Grounding the workbench

[brightspark]

When you accidently connect machine earth to the euro torch connection you just added to your Migmate . . . it worked fine for a few years until I built my new garage . . . when the power cable to my pillar drill melted . . . and then the power cable to the welder started to smell a bit warm . . .

probably true but if the machine is wired correctly like every other electrical appliance it is safe and the problem would not occur . not having a go at you. just stating a point that bonding is not necessary its like people overthinking safety and even bonding class 2 gear that makes it more dangerous

 

[brightspark]

When I done my welding course at a college in 2018 all the welding benches were grounded.

I asked the instructor why and he said “some students forget to connect the return to the bench/ work peice”

how does that work then. each welder has to have its own ground to form a circuit

 

[James1979]

how does that work then. each welder has to have its own ground to form a circuit

I know nothing, but is it a safety thing? So if the student arcs up when they are touching the bench with no return?

I am with you - thought the return and torch are the only part of the welding circuit. I am not a sparky though.....

 

[brightspark]

I know nothing, but is it a safety thing? So if the student arcs up when they are touching the bench with no return?

I am with you - thought the return and torch are the only part of the welding circuit. I am not a sparky though.....

it wont arc up without the output return conected . a common supply earth is isolated