b.
To protect against shock: Keep body and clothing dry. Never work in damp area without adequate
insulation against electrical shock. Stay on a dry duckboard, or rubber mat when dampness or sweat
can not be avoided. Sweat, sea water, or moisture between body and an electrically HOT part - or
grounded metal reduces the body surface electrical resistance, enabling dangerous and possibly lethal
currents to flow through the body.
c.
When arc welding equipment is grounded according to the National Electrical Code, and the work is
grounded according to ANSI Z49.1 "Safety in Welding And Cutting," a voltage may exist between the
electrode and any conducting object. Examples of conducting objects include, but are not limited to,
buildings, electrical tools, work benches, welding power source cases, workpieces, etc. Never touch
the electrode and any metal object unless the welding power source is off.
d.
When installing, connect the frames of each unit such as welding power source, control, work table, and
water circulator to the building ground. Conductors must be adequate to carry ground currents safely.
Equipment made electrically HOT by stray current may shock, possibly fatally. Do NOT GROUND to
electrical conduit, or to a pipe carrying ANY gas or a flammable liquid such as oil or fuel.
e.
Three-phase connection. Check phase requirements of equipment before installing. If only 3-phase
power is available, connect single-phase equipment to only two wires of the 3-phase line. Do NOT
connect the equipment ground lead to the third (live) wire, or the equipment will become electrically
HOT - a dangerous condition that can shock, possibly fatally.
f.
Before welding, check ground for continuity. Be sure conductors are touching bare metal of equipment
frames at connections.
g.
If a line cord with a ground lead is provided with the equipment for connection to a switchbox, connect
the ground lead to the grounded switchbox. If a three-prong plug is added for connection to a grounded
mating receptacle, the ground lead must be connected to the ground prong only. If the line cord comes
with a three-prong plug, connect to a grounded mating receptacle. Never remove the ground prong
from a plug, or use a plug with a broken off ground prong.
h.
Fully insulated electrode holders should be used. Do NOT use holders with protruding screws.
i.
Fully insulated lock-type connectors should be used to join welding cable lengths.
j.
Frequently inspect cables for wear, cracks and damage. IMMEDIATELY REPLACE those with
excessively worn or damaged insulation to avoid possibly - lethal shock from bared cable. Cables with
damaged areas may be taped to give resistance equivalent to original cable.
k.
Keep cable dry, free of oil and grease, and protected from hot metal and sparks.
l.
Terminals and other exposed parts of electrical units should have insulating covers secured before
operation.
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