Powermax 65 csa CPC voltage divider option

[mauricio_daniel_62]

Hi All,
I have a PM65 and at this moment I would like to read the voltage from the CPC option. As I read at the manual, it says that it is possible to have 18 Volts maximum at the CPC.
I dont understand why, because if I set the switch to read 1:50 from the raw arc, thats means 50X18 Volts=900 Volts at the torch.

Is my math wrong?
It is important to know about it, because I want to use a device that reads maximum 10 Volts.
Thanks in advance for your help

[ccawgc]

Call Hypertherm tech support and ask. make sure you are reading the manual correctly so nothing gets fried.

[pandinus]

I "believe" that the 18V would be at 20:1 (least reduction) .... so ... 360V/20 = 18V

then at 50:1 360V/50V = 7.2V ... so at 50:1 the max out of the divider should be 7.2V

I'm sure Jim will confirm or correct this...

[mauricio_daniel_62]

Thanks for your help. I think that you're right. I will test using 1:50, and measuring the voltage at the CPC.
Best Regards

[jimcolt]

Pandinus is correct. The CPC (circular plastic connector) voltage divider output as used on the Hypertherm Powermax65, 85 and 105 has 5 settable outputs which are: 20:1, 21.1:1, 30:1, 40:1 and 50:1. At the lowest numeric setting (20:1) under open circuit voltage conditions in the power supply...there could be as much as 18 volts DC present on pins 5 (negative) and 6 (positive) of the CPC connector.

Jim Colt


Thanks for your help. I think that you're right. I will test using 1:50, and measuring the voltage at the CPC.
Best Regards

[mauricio_daniel_62]

Hello Jim,
Thanks for your reply. This weekend I will set the output at the 50:1 option.
After this using a DC multimeter I will test the output voltage at the CPC at open circuit and also making some cuts with differents torch heights.
I´ll keep you posted.
Best Regards

[jimcolt]

In the Powermax units you will not be able to read open circuit voltage unless the torch has consumables that are stuck open. Under normal conditions the electrode (negative ) and nozzle (positive) are shorted when the torch is first triggered (this is when the open circuit could occur)...then when air pressure rises in the torch the electrode pulls away from the nozzle....the system establishes a pilot arc (which will produce a lower voltage than an open circuit voltage)....then if close to the plate (attached to the work ground) will establish a transfered arc.

The best way to determine if the voltage divider is working properly is to measure the raw DC voltage and compare that to the divided output voltage real time while cutting.

Jim Colt


Hello Jim,
Thanks for your reply. This weekend I will set the output at the 50:1 option.
After this using a DC multimeter I will test the output voltage at the CPC at open circuit and also making some cuts with differents torch heights.
I´ll keep you posted.
Best Regards

[mauricio_daniel_62]

Hi Jim,
Thanks again for your comments, helps me a lot.
Best Regards