Powerpro 256s not cutting

[Bluediemond]

My plasma torch was obviously used before it was sent to me. The consumable has been burned. When I tried to hook up the plasma cutter and operate it, I noticed: 1. the torch lead has an extra red wire that I can't find any info on, and it doesn't have an obvious place to hook up. 2. the torch will not fire unless I touch it to the metal directly. Pressing the trigger does nothing, but releasing it gives a short blast of air. It's basically a scratch start plasma cutter? The stand off will not allow contact, so it had to be removed to work at all. What gives? I'm showing the pic so you can see the mysterious red wire.