200dx spark discharge when turning power on.

[Rambozo]

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.

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.

[Kempy]

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.

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.