Prepare to fire the torch

To prevent accidental firing, the hand torch has a torch-lock switch and a safety trigger.

Warning

INSTANT-ON TORCHES – PLASMA ARC CAN CAUSE INJURY, BURNS

Ignition of the plasma arc occurs immediately when you pull the torch trigger. Before changing the cartridge, one of the following steps is necessary. Whenever possible, complete the first step.

Set the power switch on the plasma power supply to OFF (O).

Move the torch-lock switch to the yellow lock (X) position. Pull the trigger to make sure that the torch does not fire a plasma arc.

Warning

INSTANT-ON TORCHES – STAY CLEAR OF PLASMA ARC

The plasma arc will cut quickly through gloves and skin.

Put on the correct and approved protective equipment.
Keep hands, clothing, and objects away from the torch tip.
Do not hold the workpiece. Keep your hands clear of the cutting path.
Do not point the torch at yourself or others.

Warning

RISK OF BURNS AND ELECTRIC SHOCK – USE INSULATED GLOVES

The cartridges get very hot during cutting and can cause severe burns. Touching the cartridges can also cause electric shock if the plasma power supply is ON and the torch-lock switch is in the green "ready to fire" position.

Always put on insulated gloves when changing the cartridges. Also make sure that the torch is in the yellow lock (X) position.

Install the correct cartridge. OptionDescription

To cut	When you install a Hypertherm® cutting cartridge, the system goes to Cut mode. Gouge mode is not available.
To gouge	When you install a Hypertherm gouging cartridge, the system goes to Gouge mode. Cut mode is not available.

Make sure that the torch-lock switch is in the green "ready to fire" position.

Note:
The first time that you pull the torch trigger after you set the torch to the "ready to fire" position, multiple puffs of air quickly come from the torch. This is a warning that the torch is active and will fire an arc the next time that you pull the trigger.
Flip the trigger’s safety cover forward and pull the red torch trigger.

After you complete a cut and release the torch trigger, air continues to flow from the torch to decrease the temperature of the cartridge.
This is referred to as postflow.
Always let postflow complete before you remove a cartridge.