up welding leads in three common situations. Note
similar components, they could be fused together.
that in each case, the only ground in the circuit is to
Also, you should NEVER use electrical equipment
the ship where the welding is to be done.
as a grounding circuit. They are not designed for
such use and the induced magnetic field produced
When welding leads and grounds are arranged
by welding could damage electrical equipment. You
as shown in figure 10-4, all the welding current flows
should install ground-return cable connections no
through the cables. When the welding equipment is
further than 10 feet from your work.
NOT correctly grounded, some or all of the welding
current returns to the generator by way of the water.
The requirements for grounding welding
The portion of current that will flow through the
equipment vary slightly, depending upon the
water will depend upon the particular grounding
situation. However, there are a few basic rules to
error that is made.
follow. Set up the equipment so that electrode and
ground leads are connected only to the vessel on
One very common error is to attach the ground
which welding is to be done. Secure the ground
to one ship and then to weld on another ship. This
lead to an integral part of the vessel, making a good
situation often occurs when a welding generator on
metal-to-metal contact. Be sure that both the
a repair ship or tender is used to weld on a ship
electrode and ground leads are thoroughly insulated
alongside. When this occurs, all of the welding
and that they are NOT in contact with water.
current returns through the water.
Figure 10-4 shows the correct methods for hooking
Figure 10-4.--Correct grounding procedure for metal-arc welding. (A) Arrangement for ships afloat. (B) Arrangement for a
single ship at a pier. (C) Arrangement for two ships at a pier.
10-6