Earthing Project Material

[cigweld]

I am new to mig welding and not keen on any nasty shocks.I would like to know if earth clamp is applied to table or metal to be welded on table why you dont get a shock.Have seen photos a people leaning and resting hands on to steady gun when welding.Somehow I feel this is a silly question for you people but dont understand.Thanks. Martin

 

[dan.taylor.1]

The "earth" isn't really an earth its just the return to the welders wiring so you touching the metal even if your earthed in the traditional sense of the word, isn't going to complete the circuit to the welder therefore no shocks.

Or at least that's my understanding of it, cant say I've ever been shocked when welding, even when I tried it in some drizzle.

Dan

 

[derskine]

As above, the earth clamp is just the other side of the circuit
To get a shock you would have to put yourself between the earth clamp and the end of the torch, and have it connected to nothing else. Essentially clamp it onto your hand and then arc the welder on your other hand lol.
Current always takes the path of least resistance so if the clamp is clamped to something metal it will go through that and not you.

 

[chunkolini]

No problems re getting electrocuted.
I was nervous at first about holding the workpiece while welding.
Just dont be stupid and do this
http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=32011

 

[Paul G]

I am new to mig welding and not keen on any nasty shocks.

Just wait till you get the bill for the gas bottle.

Paul G

 

[zardoz]

Just wait till you get the bill for the gas bottle.

Paul G

......................Zing !!!

.

 

[mike 109444]

If it's MIG then you are only looking at max 30 ish vDC and more like 14 to 24.
AC arc you would be looking at more and if welding in very damp/rain you would get a bit of a tingle!

 

[cigweld]

Ok,gotya,away I go.Thanks alot fellas.Oh its gasless,so no nasties there lol. Cheers Martin

 

[Jim Davey]

Try changing rods with wet gloves on a set with an open circuit voltage of 113 and you can get quite a belt
Insulate yourself from the ground, stand on duckboards or rubber matting and don't lean on a wet bench and keep your earth clamp in good condition and you'll be fine with just about any kind if welding if you wear the correct gear. Just don't weld in the rain if you don't like the occasional shock.

 

[Pete.]

I don't recall ever getting a shock off a mig, but I had a few tickles off a stick welder. The diesel genny ones seem to give out the most fun for the money

 

[Jim Davey]

I don't recall ever getting a shock off a mig, but I had a few tickles off a stick welder. The diesel genny ones seem to give out the most fun for the money

I think its the fact that you are more likely to be outside in wet conditions when using a genny/welder that causes the shocks. You don't seem to get the problem when indoors in nice dry conditions. OCV is similar whether on a diesel or a mains unit after all.

 

[KemppiFrog]

I still drop the arc rods into my hand mask and pick them out with the clip. Force of habit from working in a damp barn....even tho it was 40 odd years ago. And used to keep the rods in an old tin deed box screwed to the wall with a 40 watt bulb to keep them dry.
KF

 

[weldwise]

when welding in damp or light rain you complete the circuit as i have been earth manytimes and you do get a belt worse when its a stick welder......only weld in dry conditions from a proffesional....