Hypertherm HT4100 Plasma Arc Cutting System Operating - Manual (Page 49)

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GLOSSARY
HT4100 Instruction Manual: Operation
electrode A part inside the torch connected to the cathode (-) of the power supply. Electrons
come out of the electrode.
ferrule A ring of metal surrounding the end of a cable or wire to strengthen a connection.
fuse A protective device which melts when the current running through it exceeds the
usage rating.
ground An electrical connection buried in the earth to establish a voltage of zero (0) volts.
Hertz (Hz) Measurement of "frequency" of an AC voltage or current in cycles per second.
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission. An international standards organization.
interlock A safety device which must be activated before another device can be activated.
ion An atom which has an excess or shortage of electrons.
IP International Protection. An IEC designator, describing the degree of protection an
enclosure offers against entry of objects and water.
I
1
Rated supply current. The supply current to the power source at a rated cutting
condition (given U
1
, U
2
and I
2
).
I
2
Rated output cutting current.
kerf Slit made in a workpiece by a cutting torch.
kilowatt Thousand (kilo) watts. Measurement of electrical power.
LED Light Emitting Diode. An electronic indicator lamp.
line As in "line voltage." Utility voltage from a branch circuit (wall outlet).
liters/minute A measure of gas flow.
nozzle Tip of the plasma torch, made from copper, out of which the plasma arc comes. The
nozzle pinches the plasma arc. It is usually an anode (+).
OCV Open Circuit Voltage. U
0
. The highest voltage from a electrical power supply. It
occurs when the power supply is on and active but not producing a plasma arc.
pilot arc A plasma arc that attaches to the torch nozzle rather than the work.
plasma An electrically charged gas is said to be "ionized". A cloud of ionized gas together
with its electrons is called "plasma."