TransPocket 125-10VRD MINE-Spec

A spate of serious welding accidents including some fatal electrocutions has resulted in the mining industry banning certain types of welding equipment and even more stringent safety measures being imposed. The mining industry backed by the WTIA (Welding Technology Institute of Australia) – is demanding that welding equipment be made safer and conform to even more stringent safety regulations to minimise potential accidents and injury in the future.

Fronius is taking a proactive approach with its latest Mine-Spec machine, Weighing just 4.7 kg, Voltage Reduction Device (VRD) – TransPocket 125-10 is the most compact MMA welder in the Fronius range.

The Fronius TransPocket 125-10 VRD was the only VRD machine that currently meets the new mine OH&S specifications making it the safest MMA machine on the market in Australia.

Take the safety critical aspect of open circuit voltage (OCV). Australian standards demand a maximum of 35V OCV at the electrode when a MMA VRD machine is not welding. The Fronius TP125-10 VRD is 12V three times lower than the standard.

When the welding circuit resistance is greater than 200 ohms (for example when touching the human body) the OCV is limited to 12V and the VRD must be active within 0.3 seconds after welding stops.

The software that controls the machine is designed to put the machine in fault mode if the VRD is not working, hence the TP125-10VRD Mine-Spec machine is deemed to be “Fail to Safe””.

Unlike other VRD alternatives, there is no need to continually hold down buttons when you are welding which adds to operator fatigue.

The braided heavy-duty input power cable gives extra strength and protection. An earthed braided cable is recommended for all applications where OH & S ‘Duty of Care’ is essential.”