Editing Plasma cutting (section)

==Starting methods==
Plasma cutters use a number of methods to start the arc. In some units, the arc is created by putting the torch in contact with the work piece. Some cutters use a high voltage, high frequency circuit to start the arc. This method has a number of disadvantages, including risk of electrocution, difficulty of repair, spark gap maintenance, and the large amount of [[radio frequency]] emissions.<ref name="Sacks 2005 597">{{cite book|last=Sacks|first=Raymond|author2=Bohnart, E. |title=Welding Principles and Practices|publisher=McGraw_Hill|location=New York|year=2005|edition=Third|pages=597|chapter=17|isbn=978-0-07-825060-6}}</ref> Plasma cutters working near sensitive electronics, such as CNC hardware or computers, start the pilot arc by other means. The nozzle and electrode are in contact. The nozzle is the [[cathode]], and the electrode is the [[anode]]. When the plasma gas begins to flow, the nozzle is blown forward. A third, less common method is capacitive discharge into the primary circuit via a [[silicon controlled rectifier]].