Troubleshooting for low current

Diagnostic codes 550, 552 – 554

Diagnostic codes 550 and 552 – 554 identify a problem with a reduction in current in the plasma power supply.

Symptoms

Code Symptoms XPR® models XPR action Code cancels with...
550 For a minimum of 10 milliseconds during a Steady state, the total current decreases to less than 50% of the current setpoint (setpoints can be different for different process types). All models End of cycle
  • Start
  • Set process
  • Remote on-off
552 The Chopper 1 current decreases to less than 50% of the setpoint for 50 milliseconds, and the setpoint is more than 10 A. All models End of cycle
  • Set process
  • Remote on-off
553 The Chopper 2 current decreases to less than 50% of the setpoint for 50 milliseconds, and the setpoint is more than 10 A. XPR300®, XPR460®
554 The Chopper 3 current decreases to less than 50% of the setpoint for 50 milliseconds, and the setpoint is more than 10 A. XPR460

Corrective action

  1. Examine the consumables, and replace consumables that have damage or excessive wear.
  2. Do a test for gas leaks, and replace the leaking components if found.
  3. Examine the J6 connector on the control Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for loose connections, and tighten them if found.
  4. Examine the contactors, and replace contactors that have damage.
  5. Look for Direct Current (DC) bus errors.
  6. What system do you have? OptionDescription
    XPR170® Go to step 8.
    XPR300 or XPR460 Continue with the next step.
  7. Interchange the choppers, and make sure that the diagnostic code aligns with the change:
    1. If yes, the chopper is bad and must be replaced.
    2. If no, continue with the next step.
  8. Examine the choppers and inductors.
  9. Replace choppers or inductors that have damage, if found.
  10. Make sure that the arc stays on the workpiece during cutting.
  11. Make sure to use the correct techniques and ramp-down settings, especially for cutting holes in simple shapes on aluminum or stainless steel.

    If you do not use proper cutting techniques, diagnostic codes 552 – 554 can replace the diagnostic code for ramp-down errors (620) when the arc distance between the torch and the workpiece increases quickly.

  12. If you cannot find or correct the problem, speak to your cutting machine supplier or regional Hypertherm® Technical Service team.