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Common questions
Common Questions
20 totalWhat is the amperage range for the CST 280 in Stick and TIG modes?
The CST 280 has an amperage range of 30–280 A for Stick (SMAW) and 5–280 A for TIG (GTAW) according to the quick specs. The detailed specifications table further shows TIG ranging from 5–200 A. These ranges make it suitable for a wide variety of industrial welding applications. (Page 1-2)
What is the duty cycle rating for the CST 280 in Stick mode?
In Stick (SMAW) mode, the CST 280 is rated at 280 A at 31.2 VDC at a 35% duty cycle. It can also run at 200 A at 28 VDC at 100% duty cycle. These ratings allow for both high-output short bursts and sustained lower-amperage welding. (Page 2)
What input voltages does the CST 280 support?
The CST 280 is available in two voltage configurations: 220–230/460–575 V and 208–230/400–460 V, both supporting 50/60 Hz and 3- or 1-phase power. A simple voltage-changeover switch allows input voltage to be changed without removing the machine from the inverter rack or removing the machine case. This saves significant time when switching between primary voltages. (Page 1)
What does the Overtemp light on the control panel indicate?
The Overtemp Light (item 4 on the control panel) is a warning indicator on the front of the CST 280. While the manual identifies it as a labeled component on the control panel diagram, it signals that the machine has reached an over-temperature condition. The Fan-On-Demand cooling system operates only when needed to help prevent overheating. (Page 2)
How does the Adaptive Hot Start feature work on the CST 280?
Adaptive Hot Start automatically increases the output amperage at the start of a weld if the arc start requires it. This feature is designed specifically to prevent the electrode from sticking during arc starts. It is particularly useful when running difficult electrodes like the E6010. (Page 1)
How do I start a TIG arc on the CST 280 without high frequency?
The CST 280 uses Lift-Arc start technology, which provides TIG arc starting without the use of high frequency. This is selected using the Weld Process Selector Switch on the front control panel. This method is beneficial in environments where high-frequency interference could be a concern. (Page 1-2)
Show 14 more questions
Can I use a remote amperage control with the CST 280, and does it also control the contactor remotely?
What is the weight and are there options for transporting the CST 280?
What cable connector styles are available for the CST 280, and what cable sizes do they accept?
What is the warranty on the CST 280 power source?
How do I perform maintenance on the CST 280?
What safety warnings are there when using CST 280?
How do I switch between welding processes on CST 280?
What is the required input voltage range for CST 280?
What remote controls are supported by CST 280?
How do I change input voltage without removing CST 280?
What is fan-on-demand technology?
How portable is the CST 280?
How do I factory reset the CST 280?
What is the amperage range for Stick/SMAW welding on CST 280?
Full Manual
4 pages
Processes Stick (SMAW) TIG (GTAW) Lift-Arc™ Input Power Requires 3- or 1-phase power Amperage Range TIG: 5–280 A, stick: 30–280 A Max. Open-Circuit Voltage 77 VDC Net Weight 41 lb. (18.6 kg) Industrial Applications Power plant construction Petrochemical construction Maintenance and repair Shipbuilding Issued Aug. 2015 • Index No. DC/29.55 Superior stick arc performance even on the difficult-to-run electrodes like E6010. Adaptive Hot Start™for stick arc starts automatically increases the output amperage at the start of a weld should the start require it. Prevents the electrode from sticking. Lift-Arc™start provides TIG arc starting without the use of high frequency. Simple voltage-changeover switch saves time when changing primary voltage. Input voltage can be changed without removal from inverter rack or removal of machine case. NEW! Optional digital meter for more precise control when presetting or monitoring welding amperage. Portable in the shop or at the jobsite—at 41 pounds the CST 280 is easily moved from location to location. Remote amperage control provided through 14-pin receptacle on front of the machine. This permits use of standard remote amperage control devices. Fan-On-Demand™cooling system operates only when needed, providing power efficiency and noise reduction. Six-foot power cable included. Rack mountable for protection, storage and transportation of multiple power sources while using a single primary power cable. Power source is warranted for three years, parts and labor. Original main power rectified parts are warranted for five years. Miller Electric Mfg. Co. An ITW Welding Company 1635 West Spencer Street P.O. Box 1079 Appleton, WI 54912-1079 USA MillerWelds.com Equipment Sales US and Canada Phone: 866-931-9730
Fax: 800-637-2315
International Phone: 920-735-4554 International FAX: 920-735-4125Cst
™280 Series Stick/TIG Welding Power Source Quick SpecsCst 280
CST 280 with Meter
2 Welding Mode Stick
(Smaw)
Tig
(Gtaw)
Rated Output 280 A at 31.2 VDC, 35% duty cycle 200 A at 28 VDC, 100% duty cycle 200 A at 28 VDC, 50% duty cycle* 150 A at 26 VDC, 100% duty cycle* Welding Amperage Range5–280 A
5–200 A
Input Power Three- phase Single- phase Max. Open- Circuit Voltage77 Vdc
Net Weight 41 lb. (18.6 kg) Specifications (Subject to change without notice.) Control Panel Amps Input at Rated Load Output, 50/60 Hz208V 220V 230V 400V 440V 460V 575V
— 35 34.2 — — 17.8 14.7 — 23.3 22.5 — — 11.7 9.7 — 43.9 43 — — — — — 32.7 32 — — — — Dimensions H: 13.5 in. (343 mm) W: 7.5 in. (191 mm) D: 18 in. (457 mm) *Output ratings on 230 V single-phase are reduced to comply with CSA current limitation on input power cable.Miller Electric Mfg. Co. Appleton, Wi
Power
Process Select
Amp Adjust
Off
On
125 150 100 175 75 50 25 5 225 250 280 200Cst
Cst 280
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1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 6 5
Xx18
Setpoint 150 AmpsXx18
Soft XX18 Stiff, XX10 Soft XX10 StiffTig
Tig
Xx10
60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 % Duty Cycle Amperage Duty Cycle Chart Volt/Amp Curve At 150 Amps Output Amperes Voltage 3-Phase Operation 1-Phase Operation Certified by Canadian Standards Association to both the Canadian and U.S. Standards. 1P23M approval. DescriptionCst 280,
220–230/460–575 V
Kva
14.6 9.6 10.1 7.3Kw
10.2 6.4 6.6 4.6 Stick(Smaw)
Tig
(Gtaw)
280 A at 31.2 VDC, 35% duty cycle 200 A at 28 VDC, 100% duty cycle 200 A at 28 VDC, 50% duty cycle* 150 A at 26 VDC, 100% duty cycle*5–280 A
5–200 A
Three- phase Single- phase67 Vdc
41 lb. (18.6 kg) 36 — 34 19.8 18 17.5 — 23.5 — 22.8 13.5 12 12.7 — 43.9 — 43 — — — — 35 — 32.9 — — — — H: 13.5 in. (343 mm) W: 7.5 in. (191 mm) D: 18 in. (457 mm)Cst 280,
208–230/400–460 V
14 10.2 9.9 7.6 10.2 6.9 6.5 4.8Cst 280
CST 280 with Meter
3 TIG (GTAW) Torches Weldcraft™TIG Torches The Weldcraft line of air-cooled and water- cooled TIG torches complements the most popular TIG power source line available today. A-150 Valve #WP-17V-12-2 12 ft. (3.7 m) #WP-17V-25-2 25 ft. (7.6 m) 150-amp air-cooled torch with valve and two-piece cable. A-200 Valve #WP-26V-12-2 12 ft. (3.7 m) #WP-26V-25-2 25 ft. (7.6 m) 200-amp air-cooled torch with valve and two-piece cable. These two-piece-cable TIG torches require the installation of a Dinse-style connector (#042 418) or Tweco-style connector (#191 981) depending on the CST model connector type. Remote Controls RCC-14 Remote Contactor and Current Control* #151 086 East/west rotary-motion finger tip control attaches to TIG torch using two hook-and-loop fasteners. Includes 26.5-foot (8 m) cord and 14-pin plug. RCCS-14 Remote Contactor and Current Control* #043 688 North/south rotary-motion fingertip control attaches to TIG torch using two hook-and-loop fasteners. Includes 26.5-foot (8 m) cord and 14-pin plug. RHC-14 Hand Control* #242 211 020 20 ft. (6 m) #242 211 100 100 ft. (30.5 m) Miniature hand control for remote current and contactor control. Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 3.25 inches (102 x 102 x 82 mm). Includes cord and 14-pin plug. RFCS-14 Foot Control* #043 554 Foot pedal provides remote current and contactor control. Includes 20-foot (6 m) cord and 14-pin plug. RFCS-14 HD Foot Control* #194 744 Heavy-duty foot pedal current and contactor control with increased stability and durability from larger base and heavier cord. Reconfigurable cord can exit front, back or either side of the pedal for flexibility. Includes 20-foot (6 m) cord and 14-pin plug. Wireless Remote Foot Control* #300 429 For remote current and contactor control. Receiver plugs directly into the 14-pin receptacle of Miller machine. 90-foot (27.4 m) operating range. Wireless Remote Hand Control* #300 430 For remote current and contactor control. Receiver plugs directly into the 14-pin receptacle of Miller machine. 300-foot (91.4 m) operating range. Extension Cables for 14-Pin Remote Controls #242 208 025 25 ft. (7.6 m) #242 208 050 50 ft. (15.2 m) #242 208 080 80 ft. (24.4 m) *The remote controls provide amperage control only on the CST 280, no remote contactor control. Genuine Miller ®Accessories Cable Connectors and Adapters Note: The Dinse version of the CST 280 includes one set of male connectors. The Tweco version does not. Dinse-Style Connector #042 418 Accepts #4 AWG to #1/0 cable size. Required if male plugs shipped with power source must be replaced or if additional plugs are needed. Kit includes one Dinse-style male plug which attaches to the work and/or weld cables and plugs into the Dinse-style recep tacles on the power source. Extension Kit for Dinse-Style Cable Connectors #042 419 Accepts #4 AWG to #1/0 size cable. Used to adapt or extend weld and/or work cables. Kit includes one male Dinse-style plug and one in-line female Dinse-style receptacle. Dinse/Tweco ® Adapter #042 465 A one-piece adapter which has a Dinse-style male plug (to power source) on one end and a female Tweco receptacle (for weld cable connection) on other end. Dinse/Cam-Lok Adapter #042 466 A one-piece adapter which has a Dinse-style male plug (to power source) on one end and a Cam-Lok receptacle (for weld cable connection) on other end. Tweco ®/Dinse Adapter #210 061 A one-piece adapter which has a Tweco-style male plug (to power source) on one end and a female Dinse-style receptacle (for weld cable connection) on other end. Tweco ®-Style Connector #191 981 Accepts 1/0 to 2/0 size cable. Kit includes one Tweco-style male plug which attaches to the work and/or weld cables and plugs into the receptacle on the power source.
Power Source and Options Stock No. Description Qty. Price CST™280 #907 244 Dinse-style connectors 220–230/460–575 V #907 244 011 Tweco®-style connectors #907 696 Tweco®-style connectors with meter CST™280 #907 251 Dinse-style connectors 208–230/400–460 V #907 251 011 Tweco®-style connectors #907 251 012 Dinse-style connectors with VRD capability #907 563 Dinse-style connectors with meter #907 563 001 Dinse-style connectors with meter and VRD capability Power Source Racks and Options CST™280 Rack #907 245 4-pack rack, Dinse-style connectors 220–230/460–575 V #907 247 4-pack rack, Tweco®-style connectors #907 365 8-pack rack, Tweco®-style connectors CST™280 Rack #907 246 4-pack rack, Dinse-style connectors with VRD capability