Thanks for sharing real life experiences. At 58, I just began a 2 year welding course at our local Tech School. Love welding, just want to learn correct techniques and fabrication. Will keep your advice in mind on a daily basis. Advice like this can save a novice welder(me) a lot of heartache. Will keep looking for fabrication techniques/advice. Thanks for posting.
Never too late! I am an old lady, 57, trying to learn blacksmithing. Why now when I am of kitten strength? Why not I say! Good luck to you. Follow your dreams.
Thank God you are still with us ! Thanks for the safety tips ! I use a 55 gal bbq pit with a 1/4 " steel plate inside of it ! It is hot in California right now too ! My gloves got wet from me sweating and I made sure I didn't ground out ! Ouch ! I noticed that we have to be careful at all times ! Your tips and advice in your videos made me a better welder ! My buddies cannot believe that I am an amateur ! I did some work on his harley davidson for him ! Saved him some cash ! Thanks again , Kevin ! Happy welding ! It's a lot of fun !
Great tip. Glad you're ok. I try to ground my work most of the time unless my piece is too small. In those instances I try to use a third hand tool. I never thought about being too sweaty and something like that could happen. Here in Texas it does get hot and I sweat like crazy. I'll remember this tip.
That my friends is another reason why I like spring, fall and winter. Its cooler. Kevin, have you done a video on not cleaning your metal before welding with brake cleaner or carb cleaner? I've heard it can kill you. Have you ever heard that before?
Kevin, I'm just learning how to weld by myself even though I have grown up around a few family members that are welders. Thanks for the tip and reminding everyone how important safety is.
Thanks Kevin, glad you're ok, good reminder . I had a similar situation many years ago, welding for the army corps of engineers. It did damage my heart. Keep an eye on it, try to stay as far from the arc as possible, and wearing some shielding is a must for everyone. All the best 😊
Damn 144 Amps, you are lucky to be alive! I've been shocked with 33 kV but it was nothing compared to that! Good to hear you are safe, well, and wiser to inform the rest of us.
Hi Kevin, I'm glad you're all right. I'm also glad you did this video, to remind us all that we use some potentially Deadly equiptment, and to take precautions for our own safety. Scott.
Always a wake up call when stuff like this happens. Glad you are fine too. To both you and the voice Merry Christmas. By the way you and the voice make a wonderful couple. Thanks for sharing and stay safe. Ray
Very good points. I sat here thinking on how one completes the circuit from grounding oneself on the table to the electrically hot (voltage/current) tungsten. Perhaps throughout the filler rod, but usually one has gloves on. Then I figured some of ones skin was most likely touching the object being welded - - thus, ouch!! I used to repair TVs, radios, etc., when they had tubes (my age again) and have been zapped many times. The most dangerous situation is where the current goes through your chest (heart), but it all hurts for a while. Also, when you jump back (if the current lets you DC), the objects you fly into also hurt! Glad to see this post, and glad you are still around - I enjoy your videos - a lot!
Thanks, it was a bit scary when my chest got tight! Big problem here is sweat, in the gloves or on my arms. Even wearing long sleeves or a jacket that damn sweat will get ya!
Electricity will take the path of least resistance. In this case it divided passing through the aluminum object sitting on the grounded table and you. Especially as you were damp. When I say object on the table that does not imply that the object was at zero resistance (a good ground) obviously not or you would not have been shocked. As you stated ground the thing one is welding, damp or not. Now I better start practing what I preach as well!
Thanks for making this video. I've had a few close calls. A damp glove allow the circuit to attempt close through my hand. I felt a tingle and shut down right away. I look forward to reading the other safety tips in the comments here.
Good to hear your all right. I myself have been shocked by the welder. But mine was a really dumb mistake. I was using a stick welder with a bad handle that the screw that holds the wire was exposed and standing in water trying to weld a trailer tongue back together struck an arc got one hell of a zap. Be safe its a dangerous place in the shop.
It is definitely good to put your ground clamp as close to your work as possible, but if you're on a metal welding table, regardless of where you clamp to the entire table (and workpiece) will be grounded and a potential circuit. Very good video and safety points. good thing i only have a stick welder and all the spatter influences me to wear sleeves!
I did about the same thing awhile back. I had quenched a piece in water and my gloves got wet. It wasn’t as bad of a shock as yours was but enough to make me pay attention. I was using my belt grinder and was quenching. I will not be getting my gloves wet when welding again. I now use a piece of plywood and a 4X4 wood block for a hand Rest when welding.
Hi Kevin Your not the only one to complete the awesome ground circuit. I would rate it to the 'tinkle factor' When I got it more than once - while being in a hurry - I share your fears and understanding When it hits you can not tinkle for a while
Done it myself a few times, not to many amps but these days I tend to use a pair of rigger boots a size to big, easy to slip on and of with little effort so I do wear them when welding. big thick rubber soles... Tried a mat, still use one some times but I kept setting fire to it, smell was annoying...
Me again. I did that with the HF start when using my new TIG Inverter machine, I left the earth off the table vice and got it full on. and it used me as an aerial. Really jumped high, I do not know the voltage but it is a LOT m ore than me older machine.
GREAT POST and thanks for that. Its ironic as this very afternoon i gave the same safety advice to a new mechanic who wants to learn TIG. I havent been shocked too bad but sure is unerving and feel real dumb afterward.
Sure do enjoy your videos, Kevin, and am relieved that you didn't sustain serious injury. One thing though: You didn't fully explain what you did to get zapped. Leaning on a grounded bench by itself, sleeves or not, is not normally enough to zap oneself. (I've been zapped a few times, usually involving touching the filler rod to the tungsten instead of the work, while leaning on the bench and not using a glove on the filler rod hand.) So, how exactly did you come in contact with the "other half" of the circuit? Did you stick the tungsten to the work and then lift the work off the grounded bench, all while leaning on the bench? Please explain further, because I'm missing a big piece of this puzzle.
+Rick Reid I think it was because I was sweating and made a better ground than the clamp which was on the bench not the work. Just felt a strong tingle through my chest and arms. Heart started to flutter and I stopped the arc.. Spent a few minutes making sure it was not going to stop and went to see the doctor for an ekg. Just stupid on my part and luck on the welders part..
+Kevin Caron, Artist I think I understand now. You got zapped because you got between the bench and the work, electrically. Thanks for the reply and I'm glad you're ok.
I always learn something from your videos, today I really learned something Life changing. I have been using the table ground, not any more . That electricity thing can’t be trusted, ever
I have been shocked multiple times........ I was not careful in those cases. Still Kevin gave a good advise on safety. A good insulated boots just might save your life.
RU4L4THDC2, This is one of my neverending pieces. Not sure if it has a proper name.. It will show up on my website soon as I get my butt back to work and get it done! Thanks for watching.
Excellent reminder, always place the ground as close to the weld zone as possible. Imagine sitting on a crusher roll, making cute turtles and it hits you where you're sitting....... Thanks for posting
the table makes one more connection to keep in place. if you get in to the circuit you are now able to get a shock. If you ground right to the part, no problem.
Still confused, if I ground my part and set it and clamp it to a metal table, and then lean a sweaty arm into the table..wouldn't the same thing happen? its all grounded at that point table+part? I could see if maybe I put a piece of wood or something between the metal welding table and the work and grounded the work. Is my thinking off? I don't know.
I'm new.. got my first welder going ( TIG Everlast 164 power pro ). I just don't want to zap myself.. i been wearing sleves and gloves and eveything so far but I have long arms and end up with a gap of skin near my wrist im worried about touching the table with.
From an electrical standpoint you do not want to be IN the circuit. Electricity takes the path of least resistance for the most part, lower voltage having lower risk ie. it can't overcome the resistance to flow = very little current flow due to OHMs law = no shock or injury. Most welding processes use low voltage DC or AC with High amperage. If your ground clamp is closer to the gun/stick than your arm the current wont travel from the ground clamp (-) out into your arm through the glove and to the gun (+) because the resistance is simply too much. Rather it will take the least resistance through the metal part to the gun/stick. Fun fact you can check your resistance from finger to finger with an ohm meter. It's in the range of over 100 mega OHMs A LOT. lol In Kevin's case their was lower resistance from the ground clamp and through his arm to the gun than through the table to the gun. As mentioned earlier salt + water on skin = much less resistance to current flow. He didn't receive the full amperage through his chest or he would have died instantly. Just a few amps will stop your heart. Instead he received probably a 0.02-0.10 of an amp shock with the rest going through the table to the part. (Even this small of an amperage is very painful but not deadly) As long as you're wearing sleeves and good undamaged welding gloves you should be ok. Most welders don't even realize you can be shocked by a welder because it's a very rare occurrence.
Hey Kev I like your videos and follow them every week to learn. Tell me. Would a great pair of work boots with the green patch have prevented this from happening I wonder? Your thoughts? Just out of curiosity what were you wearing on your feet? Or dose it matter now that I think about it because you were basically sweaty and "tied" to to the table.hmmm. Thanks again for the tip, can't be to safe now a days. Pidge.
I was wearing engineer boots at the time. Thick soles and have never had a problem with them. This happened because I touched the table that I had the ground hooked to. If I had put the ground on the piece I was welding I would not have been shocked.
+Kevin Caron, Artist can you tell me why if you put the ground on the piecework you won't get shocked. what is the difference since all of them touching each others. ( welding table + piecework ). please answer.
Because you have now made a more direct path for the electricity to take back to ground. Instead of taking a short cut (no pun intended) through you, it now can get back to the machine easier.
That would be electrical shock. Electrocution means you died (electricity + execute). I'm not sure which category it would be in if you are dead and then revived. Either way, scary stuff.
Nothing spookier that that. One thing I was tole or read somewhere was it was better to also run cables on one side or your body and not be between then. What are you thoughts on that?
sweaty gloves will also cause this i have had it happen many times with mig welding stainless at 20 to 23 volts... trying to rush things out just part of the job... just keep your hands and gloves dry
sometimes I think we take danger for granted. Like working on electricity hot or digging a deep ditch and standing in the hole not realizing dirt weighs 3000 lbs. a yard. I have seen things drop from a crane that wasn't suppost to happen. sometimes we have a close call that reminds us what we do can cause harm very rapidly. I get teased about being too careful sometimes. But even a cat only has nine lives. Working alone is very dangerous but not many could put up with me lol
good advice , glad you are well. however I am dissapointed you do not have video footage of your hair standing straight up or the ekg, time to install some 24/7 security cams! hahahah
I imagine it might have felt like a massive leg cramp, but on your heart. Were you sore for a while? Hope it's all back to normal now. I've had small shocks, but never a big, potentially deadly one. Thanks for the warning!
I've had some experience with the Electric Muscle Stimulators-so maybe your heart is stronger after the extra "exercise". What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger...or is it smarter?...at least for a little while, until it's time for the next life-lesson. (:
Unless your work is somehow isolated from the table, the same thing will happen either way. I always prefer clamping to the work when possible anyway though.
Safety is what you make of it. My stick welder gets the setting adjusted with the plug disconected. My mig runs a open setting, i can touch the spool. I clamp the earth as close to the place i am welding as possible. Grinder has it's safety altered :) same goes for the bench grinders. Having ten fingers is overated :)
I ALWAYS WONDER WHO WAS THE PERSON THE STOPPED IN THAT AREA (NOW PHOENIX) AND SAID ''YOU KNOW WHAT,IM GONNA LIVE HERE'' - ALL I CAN SAY IS ,IT MUST HAVE BEEN DECEMBER
@Agapios Agapiou You are wrong, way wrong. It isn't voltage that kills you. AMPS KILL!! Your comment of 20v-40v being harmless could not be more untrue. If that 20v-40v has the right amount of amps, it will kill deader than a doornail.
He means that the human body has such resistance, that 20V to 40V will not be able to create enough current over the heart. Which is probably true. But remember TIG welders will up the voltage to reach their amps. So they will easily output much higher voltage if they think the circuit is still intact.
Thanks guys. Important info! And you, Partner, ya better take better care of yourself or a lot of us are gonna be angry! Starting with that fierce little VOICE!
Don't hold or stand in a coil of lead wire either, you'll induct yourself; typically you won't feel it until hours later instead of being imidiate. Feels like you developed 10+ years of arthritis over a few hours.
KEV, Come To CT, WOW a OLD Miller 330, withch I thilk everyone had, Some guys I had working for me,, Never a Problem,and Our Hum is 99% I try it, and Im Thank GOD, the shop door. well 1 of em was there, Im In the Parking LOT!!!!!!!!!! with a 1/8 tunston,so amps in old bessy was at 280+++++++or-WOWWWWWWWWWWWWW
PS,, Thank God Your OK,, Its weird, Some people, (Old Pipelilers) Never a Prob, some Outher No Prob, and a few,,, And ive Been Hitt By 440 3 Phase,,, The Heli arc wack,, was More Hurtful,,, and If Ya Took a DIRT NAP,, No More MARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR,, Just glad you OK,, a Jolt,, Probbbly Put some Lead in The OLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL Pensil,,,LOL,,,, Jack
first off glad your ok! next I had a similar experience in vo -tech years ago & it hurt like hell! so ever since I never let any part of my body touch welding area without a barrier of some sort.
Thanks for the advice Kevin. It is really nice to hear that you didn't get any serious damage.
Thanks for sharing real life experiences. At 58, I just began a 2 year welding course at our local Tech School. Love welding, just want to learn correct techniques and fabrication. Will keep your advice in mind on a daily basis. Advice like this can save a novice welder(me) a lot of heartache. Will keep looking for fabrication techniques/advice. Thanks for posting.
Never too late! I am an old lady, 57, trying to learn blacksmithing. Why now when I am of kitten strength? Why not I say! Good luck to you. Follow your dreams.
Glad you're okay Kevin.
Thanks for the safety reminder Kevin. I am glad all is well.
Thank God you are still with us ! Thanks for the safety tips ! I use a 55 gal bbq pit with a 1/4 " steel plate inside of it ! It is hot in California right now too ! My gloves got wet from me sweating and I made sure I didn't ground out ! Ouch ! I noticed that we have to be careful at all times ! Your tips and advice in your videos made me a better welder ! My buddies cannot believe that I am an amateur ! I did some work on his harley davidson for him ! Saved him some cash ! Thanks again , Kevin ! Happy welding ! It's a lot of fun !
Glad you are ok, and thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
I wish I had watched this video yesterday, same story, hot day, sweaty arms, ground clamp on the table and a helluva shock.Thanks Kevin
Ouch!! Glad you are okay!
Glad you are ok. Thank you!
Me too!
Wow. Glad you're OK buddy! Thanks for being honest and telling us about the mishap; might help save someone.
Good to see you are still with us loving the videos Kevin stay safe mate
👍💯🇦🇺🦘🦘🦘🦘
Just noticed this was 6 years ago 👍
Thanks 👍 I have over 600 videos posted now.
Great tip. Glad you're ok. I try to ground my work most of the time unless my piece is too small. In those instances I try to use a third hand tool. I never thought about being too sweaty and something like that could happen. Here in Texas it does get hot and I sweat like crazy. I'll remember this tip.
I always ground both the work and the table
That my friends is another reason why I like spring, fall and winter. Its cooler. Kevin, have you done a video on not cleaning your metal before welding with brake cleaner or carb cleaner? I've heard it can kill you. Have you ever heard that before?
Wow so glad your OK Kevin and thanks for the tip - I would not have thought about this, but I sure will going forward...
Thanks, made my hair stand up for a few hours for sure..
Thanks for the advise Kevin.....following small details can definitely save our lives.
I'm glad that you are ok. Thanks for sharing with us.
Kevin, I'm just learning how to weld by myself even though I have grown up around a few family members that are welders. Thanks for the tip and reminding everyone how important safety is.
Thanks Kevin, glad you're ok, good reminder . I had a similar situation many years ago, welding for the army corps of engineers. It did damage my heart. Keep an eye on it, try to stay as far from the arc as possible, and wearing some shielding is a must for everyone. All the best 😊
Got my attention for sure!
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Glad your ok
Damn 144 Amps, you are lucky to be alive! I've been shocked with 33 kV but it was nothing compared to that! Good to hear you are safe, well, and wiser to inform the rest of us.
Thanks for this, Kevin. So glad that you're okay.
Hi Kevin, I'm glad you're all right. I'm also glad you did this video, to remind us all that we use some potentially Deadly equiptment, and to take precautions for our own safety. Scott.
Always a wake up call when stuff like this happens. Glad you are fine too. To both you and the voice Merry Christmas. By the way you and the voice make a wonderful couple. Thanks for sharing and stay safe.
Ray
Thank you!
Have a great holiday season and thank you for watching.
Very good points. I sat here thinking on how one completes the circuit from grounding oneself on the table to the electrically hot (voltage/current) tungsten. Perhaps throughout the filler rod, but usually one has gloves on. Then I figured some of ones skin was most likely touching the object being welded - - thus, ouch!!
I used to repair TVs, radios, etc., when they had tubes (my age again) and have been zapped many times. The most dangerous situation is where the current goes through your chest (heart), but it all hurts for a while. Also, when you jump back (if the current lets you DC), the objects you fly into also hurt!
Glad to see this post, and glad you are still around - I enjoy your videos - a lot!
Thanks, it was a bit scary when my chest got tight!
Big problem here is sweat, in the gloves or on my arms.
Even wearing long sleeves or a jacket that damn sweat will get ya!
Electricity will take the path of least resistance. In this case it divided passing through the aluminum object sitting on the grounded table and you. Especially as you were damp. When I say object on the table that does not imply that the object was at zero resistance (a good ground) obviously not or you would not have been shocked. As you stated ground the thing one is welding, damp or not. Now I better start practing what I preach as well!
Thanks for making this video. I've had a few close calls. A damp glove allow the circuit to attempt close through my hand. I felt a tingle and shut down right away. I look forward to reading the other safety tips in the comments here.
Good tip, thanks for that.
Glad ur okay. Would miss ur welding vids!!!
Good to hear your all right. I myself have been shocked by the welder.
But mine was a really dumb mistake.
I was using a stick welder with a bad handle that the screw that holds the wire was exposed and standing in water trying to weld a trailer tongue back together struck an arc got one hell of a zap. Be safe its a dangerous place in the shop.
I have often thought about that and if it could happen. I'm really glad your ok. Scary stuff. Thanks for advice
No lasting effects on my part, other than the twitch every now and again...
Whew, I'm glad you're OK.
Me too! Just lite my dumb self up! Please don't try this at your shop. It hurts!
It is definitely good to put your ground clamp as close to your work as possible, but if you're on a metal welding table, regardless of where you clamp to the entire table (and workpiece) will be grounded and a potential circuit. Very good video and safety points. good thing i only have a stick welder and all the spatter influences me to wear sleeves!
I did about the same thing awhile back. I had quenched a piece in water and my gloves got wet. It wasn’t as bad of a shock as yours was but enough to make me pay attention. I was using my belt grinder and was quenching. I will not be getting my gloves wet when welding again. I now use a piece of plywood and a 4X4 wood block for a hand Rest when welding.
Great tip!!
Thanks for sharing Kevin!!!
Hi Kevin
Your not the only one to complete the awesome ground circuit.
I would rate it to the 'tinkle factor'
When I got it more than once - while being in a hurry - I share your fears and understanding
When it hits you can not tinkle for a while
Good tip, glad you're ok.
Thanks for video , very lucky man , glad your fine, keep up the good work.
Hey Kevin, what is that type of sculpture called? It looks awesome. Glad your ok.
GREAT advice. Thanks for posting.
Done it myself a few times, not to many amps but these days I tend to use a pair of rigger boots a size to big, easy to slip on and of with little effort so I do wear them when welding. big thick rubber soles... Tried a mat, still use one some times but I kept setting fire to it, smell was annoying...
Me again. I did that with the HF start when using my new TIG Inverter machine, I left the earth off the table vice and got it full on. and it used me as an aerial. Really jumped high, I do not know the voltage but it is a LOT m ore than me older machine.
Made me learn a few new words!
GREAT POST and thanks for that. Its ironic as this very afternoon i gave the same safety advice to a new mechanic who wants to learn TIG. I havent been shocked too bad but sure is unerving and feel real dumb afterward.
When a wise man speaks, you listen. That's the thing about experience, it comes just after the moment you need it most!
Thank you!
Was that connected positive from welder to earth of your bench.Negative to electrode .
Yes it was connected that way.
Kevin .Maybe standing on a rubber insulation mat will be a safer alternative when welding in reverse polarity.
Sure do enjoy your videos, Kevin, and am relieved that you didn't sustain serious injury. One thing though: You didn't fully explain what you did to get zapped. Leaning on a grounded bench by itself, sleeves or not, is not normally enough to zap oneself. (I've been zapped a few times, usually involving touching the filler rod to the tungsten instead of the work, while leaning on the bench and not using a glove on the filler rod hand.) So, how exactly did you come in contact with the "other half" of the circuit? Did you stick the tungsten to the work and then lift the work off the grounded bench, all while leaning on the bench? Please explain further, because I'm missing a big piece of this puzzle.
+Rick Reid I think it was because I was sweating and made a better ground than the clamp which was on the bench not the work.
Just felt a strong tingle through my chest and arms. Heart started to flutter and I stopped the arc..
Spent a few minutes making sure it was not going to stop and went to see the doctor for an ekg.
Just stupid on my part and luck on the welders part..
+Kevin Caron, Artist I think I understand now. You got zapped because you got between the bench and the work, electrically. Thanks for the reply and I'm glad you're ok.
I always learn something from your videos, today I really learned something Life changing. I have been using the table ground, not any more . That electricity thing can’t be trusted, ever
Amen Brother!!!
Glad you're ok. Be safe next time.
Thank you good idea
So nice of you
Health & safety is a very important subject too talk about
You can put your ground wherever you want, but if you are welding on a steel table it is still part of the circuit. Glad you are ok!
I have been shocked multiple times........ I was not careful in those cases. Still Kevin gave a good advise on safety. A good insulated boots just might save your life.
Glad you're ok. Pretty scary stuff.
Great Video.....Safety First!
Please show the Victor oil seals in the background.
How can grounding the table cause shock without the electrode holder? It doesn’t seem like it would be a complete circuit otherwise.
It helps to prevent shock not cause it.
RU4L4THDC2, This is one of my neverending pieces. Not sure if it has a proper name.. It will show up on my website soon as I get my butt back to work and get it done! Thanks for watching.
Excellent reminder, always place the ground as close to the weld zone as possible. Imagine sitting on a crusher roll, making cute turtles and it hits you where you're sitting....... Thanks for posting
How is it different if you ground a metal part that sitting on a metal table? wont the table still be grounded too?
the table makes one more connection to keep in place. if you get in to the circuit you are now able to get a shock. If you ground right to the part, no problem.
Still confused, if I ground my part and set it and clamp it to a metal table, and then lean a sweaty arm into the table..wouldn't the same thing happen? its all grounded at that point table+part? I could see if maybe I put a piece of wood or something between the metal welding table and the work and grounded the work. Is my thinking off? I don't know.
I'm new.. got my first welder going ( TIG Everlast 164 power pro ). I just don't want to zap myself.. i been wearing sleves and gloves and eveything so far but I have long arms and end up with a gap of skin near my wrist im worried about touching the table with.
From an electrical standpoint you do not want to be IN the circuit. Electricity takes the path of least resistance for the most part, lower voltage having lower risk ie. it can't overcome the resistance to flow = very little current flow due to OHMs law = no shock or injury. Most welding processes use low voltage DC or AC with High amperage. If your ground clamp is closer to the gun/stick than your arm the current wont travel from the ground clamp (-) out into your arm through the glove and to the gun (+) because the resistance is simply too much. Rather it will take the least resistance through the metal part to the gun/stick. Fun fact you can check your resistance from finger to finger with an ohm meter. It's in the range of over 100 mega OHMs A LOT. lol In Kevin's case their was lower resistance from the ground clamp and through his arm to the gun than through the table to the gun. As mentioned earlier salt + water on skin = much less resistance to current flow. He didn't receive the full amperage through his chest or he would have died instantly. Just a few amps will stop your heart. Instead he received probably a 0.02-0.10 of an amp shock with the rest going through the table to the part. (Even this small of an amperage is very painful but not deadly) As long as you're wearing sleeves and good undamaged welding gloves you should be ok. Most welders don't even realize you can be shocked by a welder because it's a very rare occurrence.
Hey Kev I like your videos and follow them every week to learn. Tell me. Would a great pair of work boots with the green patch have prevented this from happening I wonder? Your thoughts? Just out of curiosity what were you wearing on your feet? Or dose it matter now that I think about it because you were basically sweaty and "tied" to to the table.hmmm. Thanks again for the tip, can't be to safe now a days.
Pidge.
I was wearing engineer boots at the time. Thick soles and have never had a problem with them. This happened because I touched the table that I had the ground hooked to. If I had put the ground on the piece I was welding I would not have been shocked.
+Kevin Caron, Artist can you tell me why if you put the ground on the piecework you won't get shocked. what is the difference since all of them touching each others. ( welding table + piecework ). please answer.
Because you have now made a more direct path for the electricity to take back to ground. Instead of taking a short cut (no pun intended) through you, it now can get back to the machine easier.
+Kevin Caron, Artist thanks prof.
Hi living here in Thailand i have had a few shocks due to sweat not fun
thank you for this post! !!!! Brian @desertwoodworking. (lake havasu, Az,.) hot n humid here too👊
Gave me a whole new outlook on being safe in the studio..
That would be electrical shock. Electrocution means you died (electricity + execute). I'm not sure which category it would be in if you are dead and then revived. Either way, scary stuff.
+RickMakes Some people use the word "electrocuted" to indicate that the person got a shock. Something like "electrified".
Google dictionary says the definition of "electrocute" is to injure or kill (someone) by electric shock. So you don't have to die.
Nothing spookier that that. One thing I was tole or read somewhere was it was better to also run cables on one side
or your body and not be between then. What are you thoughts on that?
Have not heard that one. I just want to stay out of the loop!
sweaty gloves will also cause this i have had it happen many times with mig welding stainless at 20 to 23 volts... trying to rush things out just part of the job... just keep your hands and gloves dry
Thank you for that tip. I have been clamping to my table. I will change that habit. Thank you!
You bet! Don't want anyone to feel what I did!
This has happened to me on high frequency starts on my machine. Luckily it's never been the full amperage and I'm fine.
sometimes I think we take danger for granted. Like working on electricity hot or digging a deep ditch and standing in the hole not realizing dirt weighs 3000 lbs. a yard. I have seen things drop from a crane that wasn't suppost to happen. sometimes we have a close call that reminds us what we do can cause harm very rapidly. I get teased about being too careful sometimes. But even a cat only has nine lives. Working alone is very dangerous but not many could put up with me lol
Is this a risk for MIG also?
Nope, never been shocked by Mig.
good advice , glad you are well. however I am dissapointed you do not have video footage of your hair standing straight up or the ekg, time to install some 24/7 security cams! hahahah
I imagine it might have felt like a massive leg cramp, but on your heart. Were you sore for a while? Hope it's all back to normal now. I've had small shocks, but never a big, potentially deadly one. Thanks for the warning!
+R. Price All better now.. Just take more time to set up the weld and make sure I am not part if the circuit!
I've had some experience with the Electric Muscle Stimulators-so maybe your heart is stronger after the extra "exercise". What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger...or is it smarter?...at least for a little while, until it's time for the next life-lesson. (:
I will go with that answer!! Yeah, I feel better for the shock therapy!
Unless your work is somehow isolated from the table, the same thing will happen either way. I always prefer clamping to the work when possible anyway though.
Great point!
I got zapped by 15 amps before. I can only imagine what 150 would be like. Glad you're OK.
Safety is what you make of it. My stick welder gets the setting adjusted with the plug disconected. My mig runs a open setting, i can touch the spool. I clamp the earth as close to the place i am welding as possible. Grinder has it's safety altered :) same goes for the bench grinders. Having ten fingers is overated :)
Glad you didn't "screw anything up" - be safe!
I ALWAYS WONDER WHO WAS THE PERSON THE STOPPED IN THAT AREA (NOW PHOENIX) AND SAID ''YOU KNOW WHAT,IM GONNA LIVE HERE'' - ALL I CAN SAY IS ,IT MUST HAVE BEEN DECEMBER
You are absolutely correct!!! It was the first week of Dec when my folks pulled in to town. I was all of 13 at the time. Been here ever since.
thank you thank you thank you, summers here and that's Me all over.
Kevin your welding machine must have problems. The voldage from a welder is from 20-40v. On that range usually is harmless.
I've got myself once or twice with the hf start on my tig. Ground yourself wrong and that goes straight across your heart. Its very easily done.
Agapios Agapiou It's the large amount of amps that kill you.
No it's not, it only takes 0.7 of an amp to kill a person! Think about that,
@Agapios Agapiou
You are wrong, way wrong. It isn't voltage that kills you. AMPS KILL!!
Your comment of 20v-40v being harmless could not be more untrue. If that 20v-40v has the right amount of amps, it will kill deader than a doornail.
He means that the human body has such resistance, that 20V to 40V will not be able to create enough current over the heart. Which is probably true. But remember TIG welders will up the voltage to reach their amps. So they will easily output much higher voltage if they think the circuit is still intact.
Stick welding underwater it happens from time to time. More commonly in salt water than fresh.
Tried it in the rain once.
That was enough for me!
Thanks guys. Important info! And you, Partner, ya better take better care of yourself or a lot of us are gonna be angry! Starting with that fierce little VOICE!
Doe's that mean iffin yer bald an ya touch the bench hair will stick out yer head?
Don't hold or stand in a coil of lead wire either, you'll induct yourself; typically you won't feel it until hours later instead of being imidiate.
Feels like you developed 10+ years of arthritis over a few hours.
this is interesting im not quite sure i understand.
Been there.. done that... wasnt fun haha.
KEV, Come To CT, WOW a OLD Miller 330, withch I thilk everyone had, Some guys I had working for me,, Never a Problem,and Our Hum is 99% I try it, and Im Thank GOD, the shop door. well 1 of em was there, Im In the Parking LOT!!!!!!!!!! with a 1/8 tunston,so amps in old bessy was at 280+++++++or-WOWWWWWWWWWWWWW
thanks Kevin, I lost a very good friend with 40 years experience same thing.....clifton
electrocuted - means someone got killed.
Sometimes my mouth runs faster than my brain.
@@KevincaronSculpture That's shocking. :)
OUCH! Don't do that again! "Snap, Crackle, Pop" is for cereal only! And extra crispy is how I like my chicken, not Kevin!
PS,, Thank God Your OK,, Its weird, Some people, (Old Pipelilers) Never a Prob, some Outher No Prob, and a few,,, And ive Been Hitt By 440 3 Phase,,, The Heli arc wack,, was More Hurtful,,, and If Ya Took a DIRT NAP,, No More MARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR,, Just glad you OK,, a Jolt,, Probbbly Put some Lead in The OLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL Pensil,,,LOL,,,, Jack
first off glad your ok! next I had a similar experience in vo -tech years ago & it hurt like hell! so ever since I never let any part of my body touch welding area without a barrier of some sort.