Proper welding procedures for electronics
10-01-2002, 04:54 PM
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Proper welding procedures for electronics Getting ready to have Flotech cutout welded in int. pipe at rear seat area later this week. What is proper procedure for mig welding on this car to protect computers & other electronics? Is total battery disconnect enough? Thanks. WJ. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> ('02 A4 SS)
10-01-2002, 06:34 PM
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Re: Proper welding procedures for electronics Eddy currents in the sheet metal can
find their way into the electronics.
The safest thing is to remove the
PCM from its connector. The issue is
not just with power; the chassis is
ground, any wierdness you create can
come in on a sensor wire, etc.
MIGs have 24V or so to throw and if
you stick the wire that's not dropped
in the arc anymore, but across the
workpiece, and not necessarily in a
short loop.
Keep the welder ground clamp close to
the work and use a bright-sanded patch
of metal. This minimizes voltage drop
in the return path. Start your arc from
the well-grounded piece, not on the
loose piece you're attaching, and travel
into the new piece. If possible, move
the ground clamp close to each different
weld bead point in turn.
find their way into the electronics.
The safest thing is to remove the
PCM from its connector. The issue is
not just with power; the chassis is
ground, any wierdness you create can
come in on a sensor wire, etc.
MIGs have 24V or so to throw and if
you stick the wire that's not dropped
in the arc anymore, but across the
workpiece, and not necessarily in a
short loop.
Keep the welder ground clamp close to
the work and use a bright-sanded patch
of metal. This minimizes voltage drop
in the return path. Start your arc from
the well-grounded piece, not on the
loose piece you're attaching, and travel
into the new piece. If possible, move
the ground clamp close to each different
weld bead point in turn.
10-01-2002, 07:05 PM
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Re: Proper welding procedures for electronics Thanks Jim. Anyone else care to add their $.02? Thanks. WJ. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
10-03-2002, 04:01 PM
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Re: Proper welding procedures for electronics the other option is to go with a gas weld torch and not an electric arc.... these are always fun around gas tanks and such, however...
...check your homeowners policy first...
...check your homeowners policy first...
10-04-2002, 10:51 AM
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Re: Proper welding procedures for electronics Thanks Justin. Hopefully, that is the correct answer. Some have said that they physically remove the PCM to mig weld a cutout on a F-body, others say just disconnect both battery cables. Anyone else w/a CONSTRUCTIVE comment on this? Thanks. WJ. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
