MMA Welder: What is " ieff"?

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

Can someone please let me know what the term "ieff" in the AMPS specification for a MMA or arc welder?

I have seen it mentioned in the specifications for a couple of different MMA welders and I do not know what ieff refers to when welding.

Kind regards
Lionel

[p38arover]

The first thing to come up on a Google search: How to Test & Tag a Welder (https://www.testandtagtraining.com.au/test-tag-a-welder)

IEFF = 15A: maximum current draw is 15 amps therefore a 15 amp plug and supply are required.

[Lionelgee]

The first thing to come up on a Google search: How to Test & Tag a Welder (https://www.testandtagtraining.com.au/test-tag-a-welder)

IEFF = 15A: maximum current draw is 15 amps therefore a 15 amp plug and supply are required.

Hello Ron,

Thank you for the link. While it describes that it is a maximum current draw of 15 amp the link does not identify what the letters IEFF actually stand for.

The link also introduces:
U1 = 15A: maximum current draw is 15 amps there for a 15 amp plug and supply are required
Imin = 15A: maximum current draw is 15 amps there for a 15 amp plug and supply are required

Now what does "U1" and "Imin" represent?

Kind regards
Lionel

[Lionelgee]

Hello Ron and All,

I found a definitions list. accessed 9th August 2020 from Abbreviations (http://www.oocities.org/spikesurge/abbrv.html)

Ieff = Effective current
Imin = Minimum current

I am still looking for the definition of U1.

Looks like "U1" has something to do with the Phase of Electricity Three-Phase Electric Power Explained > ENGINEERING.com (https://www.engineering.com/ElectronicsDesign/ElectronicsDesignArticles/ArticleID/15848/Three-Phase-Electric-Power-Explained.aspx)

Kind regards
Lionel

[p38arover]

I did wonder if ieff meant effective current but, as an electronics tech, then wondered what the heck is effective current!

[Lionelgee]

I did wonder if ieff meant effective current but, as an electronics tech, then wondered what the heck is effective current!

Hello Ron,

I know what you mean. When I found out that U1 is associated with phases in electricity, I decided that I had learnt enough and it was something that should remain as read.

Did I want to delve further into amp technicalities? Would it make much difference to choosing which 10 amp MMA welder?

No, it would not. Especially since the only one of the three acronyms mentioned in welder specifications I found was IEFF; and that was rated at 9.7 amps. This is within 10 amp power supply socket and everything is hunky-dory.

Kind regards
Lionel

[Toxic_Avenger]

It is a term used in Australian Standard 60974-1, particularly in reference to the formula presented in clause 3.33.
The calculation identifies the effective current the welding machine will draw, calculating a few factors including the duty cycle, and provides a Ieff rating which dictates the correct size of input cable and plug which is fitted to the machine.

When a welding arc is struck, the current spikes, as shown in the Imax rating on the data plate. In realistic terms, this is short lived, and the machine will operate somewhere around the Ieff amperage value, at the machine's maximum output.

From a certification standpoint, and to meet the requirements of the standard, the plug fitted to the machine should exceed the amp rating of the Ieff. Eg having an Ieff of 18 and fitting a 15A plug would not be suitable. This would put additional electrical strain on the input circuit of the house/shed which was not designed for that load.

[Lionelgee]

It is a term used in Australian Standard 60974-1, particularly in reference to the formula presented in clause 3.33.
The calculation identifies the effective current the welding machine will draw, calculating a few factors including the duty cycle, and provides a Ieff rating which dictates the correct size of input cable and plug which is fitted to the machine.

From a certification standpoint, and to meet the requirements of the standard, the plug fitted to the machine should exceed the amp rating of the Ieff. Eg having an Ieff of 18 and fitting a 15A plug would not be suitable. This would put additional electrical strain on the input circuit of the house/shed which was not designed for that load.

Hello Toxic,

Thank you for the detailed information about Ieff. Can you provide a reference to how U1 is referred to in relation to welding?

Kind regards
Lionel

[Blknight.aus]

I = amps

U V W can be labels used for each of the three phases in a 3 phase setup. it can also be written up a L1 L2 L3,

[Old Farang]

Hello Toxic,

Thank you for the detailed information about Ieff. Can you provide a reference to how U1 is referred to in relation to welding?

Kind regards
Lionel
stolen from internet:



It also came up by its etymology, since "U" stands for Unterschied, which in German means "difference"; very fitting since voltage is obviously the same as potential difference.

Not just related to welding, but any voltage.