Lincoln Electric POWERTEC i320C STANDARD User manual

English English
IM3070
09/2018
REV04
POWERTEC i250C STANDARD
POWERTEC i250C ADVANCED
POWERTEC i320C STANDARD
POWERTEC i320C ADVANCED
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
ENGLISH
Lincoln Electric Bester Sp. z o.o.
ul. Jana III Sobieskiego 19A, 58-263 Bielawa, Poland
www.lincolnelectric.eu

English English
I
12/05
THANKS! For having choosen the QUALITY of the Lincoln Electric products.
Please Examine Package and Equipment for Damage. Claims for material damaged in shipment must be notified
immediately to the dealer.
For future reference record in the table below your equipment identification information. Model Name, Code &
Serial Number can be found on the machine rating plate.
Model Name:
………………...…………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Code & Serial number:
………………….……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………….……………..
Date & Where Purchased:
…………………………………………………………………... ……………………….…………………………………………..
ENGLISH INDEX
Technical Specifications .................................................................................................................................................. 1
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) .............................................................................................................................. 2
Safety .............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Installation and Operator Instructions .............................................................................................................................. 4
WEEE............................................................................................................................................................................ 31
Spare Parts.................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Authorized Service Shops Location............................................................................................................................... 31
Electrical Schematic ...................................................................................................................................................... 31
Accessories ................................................................................................................................................................... 32

English 1 English
Technical Specifications
NAME INDEX
POWERTEC i250C STANDARD K14157-1
POWERTEC i250C ADVANCED K14157-2
POWERTEC i320C STANDARD K14158-1
POWERTEC i320C ADVANCED K14158-2
INPUT
Input Voltage U1EMC Class Frequency
PTi250C STANDARD
PTi250C ADVANCED
PTi320C STANDARD
PTi320C ADVANCED
400V ± 10%
3-phase A 50/60Hz
Input Power at Rated Cycle Input Amperes I1max PF
PTi250C STANDARD
PTi250C ADVANCED
10,3 kVA @ 60% Duty Cycle
(40°C) 14,7A 0,85
PTi320C STANDARD
PTi320C ADVANCED
13,6 kVA @ 40% Duty Cycle
(40°C) 19,6A 0,90
RATED OUTPUT
Open Circuit
Voltage
Duty Cycle 40°C
(based on a 10 min. Output Current Output Voltage
PTi250C STANDARD
PTi250C ADVANCED
GMAW 49Vdc 60% 250A 26,5Vdc
100% 195A 23,8Vdc
FCAW 49Vdc 60% 250A 26,5Vdc
100% 195A 23,8Vdc
SMAW 49Vdc 60% 250A 30Vdc
100% 195A 27,8Vdc
PTi320C STANDARD
PTi320C ADVANCED
GMAW 49Vdc 40% 320A 30Vdc
100% 195A 23,8Vdc
FCAW 49Vdc 40% 320A 30Vdc
100% 195A 23,8Vdc
SMAW 49Vdc 40% 320A 32,8Vdc
100% 195A 27,8Vdc
WELDING CURRENT RANGE
GMAW FCAW SMAW
PTi250C STANDARD
PTi250C ADVANCED 10A÷250A 10A÷250A 20A÷250A
PTi320C STANDARD
PTi320C ADVANCED 10A÷320A 10A÷320A 20A÷320A
RECOMMENDED INPUT CABLE AND FUSE SIZES
Fuse Type gR or Circuit Breaker Type Z Power Lead
PTi250C STANDARD
PTi250C ADVANCED 16A, 400V AC 4 Conductor, 2,5mm2
PTi320C STANDARD
PTi320C ADVANCED 20A, 400V AC 4 Conductor, 2,5mm2
DIMENSION
Weight Height Width Length
66 kg 535 mm 300 mm 635 mm
Protection Rating Operating Humidity
(
t=20°C
)
Operating
Temperature
Storage
Temperature
IP23 ≤90 % from -10 ºC
to +40 ºC
from -25 ºC
to +55 ºC

English 2 English
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
11/04
This machine has been designed in accordance with all relevant directives and standards. However, it may still generate
electromagnetic disturbances that can affect other systems like telecommunications (telephone, radio, and television) or
other safety systems. These disturbances can cause safety problems in the affected systems. Read and understand this
section to eliminate or reduce the amount of electromagnetic disturbance generated by this machine.
WARNING
Provided that the public low voltage system impedance at the point of common coupling is
lower than:
56,4 mΩfor the Powertec i250/320.
This equipment is compliant with IEC 61000-3-11 and IEC-3-12 and can be connected to public lowvoltage systems. It is
the responsibility of the installer or user of the equipment to ensure, by consultation with the distribution network operator
if necessary, that the system impedance complies with the impedance restrictions.

Consider the following guidelines to reduce electromagnetic emissions from the machine.
Connect the machine to the input supply according to this manual. If disturbances occur if may be necessary to take
additional precautions such as filtering the input supply.
The output cables should be kept as short as possible and should be positioned together. If possible connect the
work piece to ground in order to reduce the electromagnetic emissions. The operator must check that connecting the
work piece to ground does not cause problems or unsafe operating conditions for personnel and equipment.
Shielding of cables in the work area can reduce electromagnetic emissions. This may be necessary for special
applications.
WARNING
The Class A equipment is not intended for use in residential locations where the electrical power is provided by the public
low-voltage supply system. There may be potential difficulties in ensuring electromagnetic compatibility in those
locations, due to conducted as well as radiated disturbances.
WARNING
While a high electromagnetic field occurs, a welding current can fluctuate.

English 3 English
Safety
01/11
WARNING
This equipment must be used by qualified personnel. Be sure that all installation, operation, maintenance and repair
procedures are performed only by qualified person. Read and understand this manual before operating this equipment.
Failure to follow the instructions in this manual could cause serious personal injury, loss of life, or damage to this
equipment. Read and understand the following explanations of the warning symbols. Lincoln Electric is not responsible
for damages caused by improper installation, improper care or abnormal operation.
WARNING: This symbol indicates that instructions must be followed to avoid serious personal injury,
loss of life, or damage to this equipment. Protect yourself and others from possible serious injury or
death.
READ AND UNDERSTAND INSTRUCTIONS: Read and understand this manual before operating
this equipment. Arc welding can be hazardous. Failure to follow the instructions in this manual could
cause serious personal injury, loss of life, or damage to this equipment.
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL: Welding equipment generates high voltages. Do not touch the
electrode, work clamp, or connected work pieces when this equipment is on. Insulate yourself from
the electrode, work clamp, and connected work pieces.
ELECTRICALLY POWERED EQUIPMENT: Turn off input power using the disconnect switch at the
fuse box before working on this equipment. Ground this equipment in accordance with local electrical
regulations.
ELECTRICALLY POWERED EQUIPMENT: Regularly inspect the input, electrode, and work clamp
cables. If any insulation damage exists replace the cable immediately. Do not place the electrode
holder directly on the welding table or any other surface in contact with the work clamp to avoid the
risk of accidental arc ignition.
ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS MAY BE DANGEROUS: Electric current flowing through any
conductor creates electric and magnetic fields (EMF). EMF fields may interfere with some
pacemakers, and welders having a pacemaker shall consult their physician before operating this
equipment.
CE COMPLIANCE: This equipment complies with the European Community Directives.
ARTIFICIAL OPTICAL RADIATION: According with the requirements in 2006/25/EC Directive and
EN 12198 Standard, the equipment is a category 2. It makes mandatory the adoption of Personal
Protective Equipments (PPE) having filter with a protection degree up to a maximum of 15, as
required by EN169 Standard.
FUMES AND GASES CAN BE DANGEROUS: Welding may produce fumes and gases hazardous to
health. Avoid breathing these fumes and gases. To avoid these dangers the operator must use
enough ventilation or exhaust to keep fumes and gases away from the breathing zone.
ARC RAYS CAN BURN: Use a shield with the proper filter and cover plates to protect your eyes from
sparks and the rays of the arc when welding or observing. Use suitable clothing made from durable
flame-resistant material to protect you skin and that of your helpers. Protect other nearby personnel
with suitable, non-flammable screening and warn them not to watch the arc nor expose themselves to
the arc.
WELDING SPARKS CAN CAUSE FIRE OR EXPLOSION: Remove fire hazards from the welding
area and have a fire extinguisher readily available. Welding sparks and hot materials from the welding
process can easily go through small cracks and openings to adjacent areas. Do not weld on any
tanks, drums, containers, or material until the proper steps have been taken to insure that no
flammable or toxic vapors will be present. Never operate this equipment when flammable gases,
vapors or liquid combustibles are present.
WELDED MATERIALS CAN BURN: Welding generates a large amount of heat. Hot surfaces and
materials in work area can cause serious burns. Use gloves and pliers when touching or moving
materials in the work area.

English 4 English
SAFETY MARK: This equipment is suitable for supplying power for welding operations carried out in
an environment with increased hazard of electric shock.
CYLINDER MAY EXPLODE IF DAMAGED: Use only compressed gas cylinders containing the
correct shielding gas for the process used and properly operating regulators designed for the gas and
pressure used. Always keep cylinders in an upRight position securely chained to a fixed support. Do
not move or transport gas cylinders with the protection cap removed. Do not allow the electrode,
electrode holder, work clamp or any other electrically live part to touch a gas cylinder. Gas cylinders
must be located away from areas where they may be subjected to physical damage or the welding
process including sparks and heat sources.
The manufacturer reserves the Right to make changes and/or improvements in design without upgrade at the same time
the operator’s manual.
Introduction
General Description
The welding machines
POWERTEC i250C STANDARD
POWERTEC i250C ADVANCED
POWERTEC i320C STANDARD
POWERTEC i320C ADVANCED
enables welding:
GMAW (MIG/MAG),
FCAW (Flux-Cored),
SMAW (MMA),
The following equipment has been added to
POWERTEC i250C STANDARD
POWERTEC i250C ADVANCED
POWERTEC i320C STANDARD
POWERTEC i320C ADVANCED
Work lead – 3m,
Gas hose – 2m,
Driving roll V1.0/V1.2 for solid wire (mounted in the
wire feeder).
Recommended equipment, which can be bought by
user, was mentioned in the chapter "Accessories".
Installation and Operator Instructions
Read this entire section before installation or operation of
the machine.
Location and Environment
This machine will operate in harsh environments.
However, it is important that simple preventative
measures are followed to assure long life and reliable
operation.
Do not place or operate this machine on a surface
with an incline greater than 15° from horizontal.
Do not use this machine for pipe thawing.
This machine must be located where there is free
circulation of clean air without restrictions for air
movement to and from the air vents. Do not cover
the machine with paper, cloth or rags when switched
on.
Dirt and dust that can be drawn into the machine
should be kept to a minimum.
This machine has a protection rating of IP23. Keep it
dry when possible and do not place it on wet ground
or in puddles.
Locate the machine away from radio controlled
machinery. Normal operation may adversely affect
the operation of nearby radio controlled machinery,
which may result in injury or equipment damage.
Read the section on electromagnetic compatibility in
this manual.
Do not operate in areas with an ambient temperature
greater than 40°C.
Duty cycle and Overheating
The duty cycle of a welding machine is the percentage of
time in a 10 minute cycle at which the welder can operate
the machine at rated welding current.
Example: 60% duty cycle
Welding for 6 minutes. Break for 4 minutes.
Excessive extension of the duty cycle will cause the
thermal protection circuit to activate.
Minutes or decrease
Duty Cycle

English 5 English
Input Supply Connection
WARNING
Only a qualified electrician can connect the welding
machine to the supply network. Installation had to be
made in accordance with the appropriate National
Electrical Code and local regulations.
Check the input voltage, phase and frequency supplied to
this machine before turning it on. Verify the connection of
ground wires from the machine to the input source. The
welding machine POWERTEC i250C STANDARD/
ADVANCED, POWERTEC i320C STANDARD/
ADVANCED must be connected to a correctly installed
plug-in socket with an earth pin.
Input voltage is 400 Vac 50/60Hz. For more information
about input supply refer to the technical specification
section of this manual and to the rating plate of the
machine.
Make sure that the amount of mains power available from
the input supply is adequate for normal operation of the
machine. The necessary delayed fuse or circuit breaker
and cable sizes are indicated in the technical
specification section of this manual.
WARNING
The welding machine can be supplied from a power
generator of output power at least 30% larger than input
power of the welding machine.
WARNING
When powering the machine from a generator be sure to
turn off welder first, before generator is shut down, in
order to prevent damage to welder!
Output Connections
Refer to points [3], [4] and [5] of the Figures below.
Controls and Operational Features
Front Panel
Standard Version
Figure 1.
1. U0 User Interface: See “User Interfaces” Chapter.
2. Power Switch ON/OFF (I/O): Controls the input power
to the machine. Be sure the power source is
connected to the mains supply before turning power
on ("I"). After input power is connected and the power
switch is turned on, the indicator will light up to
indicate the machine is ready to weld.
3. Negative Output Socket for the Welding
Circuit: For connecting an electrode holder
with lead / work lead.
4. Positive Output Socket for the Welding
Circuit: For connecting an electrode holder
with lead / work lead.
5. EURO Socket: For connecting a welding gun (for
GMAW / FCAW process).
Front Panel
Advanced Version
Figure 2.
6. U7 User Interface: See User Interfaces chapter.
7. Remote Control Connector Plug: To install Remote
Control Kit. This connector allows connection Remote
Control. See "Accessories" chapter.

English 6 English
Rear panel
Figure 3.
8. Wire Liner Entry: Enables installing liner for welding
wire delivered in drum package.
9. Chain: To protect gas bottle.
10. Power Lead (5m): Connect the supply plug to the
existing input cable that is rated for the machine as
indicated in this manual, and conforms to all
applicable standards. This connection shall be
performed by a qualified person only.
11. Supply Plug: For CO2 gas heater kit (see
“Accessories” chapter).
12. Gas Connector: Connection for gas line.
13. Gas Flow Regulator Plug: Gas flow regulator can be
purchased separately (see “Accessories” chapter).
14. Gas hose
15. Work Lead
Internal Controls
Figure 4.
16. Spooled Wire (for GMAW / FCAW): The machine
does not include a spooled wire.
17. Wire Spool Support: Maximum 16kg spools. Accepts
plastic, steel and fiber spools onto 51 mm spindle.
Note: Plastic Brake Nut has a Left-hand thread.
18. Cold Inch/ Gas Purge Switch: This switch enables
wire feeding or gas flow without turning on output
voltage.
19. Wire drive feeding system: 4-Roll wire drive
mechanisms with quick-change feed rolls.
20. Terminal Block of Changing Polarity Plug (for GMAW /
FCAW-SS process): This terminal block enables to
set the welding polarity (+ ; -), which will be given at
the welding gun (see “Accessories” chapter).
21a. USB Receptacle Type A (Advanced only):
For USB memory stick connection. For machine
software update and service purpose.
21b. Fuse F1:
Use the 1A/400V (6,3x32mm) low blow fuse.
Stnadard User Interface (U0)
Figure 5.
22. Display:
Left display: Shows wire feed speed or welding
current. During welding shows the actual
welding current value.
Right display: Shows the welding voltage in
volts units. During welding shows the actual
welding voltage value.
23. Right Control: Adjusts values on the Right display.
24. Left Control: Adjusts values on the Left display.
25. Right Button: Enables scrolling, changing and setting
welding parameters.
26. Left Button: Enables changing the welding process.

English 7 English
27. Thermal Overload Indicator: It indicates that the
machine is overloaded or that the cooling is not
sufficient.
28. Status LED: A two color light that indicates system
errors. Normal operation is steady green light. Error
conditions are indicated, per Table 1.
WARNING
The status light will flash green, and sometimes red and
green, for up to one minute when the machine is first
turned on. When the power source is powered it can take
as long as 60 seconds for the machine to be ready to
weld. This is a normal situation as the machine goes
through initialization.
Table 1.
LED Light
Condition
Meaning
Only machines which using ArcLink®
protocol for communication
Steady Green System OK. Power source is
operational, and is communicating
normally with all healthy peripheral
equipment.
Blinking Green Occurs during power up or a system
reset, and indicates the power source
is mapping (identifying)
each component in the system.
Normal for first 1-10 seconds after
power is turned on, or if the system
configuration is changed during
operation.
Alternating Green
and Red
If the status lights are flashing any
combination of red and green, errors
are present in the power source.
Individual code digits are flashed in
red with a long pause between digits.
If more than one code is present, the
codes will be separated by green
light. Read the error code before the
machine is turned off.
If occurs, to clear the error try to turn
Off the machine, wait for a few
seconds, then turn ON again. If the
error remains, a maintenance is
required. Please contact the nearest
authorized technical service center or
Lincoln Electric and report the error
code read.
Steady Red Indicate no communication between
the power source and device which
has been connected to this power
source.
29. LED Indicator: Informs that the wire feed speed is on
the Left display.
30. LED Indicator: Informs that the value on the Left
display is in ampere units.
31. LED Indicator: Informs that the value on the Right
display is in volts unit.
32. Welding Programs Indicators: lamps indicate the
active weld mode. Descriptions of parameters are in
Table 2.
33. Welding parameters Indicators: lamps indicate the
active weld parameters. Descriptions of parameters
are in Table 3.
Welding Process Change
It is possible to quick recall of one of the six manual
welding programs - Table 2.
Table 2. Manual Weld Modes:
Symbol LED Process
GMAW
GMAW MIX
GMAW CO2
GMAW AR
FCAW
FCAW MIX
FCAW CO2
SMAW
SMAW
To set the welding process:
Press the Left Button [26] to select an adequate
welding process- the weld program indicator [32]
the first weld program indicator [32] lights on.
Again, press the Left Button [26] the weld
program indicator will jump to the next mode.
WARNING
During switching the displays show a “creeping line” on
the screen.

English 8 English
Quick Access and Configuration Menu for
U0 User Interface
Users have access to the two menu levels:
Quick Access – basic menu which is connected with
setting the Welding Parameters.
Configuration Menu – advanced menu, configures
the device setting.
WARNING
The Menu cannot be accessed if the system is
welding, or if there is a fault (status LED is not solid
green).
The availability parameters in the Quick Access and
Configuration Menu depend on the selected welding
program / welding process.
After the device has been restarted the user settings are
restored.
Parameter Selection Mode – the Parameter Name on the
Left Display blinking.
Parameter Change Value Mode – the parameter value on
the Right Display blinking.
Quick Access
To set the parameter of Quick Access (Table 3):
Press the Right Button [25] to select mode.
Turn the Right Knob [24] to set the value of
parameter.
Press the Left Button [26] to retutn to main menu.
WARNING
If user do not press Left button, system return
automatically to the main menu after few seconds.
Table 3. The default settings of Quick Access
Paramete
r
Definition
Inductance – controls the arc characteristics when
short-arc welding. increasing Inductance greater than
0.0 results in a crisper arc (more spatter) while
decreasing the Inductance to less than 0.0 provides a
softer arc (less spatter).
Adjust range: from -10 to +10.
Factory default, Pinch is OFF.
The 2-Step - 4-Step changes the function of the
gun’s trigger.
2 Step trigger operation turns welding on and off
in direct response to the trigger. Welding process
is performed when the gun’s trigger is pulled.
4-Step mode allows to continue welding, when the
gun’s trigger is released. To stop welding, the
gun’s trigger is pulled again. 4-step mode
facilitates to making long welds.
Note: 4-Step does not work during Spot Welding.
Run-in WFS – sets the wire feed speed from the time
the trigger is pulled until an arc is established.
Factory default, Run-in is turned off.
Adjust range: from minimum to 3,81 m/min (150
in/min ).
Burnback Time – is the amount of time that the weld
output continues after the wire stops feeding. It
prevents the wire from sticking in the puddle and
prepares the end of the wire for the next arc start.
Factory default, Burnback Time is set at AUTO.
Adjust range: from 0 (OFF) to 0,25 seconds.