Method and apparatus for improved arc striking

Abstract

An improved electronic welding station is disclosed. The welding station provides for an improved arc striking capability by providing a higher arc striking voltage and a large arc striking current and, once the arc is struck, automatically switches over to preselected parameters for conducting the welding operation. Also disclosed are a method for preventing transistor failure due to loads which tend to cause a very large instantaneous current flow and an apparatus for protecting the driver circuit and the remaining output transistors in the event that one of the output transistors should suffer a collector-to-base short. The welding station also describes a method of operating the cooling fan at a speed commensurate with the cooling requirements and periodically reversing the voltage to the cooling fan so as to extend the operating lifetime of the fan brushes. The welding station also has several shutdown circuits which protect the components of the welding station in the event of cooling fan failure or excessive heating of the weld station. The welding station also provides for a shutdown period for cooling off in the event that the maximum allowable instantaneous current is exceeded.