FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I run a light while welding?
Yes. You keep it in the welding mode, then plug the light in and as you strike an arc the light will dim while you weld, and then will be bright again when you stop welding (with power tool switch off).

115 VOLT POWER:

How do I use the Control Box's 115-volt jack?

With the engine on, turn on three switches: master, booster, and tool switches.
Use external throttle to increase engine RPM to 115 volts.
Plug tool into receptacle and use!

Can I plug in incandescent and halogen lights?
Yes, the unit can be used to power resistive loads such as coffee pots, hot plates, blenders, and incandescent and halogen lighting (not fluorescent).

Can I use a pigtail to use more than one tool?
Yes, your alternator will power 2300 watts, 20 amps. The combined total wattage and amperage must not exceed these amounts. If they do, the fuse will blow.

Is there any 110-volt tool the unit will NOT power?
Any tool with a variable-speed motor will need to have the trigger pulled fully, the reason being that variable-speed switches are based on pulsating DC current; the Premier is based on a straight DC current. Therefore, it wants to travel through the variable-speed switch at full current. We do not recommend the use of this type of tool with the unit as it will eventually result in a burned-up trigger. The ONLY drill that we know of with a variable-speed trigger that will work with our unit and not burn out the trigger is the 3/8" or 1/2" Milwaukee Holeshooter.

WE KNOW THAT THE FOLLOWING TOOLS WORK WITH OUR UNIT:

Any AC brush-driven hand tool (i.e., grinders, saws, sanders)
The George Forman grill, Electric Fry Pans, Coffee Pots and Blenders.

What would cause my headlights to flicker?
The fuse in your welding box may need to be cleaned. Simply take it out, clean, and check it -- then put it back in.

Q. Can I plug a battery charger into the power source?
A. NO! Our system is designed to function brush-driven tools and Universal motors - not straight AC. Read your manual on how to charge batteries using your leads.

COMPUTERIZED VEHICLES:

I can't find the 12-volt wire in the harness from my old alternator.
Some computer systems are programmed to shut off the system if no rotor RPM is received. Get a second person to help you: one person to turn the key/ switch while the other has the meter on the wire.

IMPORTANT!!
REMEMBER TO SHUT DOWN YOUR PREMIER IN REVERSE SEQUENCE: THROTTLE DOWN FIRST, THEN TURN OFF THE MASTER SWITCH AND BOOSTER (OR POWER-TOOL SWITCH). FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN THE SOLENOID IN THE BOX STICKING AND NOT ALLOWING THE UNIT TO SWITCH BACK INTO THE CHARGING MODE. IF THIS HAPPENS, TAKE THE TOP OFF AND TAP ON THE SOLENOID WITH SOMETHING, THEN PUT IT BACK TOGETHER.

Remember: You have three hours of welding/ power-outlet use (maximum -- if you have a new battery) without recharging. To minimize this loss, whenever your unit is not in use, turn the master switch OFF. This will put you into "charge" mode and keep your battery charged, which will give you more welding time.

WELDING WITH THE PREMIER POWER WELDER:

When welding with the PREMIER POWER WELDER, you will notice several differences to the conventional "high-amp" voltage welder -- the first being less spark and flash. DO NOT turn up the voltage; this is normal with high-frequency welding. The PREMIER POWER WELDER takes only 2/3 the amperage of conventional welders and gives the same penetration. The PREMIER POWER WELDER'S high-frequency penetration capability agitates the puddle 7 to 10 times more than a conventional welder, thus bringing all the impurities to the surface. Even an amateur welder can produce a sound weld!

What is the whistle I hear?
That is the high-frequency.

How do I know what to set the voltage at?
The owner's manual has voltage settings for each type of welding, as well as rod size. Always set voltage prior to welding and adjust while not in use. REMEMBER: Too much heat will burn and crystallize the parent metal, thus making a weaker point than the weld metal and a possible cracking point. Slag should be light brown and easily chipped off. YOU ALWAYS WANT TO WELD AS COOL AS POSSIBLE, YET HAVE TOTAL PENETRATION.

Can I use my own pulley?
No. Our pulley is smaller to spin our alternator faster so that it will put out more amps at lower R.P.M.S. and function as a tool better. When putting on or taking off a pulley, always use an impact wrench (turn air pressure to 90 lbs.)

What should I know when welding on a vehicle?
When welding on your OWN vehicle, use only REVERSE POLARITY. Positive to electrode holder; Negative to work/ground. Never weld on your own vehicle with your Premier Power Welder in straight polarity. Also do not weld with Ready Welder or any other unit using straight polarity wire, on your own vehicle.

SOME INTERESTING FACTS:

Less spark is due to high-frequency; do not turn it up.
A puddle normally oscillates about 60 times per second; with high-frequency, it oscillates about 7000 times per second!
High-frequency welding agitates the puddle 10 times more than amperage welding, thus bringing all the impurities to the surface.
The Premier allows both welding & charging using #4 cable leads up to 500' lengths with minimal loss of heat.
Again, set voltage PRIOR to welding. Voltage will fluctuate while welding, and the reading will not be true voltage.
The Premier can use up to 1/8" electrodes at 100% duty cycle.

The design of the Premier Power Welder has track record of over 25 years (as of 2004). Proven in all phases of use, including applications in military, municipal, farming, off-road, rescue, construction & maintenance vehicles. It is designed to be simple, reliable and functional without any unnecessary gauges, dials or lights.

OFTEN OUTPROMISED - NEVER OUTPERFORMED!