A welding jacket will protect you from flash fire and electric arc. Heavy, flame-resistant gloves should also be worn to protect arms and hands from burns and scratches. Choosing material such as leather will also help protect against electric shock. [1] X Research source Don’t forget to protect your feet with heavy, leather boots. Having metatarsal guards over the laces can protect your ankles and upper foot from falling objects. [2] X Research source
If possible, use a smoke extractor welding gun. If you’re using a semi-automatic welder gun, extra equipment may be used to exhaust the fumes towards the arc. [4] X Research source An approved respirator should always be used within confined areas to protect your lungs from fumes. [5] X Research source
To help protect yourself further, always replace repaired parts in a timely manner and only weld in dry conditions. This includes wearing dry clothing. [7] X Research source
Remember: Nobody regrets having fire fighting equipment. Having a fire extinguisher could save you or your family from death. [9] X Research source
If you must weld a painted or plated copper, take care with ventilation. Use your respirator and weld in an open area. [12] X Research source
For example, look at copper-zinc alloys. Zinc reduces the weldability in copper. It also contains a low boiling temperature resulting in toxic vapors that can be produced upon welding. [15] X Research source
If the welding isn’t going smoothly, try using 100% helium gas. It has a higher power compared to Argon, which allows for more heat to be applied to your copper. [17] X Research source
Preheating allows the metal to cool slower after welding which works to produce a finer weld. This also reduces the risk of cracking.
An arc is a shooting line of electricity created between the electrode and the material you’re welding, copper.
Your choice of filler rod will be dependent upon the type of welding you are doing, however, it should always be a copper or copper alloy rod. [21] X Research source
When welding in cold temperatures, you may to insulate your freshly welded copper to prevent it from cracking. The simplest way to slow cooling is covering the copper with a fibreglass blanket. Another method is stacking sandbags around the copper to help prevent heat loss. Never splash water or ice on a weld. If you don’t have time to patiently wait for the heat to dissipate slowly, don’t weld at all.
