How can I tell the gasless welder is wired positive to earth
Hi.
Depending on the make and model, it may differ a bit from my inverter welder, but looking at mine:
Positive "Torch" cable-socket is red, and
Earth "Workpiece" cable-socket is black.
Otherwise, the way I tested mine (to find out voltage output):
Use a multimeter (analogue or DMM) set to the highest DC voltage scale, or auto-ranging scale.
Turn welder to minimum power setting (lightest rod setting).
While welder is switched on, gradually reduce the meter's DC range until you get a reading (mine read 48V).
The red test-probe to positive socket gives a positive value
[nn.nn V], or deflects meter pointer right, while reversed polarity gives a negative value [-nn.nn V], or deflects meter pointer left.
As the voltage waveform is actually pulsating DC, the AC scale will also give a reading, obviously without polarity indication.
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