Electrical welding has gradually replaced manual welding in many modern welding projects. This has not only improved the efficiency of the welding job but has also made welding workplaces safer for the people employed. While the requirements of electrical welding overlap in many ways with that of manual welding, there are some supplies that are unique to electric welding that you need to know about.
One such category of welding supplies crucial for electrical welding is the underrated welding cable. Many welders who are just getting started in the field may overlook the importance of investing in cables of good quality. However, it’s crucial to prioritize this seemingly small yet significant detail. Let’s find out why.
5+ Reasons to Invest in High-Quality Welding Cables
High-quality welding cables are of utmost importance in any welding operation. Here are some of the top reasons why.
1. Reduced Risk of Damage
Using high-quality welding cables reduces the risk of wear and tear and other damages over time. These cables are constructed using durable materials and come with adequate insulation, making them more resistant to physical damage like abrasions, cuts and cracking. This, in turn, reduces the risk of live wire exposure — which could lead to short-circuiting or electrical shocks if left unchecked.
2. Improved Flame Resistance
Welding flames can damage poor-quality welding cables easily because of the high temperatures involved. However, when you invest in high-quality welding cables, you get the added advantage of flame resistance. This is a crucial element in welding environments, where welding cables are frequently exposed to errant sparks and molten materials. Additionally, flame-resistant welding cables also prevent the spread of fires in the workshop.
3. Lower Fire Hazard
If your welding cables are poorly constructed or use materials of inferior quality, they may have inadequate insulation. This, in turn, could lead to excessive generation of heat and potentially cause a fire to erupt. However, with high-quality welding cables, this issue can be eliminated because the cables are made from materials that can easily handle the heat generated during welding, thus making them less of a fire hazard.
4. Safety from Electrical Overloads
Poor-quality welding cables may not be equipped to handle substantial voltage fluctuations and electrical overloads. Furthermore, they may also carry a higher resistance, leading to significant voltage drops that could, in turn, trigger electrical overloading in the power source. High-quality welding cables, on the other hand, ensure that a stable flow of electric current is maintained, thus reducing the risk of electrical overloads.
5. Reduced Strain on Cable Connections
Over time, welding cables of subpar quality may not fit securely in connectors or clamps. This could result in loose and insecure connections that may lead to various hazardous consequences such as overheating and equipment damage. It may also cause arcing faults that could be potentially fatal. You can minimize the risks of such dangerous consequences by simply ensuring that you use high-quality cables that fit securely in the allotted slot.
6. Workplace Compliance
Adherence to local safety regulations and standards is a crucial part of workplace safety in the welding industry. Most workplaces, however, tend to overlook the importance of welding cables in ensuring safety at the workplace. By investing in cables that meet the required safety standards, you can ensure that your workplace complies with the local guidelines and create a safer working environment for your personnel.
Conclusion
This should give you a clear idea of why it is important to ensure that the welding cables in your welding supplies kit are of high quality. If you already have some cables in your storage, inspect them and identify poor-quality cables, so you can dispose of them and replace them with cables of better quality. This will not only elevate the quality of your welds but also improve the safety levels at your welding job.