the
wirefeeder.
EMC Device Clas-
sifications
Devices in emission class A:
- Are only designed for use in industrial settings
- Can cause line-bound and radiated interference in other areas
Devices in emission class B:
- Satisfy the emissions criteria for residential and industrial areas. This is also true for
residential areas in which the energy is supplied from the public low-voltage mains.
EMC device classification as per the rating plate or technical data.
EMC measures In certain cases, even though a device complies with the standard limit values for emis-
sions, it may affect the application area for which it was designed (e.g. when there is
sensitive equipment at the same location, or if the site where the device is installed is
close to either radio or television receivers).
If this is the case, then the operator is obliged to take appropriate action to rectify the
situation.
Check and evaluate the immunity to interference of nearby devices according to national
and international regulations. Examples of equipment that may be susceptible to interfer-
ence from the device include:
- Safety devices
- Network, signal and data transfer lines
- IT and telecommunications devices
- Measuring and calibrating devices
Supporting measures for avoidance of EMC problems:
1. Mains supply
- If electromagnetic interference arises despite the correct mains connection, ad-
ditional measures are necessary (e.g. use of a suitable line filter)
2. Welding power-leads
- must be kept as short as possible
- must be laid close together (to avoid EMF problems)
- must be kept well apart from other leads
3. Equipotential bonding
4. Earthing of the workpiece
- If necessary, establish an earth connection using suitable capacitors.
5. Shield, if necessary
- Shield other devices nearby
- Shield the entire welding installation
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