Bonding of Steel Welding Bench
Bonding of Steel Welding Bench
(OP)
Hi all,
I am looking for some guidance on the bonding of Steel Welding benchs for a training facility with 10 such benches. The benches were previously bonded using a 2.5mm PE back to the main earth node. A trainee then subsequently went arc welding without attaching the welder earth clamp directly to the table but must have connected it to some other steel structural column which was bonded. This resulted in the return path for the welder current running through a section of the 2.5mm PE and destroying it.
I cannot find anything specific regarding european regulations regarding bonding of welding benches as as such I am unsure whether it is neccessary or not. If it is neccessary then is the use of Earth Continuity Monitors or alternatives required to protect the PE?
Any help appreciated.
I am looking for some guidance on the bonding of Steel Welding benchs for a training facility with 10 such benches. The benches were previously bonded using a 2.5mm PE back to the main earth node. A trainee then subsequently went arc welding without attaching the welder earth clamp directly to the table but must have connected it to some other steel structural column which was bonded. This resulted in the return path for the welder current running through a section of the 2.5mm PE and destroying it.
I cannot find anything specific regarding european regulations regarding bonding of welding benches as as such I am unsure whether it is neccessary or not. If it is neccessary then is the use of Earth Continuity Monitors or alternatives required to protect the PE?
Any help appreciated.





RE: Bonding of Steel Welding Bench
I used to work in a shop that made railway wagons, the welders were attached to the rails.
This was fine with the old white metal bearings but when we changed over to roller bearings
it caused a few failures before we realized the problem.
RE: Bonding of Steel Welding Bench
I'd think the best/generic answer would be to not bond the benches and to ensure its isolated and to enforce proper protective equipment like rubber shoes,etc...
RE: Bonding of Steel Welding Bench
RE: Bonding of Steel Welding Bench
There are numerous stories about someone just grounding to building steel and carrying just the stinger around causing multiple failures/issues in the whole building.
This is really why I think NOT bonding is a better solution for most cases.
RE: Bonding of Steel Welding Bench
RE: Bonding of Steel Welding Bench
http
Question 010/2009.
Regards,
Lyle
RE: Bonding of Steel Welding Bench
RE: Bonding of Steel Welding Bench
End of training.
Next candidate, please.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Bonding of Steel Welding Bench
This is the reason why I am looking into Earth Continuity Monitors but with no success as of yet.
Thanks for all the feedback so far
RE: Bonding of Steel Welding Bench
www.MaguffinMicrowave.com
Maguffin Microwave wireless design consulting
RE: Bonding of Steel Welding Bench
I called up Miller, and they recommened a good earth ground IF you are using high frequency TIG welding. Did not have an opinion on other types of welding.
www.MaguffinMicrowave.com
Maguffin Microwave wireless design consulting