PRETUL SOIN-130P Inverter Welder: User Manual and Safety Guide

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective operation of the PRETUL SOIN-130P Inverter Welder. It covers technical specifications, safety warnings, installation, startup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and warranty details. Please read this entire manual thoroughly before operating the equipment.

The cover page features an illustration of the PRETUL Inverter Welder, along with the electrode holder and ground clamp. It also displays the model name, code, brand, and a 40% work cycle indicator.

Technical Specifications

⚠️ WARNING: Avoid the risk of electric shock or severe injury. If the power cable is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or an authorized service center. Do not expose the tool to rain, liquids, or dampness.

⚠️ CAUTION: Before accessing terminals, all power sources must be disconnected.

Power Requirements

⚠️ WARNING: Ensure proper grounding to reduce the risk of electric shock. This tool is equipped with a ground conductor and plug. Connect to a properly installed and grounded power outlet according to local codes.

⚠️ CAUTION: Do not modify the supplied plug. If it does not fit the socket, have a qualified electrician install a suitable socket.

• When using multiple tools on the same ground, connect them in parallel, never in series.
• The ground conductor cable gauge must not be smaller than the power supply cable.
• Connection to the power supply should only be performed by a professional electrician.
• Verify the input voltage on the welder's nameplate matches the power supply voltage.

Power supply cord requirements:

• Switch: ≥30 A
• Fuse (Work Rated Current): 30 A (*)
• Electric Wire: ≥2.5 mm²

(*) Fuse current for fusion is double its rated current.

⚠️ CAUTION: If extensions are needed between the welder and the workpiece, increase the cable gauge to maintain energy output with a potential drop not higher than 4V.

Safety Warnings

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

⚠️ WARNING: Read all safety warnings and instructions. Failure to comply may result in electric shock, fire, or severe damage.

• Work Area: Keep clean and well-lit. Avoid explosive atmospheres. Keep bystanders at a safe distance.
• Electrical Safety: Use the correct plug, avoid adapters, do not expose to rain/wetness, handle cords with care, use outdoor extension cords, use GFCI in damp locations.
• Personal Safety: Stay alert, use common sense, do not use when tired or under the influence, wear eye protection and other PPE, prevent unintentional starting, remove wrenches before operation.
• Operation: Do not overreach, maintain balance, dress properly, keep hair/clothes away from moving parts.
• Use and Care: Do not force the tool, use the correct tool, repair faulty switches, disconnect before adjustments, store out of reach of children, service the tool, keep accessories sharp.

⚠️ CAUTION: Service the tool only at a TRUPER Authorized Service Center using identical spare parts.

Safety Warnings for Inverter Welders

• Protection Equipment: Wear a welding mask, leather gloves, fire-resistant clothing, and eye protection. Use screens to protect bystanders from sparks.
• Electric Shock Prevention: Ensure safe cable connections, proper grounding, avoid rain/humidity, insulate yourself from the workpiece and ground, do not touch poles, do not adjust current while welding, connect ground clamp close to the weld zone, ensure workpiece contact before operating, disconnect from power supply before maintenance.
• Fire Prevention: Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Ensure no flammable or explosive materials are in the work area (at least 36 feet away). Do not weld near flammable materials.
• Health Risks: Work in well-ventilated areas. Do not inhale fumes or gases; keep your head away from vapors. Use an autonomous breathing device if ventilation is poor. Avoid operating near de-greasing agents, cleaning products, or aerosol containers, as heat can create toxic gases. Avoid welding metals coated with lead, zinc, or cadmium.
• Injuries and Accidents: Be aware of risks from electric shock (potentially fatal), welding arc radiation (burns eyes/skin), and electromagnetic fields (do not use with medical implants). Do not use the welder to de-ice pipes. Never allow inexperienced personnel to operate or adjust the welder. Ensure the operator and welder are clear of sparks and debris. Operate in a protected area, away from vibrations. Store between -13°F and 131°F (-25°C to 55°C) with low humidity. Ensure adequate ventilation space (11.8" / 30 cm) around the machine.
• Compressed Gas Cylinders: Handle with extreme care as they can explode or become projectiles. Inspect cylinders for damage. Consult gas safety data sheets. Be aware of health hazards associated with gases. Keep cylinders away from heat, flames, and electrical circuits. Never use cylinders for grounding. Wear safety glasses and a mask when connecting/disconnecting regulators. Close cylinder valves before removing regulators and when not in use.

Parts Identification

The welder features a carrying handle, ventilation slots, a power switch, and a control panel with indicator lights, a VRD security system button, a current control knob, and a welding process selector (SMAW/TIG). It has positive (+) and negative (-) output connections for electrode holders and ground clamps. The accessories shown include a ground clamp, electrode holder, hammer-brush for slag removal, and a protective mask.

• Carrying Handle: For easy transport.
• Ventilation Slots: Ensure proper airflow for cooling.
• Power Switch: Turns the welder on/off.
• Control Panel:
  • Indicator Lights: Show welding process status and thermal protection/VRD activation.
  • VRD Security System Button (F): Activates the Voltage Reduction Device.
  • Current Control (C): Adjusts welding current.
  • Welding Process Selector: Choose between SMAW (coated electrode) and TIG (tungsten electrode) modes.
  • Digital Display (D): Shows the set current.
• Output Connections: Positive (+) and Negative (-) terminals for connecting electrode holders and ground clamps.
• Ground Clamp: Connects to the workpiece to complete the circuit.
• Electrode Holder: Holds the welding electrode.
• Hammer-Brush: Used for slag removal.
• Protective Mask: Protects the user's face and eyes from arc flash and sparks.
• Power Cord: Connects the welder to the power supply.

A TIG torch (AN-SI-12/16/20) and gas cylinder are required for TIG welding and are not included.

Installation

SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)

Connections:

• Ensure connections are secure by inserting and turning them clockwise into the front panel outlets.
• Set the process selector to SMAW mode. The upper LED on the selector will illuminate.

Polarity Selection:

• Reverse Polarity (A):
  • Connect the ground clamp cable to the negative (-) output.
  • Connect the ground clamp to the workpiece.
  • Connect the electrode holder cable to the positive (+) output.

  This configuration provides more heat to the electrode, resulting in deeper penetration, ideal for welding thick pieces.

• Direct Polarity (B):
  • Connect the ground clamp cable to the positive (+) output.
  • Connect the ground clamp to the workpiece.
  • Connect the electrode holder cable to the negative (-) output.

  This configuration provides more heat to the workpiece, resulting in less deformation and narrower joints, ideal for welding thin pieces.

Connect the power cable (D) to the 127 V~ power supply.

Diagrams illustrate the connections for Reverse Polarity (A) and Direct Polarity (B), showing the electrode holder and ground clamp connected to the welder and workpiece. A diagram also shows the power cord connection to a wall outlet.

TIG Welding Installation

TIG Connection:

• TIG welding is a high-quality process using non-consumable tungsten electrodes and inert gas. It is ideal for stainless steel, iron, and copper.
• A TIG torch (AN-SI-12/16/20) and protective gas are required (not included).
• Set the process selector to TIG mode. The lower LED will illuminate.

Connections:

• Use direct polarity:
• Connect the ground clamp cable to the positive (+) output terminal and the grounding clamp to the workpiece.
• Connect the torch cable (A) to the negative (-) output terminal.
• Connect the torch gas input (B) to the regulator's gas output valve (C).
• Open the torch valve (D) to allow gas flow. Adjust the regulator knob (E) to achieve an approximate flow of 6 times the electrode diameter in L/min.

Arc Starting:

1. Set the nozzle at an angle to the workpiece (1).
2. Lift the torch to approach the electrode to the workpiece (2).
3. When the arc starts, lift the torch so the electrode tip is approximately 0.08" (2 mm) away from the workpiece (3) and begin welding.

It is advisable to keep the electrode at a 90° angle during welding for proper gas protection.

Diagrams show the TIG torch connection to the welder, gas regulator, and cylinder. Steps for arc initiation are illustrated: angling the torch, approaching the electrode, and maintaining the correct arc gap.

Startup and Operation

Preparation

Good welding requires experience, practice, and care. Factors influencing welding include current, electrode distance, speed, material thickness, position, angle, movement, and electrode type. Practice on scrap material to determine optimal settings.

• Ensure the workpiece area is clean, free of oxidation and paint.
• Bevel joints on sheets thicker than 1/8" (3 mm) for better weld penetration.

VRD Security System

Activate the VRD (Voltage Reduction Device) by pressing button (F) to reduce voltage during the arc initiation phase, preventing accidental discharge. This is recommended for risky situations (confined spaces, wet environments, heights, mining). When VRD is active, force contact between the electrode and workpiece for up to two seconds to generate the arc.

Welding

▶️ Start Up:

1. Set the switch (B) to the ON position.
2. Adjust the current control (C) to the appropriate level, as indicated on the display (D).
3. Hold the electrode holder or torch comfortably, maintaining a consistent angle, movement, and distance from the workpiece.
4. Aim the electrode tip at the joint to initiate the arc.
5. Once the arc is established, maintain the electrode tip approximately 0.08" (2 mm) from the workpiece. Avoid electrode sticking.

⚠️ CAUTION: If the welder overheats, the thermal protection lights (E) will turn on, and the welder will stop. Wait for the lights to turn off before resuming operation.

Slag Removal

After welding, use a wire brush to remove slag from the weld joint. Wait for the slag to cool before removal. Wear eye protection as particles may fly off.

Electrode Replacement

• SMAW: Replace electrodes when they are worn down by 0.4" to 0.7" (1 cm to 2 cm). Handle hot electrode remnants with care and place them in a metal container.
• TIG: Sharpen tungsten electrodes for quality welds. Replace or re-sharpen when the tip deforms and loses its angle.

Electrode Angle Guide:

Welding Examples and Techniques

This section illustrates various welding techniques and common issues:

• Correct Welding: Shows proper electrode angle and movement.
• Incorrect Welding:
  • Electrode movement too fast and/or low current.
  • Electrode too separated from the workpiece.
  • Electrode movement too slow and/or high current.
• Thin Sheets: Demonstrates spiral and half-moon movements.
• Thick Sheets: Demonstrates zigzag movement and spot welding.
• Joint Types: Includes examples of angle welding (thin to thick, thick sheets) and overlapped joints.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Maintenance

Regular cleaning and correct use extend the welder's lifespan. Repairs should only be performed by qualified personnel at a TRUPER Authorized Service Center.

• Regular Maintenance: Clean dust with compressed air annually, or quarterly if exposed to heavy dust. Check for loose parts. Keep wiring in good repair. Inspect the plug before each use.
• Storage: Store in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from humidity. Recommended storage temperature is between -13°F and 131°F (-25°C to 55°C) with relative humidity not exceeding 90%.

Troubleshooting

⚠️ CAUTION: If problems persist after performing the recommended actions, contact a TRUPER Authorized Service Center.

Authorized Service Centers

For assistance or to locate the nearest authorized service center, please visit the TRUPER website at www.truper.com. You can also call their toll-free numbers: 800 690-6990 or 800 0187-8737.

Warranty Policy

This product is guaranteed for 1 year from the date of purchase.

To validate the warranty or purchase parts and components, you must present the product at:

• Corregidora 22, Col. Centro, Alc. Cuauhtémoc, CDMX C.P. 06060
• The establishment where you purchased it.
• Any TRUPER® Service Center listed in the warranty policy annex or on www.truper.com.

TRUPER will cover transportation costs related to warranty compliance.

For questions or comments, call 800-690-6990.

Made in China. Imported by Truper S.A. de C.V.

The warranty section includes spaces for the business stamp and date of purchase.