Plasma arc welding and cutting torch designed for non-transferred and transferred arc operation

A plasma arc welding and cutting torch comprising:

• a hollow grip connected to a source of plasma-forming gas;
• a fixed electrode, fitted axially to said grip;
• an electrical power supply having a negative pole wired to said fixed electrode and a positive pole;
• a nozzle assembly, fitted to said grip coaxially, detachable therefrom, and comprising a cap wired to said positive pole of said power supply, said nozzle assembly being axially slidable with respect to said electrode so as to permit said cap and electrode to be brought into contact, said cap having an exit opening through which said plasma gas is projected;
• auxiliary control means, including an operator controlled switch, for energizing said electrical power supply;
• and
• security means, associated with said nozzle assembly and disposed electrically in series in said auxiliary control means for connecting or opening said auxiliary control means when said nozzle assembly is respectively fitted to or removed from said grip.