200dx spark discharge when turning power on.

I have been very happy with my 200dx so far but it does have one quirk that worries me. When you flip the power switch on you get a single spark discharge from the torch. It looks and sounds similar to a spark plug spark or heavy static discharge and it will jump a good inch or so to the metal table. After that it works fine. It happens every single time the power switch is turned on. If the torch is held away from metal objects you can still hear what sounds like a single spark discharge but from inside the welder.

Is this normal? It seems annoying but harmless if you remember to pick up the torch first, otherwise that spark will ruin the sharpened tungsten. Anyone else notice this. Its easy to test, just lay your torch on a metal bench and quickly turn on power. Before the fan spools up you will hear and see a spark.

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Originally Posted by kayaker43

I have been very happy with my 200dx so far but it does have one quirk that worries me. When you flip the power switch on you get a single spark discharge from the torch. It looks and sounds similar to a spark plug spark or heavy static discharge and it will jump a good inch or so to the metal table. After that it works fine. It happens every single time the power switch is turned on. If the torch is held away from metal objects you can still hear what sounds like a single spark discharge but from inside the welder.

Is this normal? It seems annoying but harmless if you remember to pick up the torch first, otherwise that spark will ruin the sharpened tungsten. Anyone else notice this. Its easy to test, just lay your torch on a metal bench and quickly turn on power. Before the fan spools up you will hear and see a spark.

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It was mentioned here just a little while ago that the HF circuit does that during the power on self test. You can search to see if it was the same model, but I think it's normal for any with that kind of HF. You might try powering on with the HF switch off and see what happens.

I can;t say I have noticed it with mine, but I haven't looked for it either. Just for reference I have an older, knob on the foot pedal version.

What year was it made? I'm not sure it matters as the 200DX has a spark gap start. I'm not near my welder at the moment to see if mine does the same thing but I've definitely seen it on the PowerTIG 185 and as Rambozo said, it is a normal part of the welder's start up.

Thanks guys, I can live with it if its harmless, I worried most about the internal sparking. I think I'll make a torch holder to keep from laying it on the metal bench.

I just tried my PowerTig 250EX-2013 and it make a spark when you first turn it on, I guess as Rambozo referred to as self test on start up. Sound good to me. I will have to try my MTS250S in Tig mod turn it off and on again to see if it does the same later today.

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Originally Posted by Kempy

I just tried my PowerTig 250EX-2013 and it make a spark when you first turn it on, I guess as Rambozo referred to as self test on start up. Sound good to me. I will have to try my MTS250S in Tig mod turn it off and on again to see if it does the same later today.

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I rather doubt it will, as there is no HF on that unit. I wonder about the new models with the solid state, pointless HF units, like the 210EXT. Your 250EX-2013 still has points, right?

Various owners of newer (2013) Everlast machines have been reporting similar issues:
http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...g-on-PT-200-DX
http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...50ex-questions

Also, possibly related:
http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...4773#post44773

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Originally Posted by Rambozo

It was mentioned here just a little while ago that the HF circuit does that during the power on self test. You can search to see if it was the same model, but I think it's normal for any with that kind of HF. You might try powering on with the HF switch off and see what happens.

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Rambozo you right the MTS250S has lift start no HF but I tried it anyway and it did not arc. I did try and weld with anyway it sure is quite running in DC over the PowerTig250EX in DC and in lift start mod.

I'm paranoid because I just don't trust new technology to last as long as the old stuff. I'm afraid some random surge or static discharge will fry my Chinese motherboard. The huge copper transformer in my 35 year old Miller could probably take a direct lightning strike. Judging by the good resale of the old equipment, I'm not alone!

This is what happens when you get old :)

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Originally Posted by kayaker43

I'm paranoid because I just don't trust new technology to last as long as the old stuff. I'm afraid some random surge or static discharge will fry my Chinese motherboard. The huge copper transformer in my 35 year old Miller could probably take a direct lightning strike. Judging by the good resale of the old equipment, I'm not alone!

This is what happens when you get old :)

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I have a 250 Hobart Tigwave sitting in the corner after using my PowerTig 250 EX for 4 months now, I would not trade my 250EX for a 400 lbs. Hobart power consumption and ease of moving it around. I had my Hobart since 1979 and cost more back then the new Everlast PowerTig 250EX I could buy a Everlast every 10 years and be a head of the game just in the power I save. Resale value would be more for the copper then the machine. This is my opinion. You say you just don't trust new technology you have a automobile, cell phone, TV, Etc.

Just sold my 35 year old miller on Craigslist for $1750 and only paid $2100 new if I remember right. My last TV lasted 36 years, I'm on 24 years with my lawn mower so far. I take care of my toys but time will tell if the new stuff has the same endurance? I'm not bragging on Miller, or slamming Everlast. Everything is just different now.

I never had a cell phone that made it to its second birthday. New technology comes with little expectation of long life and its built and priced accordingly. I love my new 200dx and can only hope they will still be around and supporting their products in 10 years?

There ain't much in my 225LX I can't order from Digikey. But I suppose if your town doesn't have an electronics repair guy then you don't have much choice. But who's fault is that?