0558003001 - ESAB PowerCut Replacement Ground Cable Assembly #6 AWG 20ft

Technical Overview of the ESAB 0558003001 Work Cable

The ESAB 0558003001 is a dedicated Work Cable and Ground Clamp assembly engineered specifically for ESAB's line of portable plasma cutting systems, most notably the PowerCut 650 series. This component plays a critical role in the electrical circuit of the plasma cutting process, serving as the return path for the cutting current. The assembly features a #6 American Wire Gauge (AWG) stranded copper conductor. At this gauge, the cable is optimized to handle the amperage output of light-to-medium duty plasma cutters (typically in the 40A to 60A range) without excessive voltage drop or heat generation, provided the duty cycle limits of the machine are respected.

The cable measures 20 feet (approximately 6.1 meters) in length, offering a significant operational radius relative to the power source. The conductor is encased in a durable, industrial-grade insulating jacket designed to withstand the rigors of a metalworking environment, including exposure to sparks, abrasion from concrete floors, and incidental contact with hot metal. The machine end of the cable is terminated with the specific connector or lug required for internal or external connection to the PowerCut power source, ensuring a secure, low-resistance interface that prevents arcing at the terminal block.

On the workpiece end, the assembly includes a factory-installed heavy-duty ground clamp. This clamp is essential for establishing a solid electrical contact with the base metal. In plasma cutting, a poor ground can lead to pilot arc issues, intermittent cutting, or reduced consumable life. The clamp provided on the 0558003001 utilizes a strong spring mechanism to bite through minor surface rust or scale, although cleaning the contact point is always recommended. This assembly is supplied as a complete unit, ready for immediate installation, eliminating the need for the end-user to source separate cable, lugs, and clamps to fabricate a replacement lead.