Secondary Contactor?

[ptenning]

My friend has a Hobart AC/DC welder on a trailer and just picked up a wire feed attachment. He also obtained a "secondary contactor" and we're trying to figure out what it's for? Anyone know what purpose the secondary contactor plays in an arc welding setup?

As far as I can figure, it turns off the current to the gun when you are not welding, making it safe to set the gun on your grounded work and not get a spark. Is this necessary equipment in certain commercial applications? Thanks...

Phil

[accokeek89]

You are right it keeps the wire in the gun off.

[flareside]

I also have a Hobart gas drive and am looking for a feeder and contactor. What brand and model are the feeder and the contactor, and how is their performance on the hobart.

[flareside]

The contactor is not necessary, but very convenient. It keeps you from having to pull the gun away (like a welding rod) when you stop welding. Otherwise the wir would burn back into the gun and stick in the tip.