Checking for Coolant Leaks
Coolant leaks can originate from seals on the electrode, electrode holder, nozzle, and torch body. Leaks could
also originate from a crack in the insulating material of the torch or nozzle retaining cup or from a power cable.
To check for leaks from any source remove the shield cup, clean off the torch, purge it, and place it over a clean
dry plate. With the gases off, run the water cooler for several minutes and watch for leaks. Turn on the plasma
gas and watch for any mist from the nozzle exit. If there isn't any, turn off the plasma gas, turn on the shield gas,
and watch for any mist from the shield gas passages in the nozzle retaining cup.
If a leak appears to be coming from the nozzle orifice, remove and inspect the o-rings on the nozzle, electrode,
and electrode holder. Check the sealing surfaces on the electrode holder and stainless steel torch liner.
If you suspect that a leak is coming from the electrode itself, you can install a 100 to 200 amp 2-piece nozzle base
without a nozzle tip. After purging, run the water cooler with the gas off and observe the end of the electrode. If
water is seen to collect there, make sure it is not running down the side of the electrode from a leak at an o-ring
seal.
WARNING
160
Maintenance/troubleshooting
If it is necessary to supply power to the Plasma Console to run the wa-
ter cooler, it is possible to have high voltages at the torch with no arc
present. Never touch the torch with the Plasma Console energized.