You can find used plasma cutters online and in the real world. If you find a used plasma cutter you have to make sure that it is in good condition and, more importantly, you have to find out if the unit meets your needs. Use the following list of questions to assess any used plasma cutter that you find. When you have the answers, you will be in a much better position to make an educated buying decision.

1. Is the cable insulation worn down from use?

2. Does the sever cut, rated cut, and quality cut of the match what I need?

3. Are the cuts still clean?

4. Has the machine ever been repaired or serviced?

5. Is there still a factory warranty?

6. Is there a power source at my business or home that matches the power requirements of the machine?

7. What is the duty cycle of the unit?

8. Are the diagnostic lights and controls functioning properly?

9. If I buy the machine do I get any consumables?

10. What is the condition of the internal components (if they are in good condition then the owner probably took good care of the machine)?

It is most important that all of the cables are in good condition. Electrocution is no joke and no matter how safely you operate the machine, if there are exposed cables you are in danger. It is better to spend a few dollars more than to put yourself in a dangerous situation.

You may find it to be a pain to try to answer all of these questions, but it will be worth it. I would rather put in the time to find the right machine on the first try as opposed to kicking myself for buying a piece of junk.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Kingston

As we near closer to 2009, it is clear that manufacturing is not moving as fast as it once did back in 2006-2007. Globally speaking even manufacturers of ATEX components, such as EEx equipment produced by European countries will have longer lead times as well.

We are in a time of manufacturing slowdown due to global economic recession and electrical industrial equipment and explosion proof motor control components will be affected. However, recession does not mean that companies are no longer buying or selling. It simply means that things are slowing down and those manufacturers, such as those that produce explosion proof enclosures, hazardous area fixtures or other types of electrical equipment cannot produce as fast as they once did.

If you were to order a product now, such as Motor control centers, electronic control modules, or UL approved wire you might be looking 2 months down the road until you receive the product. This is where surplus industrial equipment companies supplement wholesalers electrical sales, and come in to save the day. Most of the time you can just go to their website, do a search and voila, you will find industrial electrical supplies, industrial electrical equipment or electrical industrial machinery such as level control sensors, nema weatherproof enclosure equipment containing Variable frequency drives and other CE compliance equipment. Perhaps you are looking for a specific motor, a synchronous condenser, explosion proof controls, hazardous location enclosures, industrial outdoor lighting , electronic components or an electric module, the list goes on, but it serves you well to check out the surplus sites to see what electrical equipment is available for you. Not only will the remarketing service companies have the surplus industrial equipment you are looking for, but they will have them at hugely discounted prices and most of the time the electric industrial supplies are brand new. Sometimes prices will be marked down to as little as 10% of the original price. Now most people would consider electrical recycled equipment pretty attractive!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Daley

The proper use of safety signs is a compulsory requirement for all businesses, commercial organisations and public access buildings. Legislation is in place to enforce the proper use of these signs. The enforcement of this legislation is within the remit of The Health and Safety Executive (The HSE).

The content of health and safety signs is split into the following categories.

1. Prohibition.
A predominantly red and white safety sign which denotes that a certain behavior or activity is prohibited. "No smoking" and "No access" are common examples.

2. Hazard.
A warning triangle which is yellow with a black border signifies all potential hazards. Signs can be generic and just state "Danger" or can be more specific, such as "Caution slippery surface" or "Danger High Voltage". The symbol within the triangle varies according to the hazard. An exclamation mark denotes a general hazard, whereas a lightning strike denotes an electrical hazard.

3. Mandatory.
A blue and white sign denotes that a certain action must be taken. By far the most common use is to signify that certain types of protective equipment must be worn or used. "Hard Hats", "Safety Footwear", "Hi-visibility clothing" and "Eye protection" are essential in nearly all areas of industry and construction.

4. Fire Equipment.
A red and white sign is used to denote all fire equipment such as extinguishers, alarm call points, and fire hoses. Extinguisher signs are further coded to denote the type and its proper use. For example, CO2 (black) signifies safe for use on electrical fires but should not be used in a confined space.

5. Safe condition.
A green and white sign that denotes safe conditions. These are predominantly used to inform people of escape routes and escape procedures. The normal style is wording such as "Fire Exit" or "Exit" along with a running man symbol and a directional arrow. Other common uses are for "Assembly point" and "Push Bar to Open".

All of these signs are usually available in a choice of materials. Self adhesive vinyl, rigid plastic, dibond and aluminium are the most usual materials. Self adhesive vinyl is for internal use, and should only be applied to smooth flat surfaces. Rigid plastic can be used externally but is predominantly for internal use. These can be fixed using appropriate double sided tape or can be pre-drilled for screw fixing. Dibond and aluminium are more suitable for external use and have the appropriate fire ratings for signage in high risk areas, such as chemical or gas cylinder stores. For buildings without emergency lighting, the use of photoluminous signs is essential particularly for Fire Exit and Fire Equipment signage. This too is available in all of the above materials but as only suitable for interior use, most commonly in Self Adhesive Vinyl and Rigid Plastic.

The size of the signage required is determined by the viewing distance of the sign. For example, as a rough guide, signs visible up to 10 metres away should be 300mm x 100mm, up to 20 metres, 600mm x 200mm and up to 40m, 1200mm x 400mm.

There are many British Standards governing the design of signs, but with particular reference to "Fire exit" and "Fire equipment" signs, BS5499 or 92/58/EEC should be used.

Sign buyers should also be aware of their responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) where it may be appropriate to provide signs in "Tactile" or "Braille" formats.

In short, signs are an essential part of every business and advice should be sought when determining what is needed in terms of content, size and material.

Directa (UK) Ltd supplies a range of essential Industrial Supplies and Safety Signs to many businesses from all sectors. We offer thousands of products, FREE product advice and free delivery. 35 years of fast friendly service to ISO standards


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alistair_Keys