How to do Arc Welding in Wet Locations

An electrically charged arc welding electrode is live and can cause bodily harm or death if you receive a shock from it. Since water is an excellent conductor of electricity, you should take every precaution possible when welding in a wet environment.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Check your electrode holders and cables before starting any welding job. Look for frayed cables and bare wires. Repair or replace any damaged equipment.

2. Ground your welding units and frame as an extra precaution. Plug your welder into a receptacle with a ground and make sure you have a ground on your welding frame.

3. Wear dry leather gloves, dry clothing and leather or rubber work boots when arc welding. Remember that when you become wet, you become a conductor of electricity.

4. Tarp your work area if you think it's going to start raining. You may want to consider placing a dry board or rubber mat on the ground to add an extra moisture barrier.

5. Disconnect the power source to your welder and then dry your equipment off if it becomes wet.

6. Use extra precautions when using DC portable diesel or gasoline driven welders. Portable welders offer portability, but operating them exposed to the elements outside of the workshop may increase your risk of electrical shock.

Tips & Warnings

• Electric shock can kill, causing internal and external burns or sending your heart into a deadly arrhythmia.
• Avoid arc welding in the rain, or any other extremely wet conditions, if possible.
• Never wrap the welding cables around your body while you work.
• Never touch electrically charged wires or electrodes with your skin or wet clothing.