Applicable Systems
ESAB Welding Equipment
Symptoms
The ESAB welder displays error ES008, indicating unstable arc. The welding arc is sputtering or extinguishing intermittently, producing poor weld quality with spatter and inconsistent penetration.
Possible Causes
- Welding current or voltage setting does not match the wire feed speed and the material thickness
- Work piece ground is poor due to a rusty or painted surface at the ground clamp contact point
- Wire liner is worn or partially blocked, causing intermittent wire feed that destabilizes the arc
Troubleshooting Steps
- Step 1: Check the welding parameter settings against the recommended values for the wire size and material
Settings match the recommended values for the wire diameter and material thickness being welded - Step 2: Clean the work piece surface at the ground clamp contact point to bright metal
Surface is clean bright metal and the ground clamp makes solid contact with no rust or paint - Step 3: Inspect and clean or replace the wire liner
Liner is clean and the wire feeds smoothly through it with no catching or hesitation
How to Reset
To reset: 1) Adjust the welding parameters to the recommended settings. 2) Clean the ground contact. 3) Replace the wire liner if worn. 4) Press RESET. 5) Verify a stable arc during test welding.
Source: ESAB Welding Equipment Manual, ESAB Corporation
Category: Welding