ESAB Releases New Checkmaster 600R Resistive Load Bank
To increase the efficiency of welding equipment calibration, verification and validation, ESAB has introduced the Checkmaster 600R resistive load bank for simulating GMAW, AC/DC GTAW, SMAW and SAW arc welding processes from 150 to 600 amps.
When linked with the ESAB WeldScanner multipurpose recording and measuring device, minimal user intervention is needed for calibration and validation, leading to time efficiency. Integration with the WeldScanner allows parallel operation of three Checkmaster 600R units, automatically switching resistive loads simultaneously. This streamlines large-scale measurement tasks and supports calibrations up to 1800 amps, common in SAW applications.
The Checkmaster 600R is available through standard distribution and online sales channels. It is compliant with standards that address welding equipment verification and calibration such as IEC 60974-14, AWS B5.4 and ISO 17662. Load banks are essential for compliance with AWS, AISC and ASME certification programs, which require a quality manual that documents how welding equipment is calibrated to control fabrication quality and verify compliance with Weld Procedure Specifications. Load banks are also required for welding equipment repair and maintenance to validate output.
The Checkmaster 600R can measure:
- DC current from 0 to 600 amps
- DC voltage capability from 0 to 100 volts
- AC current from 0 to 420 amps (600 amps peak) with true RMS for sinusoidal waveforms
- AC voltage capability from 0 to 70 volts (100V volt peak) with true RMS for sinusoidal waveforms
- Gas flow, wire feed speed and travel speed via sockets on the front panel
RMS, or Root Mean Square, is a way to express the real usable power of an AC signal. “True RMS” ensures accurate measurement even if the waveform isn’t a perfect sine wave, which is essential for advanced AC GTAW wave forms.
