How to Check SCR Hockey Pucks
An SCR, or silicone-controlled rectifier, is essentially two electronic diodes connected together to amplify and regulate voltage through devices such MIG welders. Two common configurations of these components are the stud-mounted SCR and the SCR hockey puck, the latter named for its fat disk shape. Technicians will test an SCR whenever voltage is not running properly through its circuit. The expense of the component makes testing worthwhile, although it's time-consuming to test hockey pucks.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Turn off and unplug the machine holding the SCR hockey puck. Remove the puck from the circuit by unscrewing the terminal screws holding the red and white wires from it. Loosen the heat sink clamped around the puck and remove it from its recessed cup.
-
2
Tighten a C-clamp around the flat sides of the puck with platinum plates between the clamp and the puck sides. Tighten the C-clamp to exert pressure on the two sides. Pace the C-shape part of the clamp into a vise and tighten it firmly enough to hold the clamp.
-
-
3
Test an SCR for a short by touching the black lead from a continuity tester to the red wire from the puck, and the red lead from the tester to the smaller flat metal side of the puck. Tighten the pressure on the C-clamp and watch the light on the tester. The SCR puck is shorted if the tester lights.
-
4
Move the red lead of the tester to the white wire from the SCR to test hockey pucks that don't show a short. Keep the black tester lead on the red wire of the puck. The SCR is good if the continuity tester lights momentarily.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit argon gas welder image by Jake Hellbach from Fotolia.com
