Although commonly used with CV power supplies and standard wire feeders, ESAB cored wires can be used with equal success with CC power supplies and voltage sensing wire feeders. There are just a few things you need to keep in mind.

1.   Remember that a voltage-sensing feeder used with a CC instead of CV power supply has different dependent variables. In CV, the amperage is dependent on the wire feed speed, voltage and  tip-to-work distance. When using CC with a sensing feeder, the wire feed speed is dependent on amps, volts and distance. In other words, when you set the dial on the feeder box when welding in CC with a voltage sensing feeder, you are actually setting the voltage. The wire feed speed will vary to maintain the voltage you set.

2.    When welding with a CC power supply and a voltage-sensing feeder, the tip-to-work distance becomes more critical.

3.    A voltage sensing feeder on a CC power supply normally has higher open circuit voltage and lower short circuit current than a CV power supply and therefore shouldn’t be used for short circuit transfer with solid Mig wires.

So then, how does one go about setting up a voltage-sensing feeder on a CC power supply with one of ESAB’s cored wires? If you know what amperage you want, set the power supply to the desired amperage, then adjust the wire feed speed dial on the feeder until you can maintain a consistent arc. At that point, you should check the weld parameters. If the voltage is too high, turn down the wire feed speed. If the amperage is too high, turn down the amperage output on the power supply.

The initial setup usually requires a few adjustments to both the power supply and the feeder. A chart is provided on the inside of LN-25 feeders showing what wire feed speed to set to achieve a given voltage.

If you are setting the machine up for someone else, you should check the parameters after they start welding, because the amperage and voltage will change more dramatically as the tip-to-work distance changes than it would if you were using a CV power supply.