US Patent 8680431 Device and method to control a power source

Apparatus, devices, and methods for providing a voltage reduction capability in a welding power source for safety purposes. The resistive load and the output voltage of the welding power source output are monitored and compared to predefined or preselected threshold values to generate a load condition signal and an output voltage condition signal (e.g., logic signals). The load condition signal and the output voltage condition signal serve as inputs to a voltage reduction device control logic which generates control signals to enable and disable the input and output of the welding power source according to the defined control logic. As a result, an extra measure of safety in preventing electrical shock is provided to users of the welding power source during hazardous operating conditions.