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Why do you so stridently recommend AC power supplies?
What about using the DC output of your ZENA welder to directly power tools and lights?
I heard that this can be done. Wouldn't this be cheaper/easier?

Because, in our opinion, AC power supplies are much safer (though all high voltage sources of electricity are potentially dangerous). A high current, high voltage DC power supply is an extraordinarily dangerous thing -- literally a fatal accident waiting to happen.

A few simple facts prove the point:

By the way, our opinion of the relative safety of the two forms of electrical power is shared by every electrical safety and certification body in the world -- and by our lawyers and product liability consultants. For example, in the USA, OSHA regulations would prohibit the use of a pure high voltage DC power source to operate tools which are designed for use with AC current without a number of extra safety devices in place, such as automatic ground fault interrupters, and/or other special fail safe devices designed to insure safety under all possible conditions

Yes it certainly would be easier and possibly cheaper to produce DC power for tools -- but we will not do so. WE SIMPLY WILL NOT KNOWINGLY MANUFACTURE OR SELL ANY DEVICE WHICH IN OUR OPINION IS INHERENTLY UNSAFE. This is also why we developed our unique welder control system, and why all ZENA welders send no power to the electrode holder until the operator chooses to start welding, and why we believe that we make the safest welder in the world.

As to lights, there are many very efficient low cost 12V DC light sources on the market. From spotlights to trouble lamps -- even low current fluorescent types. In a pinch, you can even remove a headlight and use some jumper cables to hook it to the battery to make an emergency work light!

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