Electricity and wet materials don’t go together. Regardless, many welders still ask – can you weld in the rain?
There are no regulations that expressly prohibit welding in any weather. But you don’t have a freehand when it comes to wet weather.
Many things could go wrong, and any slight error could be too expensive a price.
Even in dry weather, welders like myself still get one electrical buzz every now and then. In wet weather, the chances of getting shocked aren’t so remote, chances of electrocution are exponential!
But with the precautions below, it could be much safer to join metals with electrical current in wet weather conditions.
Precautions for Welding in Wet Conditions
Postponing the project at hand remains the best course when it’s raining or your environment is a bit wet. But deadlines and other pressing job responsibilities may not make the wet weather matter that much.
If you can’t put off the welding project even when it’s raining cats and dogs outside, follow proper recommendations. Make the most of facts below to keep yourself safe when you need to weld in wet weather;
Assess electrical faults
Before getting your gear outside, start by checking out wiring for proper insulation. If there are issues with your wires’ insulation, manage these breaks with appropriate taping. Even with this taping, ensure your wires don’t run across wet areas or water puddles.
Engage sweat control
Sweaty skin makes welders become a massive conductor. And when sweaty skin comes in touch with electricity, the impact is several times higher. If you feel sweaty from setting up all that gear in the rain, wait until you’re dry enough to hold a welder’s nozzle or thong.
Opt for DC welders
Alternating current could run at a more dangerous rate than direct current. With over 400% more damage potential than DC, it’s better to select your wet-weather welders wisely. DC welders are safer in wet conditions and could be a lifesaving option you need to consider.
Consider a canopy
Do you have an airy makeshift tent or covering capable of protecting man and equipment from the rain?
Leverage such a tent for welding in wet weather. Ensure your portable tent has enough ventilation to prevent inhaling dangerous fumes. Also, consider positioning the tent where there’s a lesser likelihood of the wind taking it away.
If you cannot use a portable tent during the wet weather, due to weld position or distance aboveground, be patient. Consider postponing the weld operation till the storm settles. But if you have a portable job to complete, try to move your equipment indoors or under a shade.
Wear the right gear
Without proper safety gear, you become a giant conductor of electricity, the weather regardless. Put on boots made from synthetic materials, as natural leather boots may retain electricity in some extremes.
Polymer boots, on the other hand, are perfect options for attaining dryness in wet weather. Use a dry piece of clothing at intervals to wipe off wetness from your boots.
And aside from rubber boots, think about using fully-synthetic gloves too. Check your gloves for damage of any kind before beginning your weld task. Leaks from your boots and gloves could be deadly too.
Consider avoiding handling or stepping on materials made from metal. Even with this protection, you can’t be too careful around wet objects.
Avoid water puddles
Water puddles may seem harmless, but stepping onto liquids could send you reeling from electrocution. Stand far away from water puddles and wet mud, as these are significant dangers.
If you need to work in an environment where there’s so much water, consider the tips below;
- Line pieces of cut wood across water puddle.
- Use a wide piece of plywood capable of supporting your weight if available.
- Step onto the piece of wood, ensuring water from the puddle doesn’t get to your shoes
Wear a raincoat and ensure better vision
If you’ve got a tarpaulin roof and fancy welding outdoors, consider using a raincoat. The raincoat ideal for such a weld operation should flow down through your boots. Getting such a long coat makes it less likely for water to drip onto your clothes and shoes.
Apart from getting a raincoat, you also need to guarantee better vision while outdoors.
Heavy storms could interfere with your normal vision, making a welding helmet challenging to use. Consider making use of portable LED lighting for enhancing your vision. Without proper vision, it could become a challenge to max out safe welding under the downpour.
FAQs
Can you MIG weld in the rain?
Welding in the rain is awash with a slew of risks. Aside from the regular electric shock, welding in the rain could lead to electrocution. It’s best to wait out the storm and ensure your surroundings are dry before beginning your weld operation.
Is it safe to weld outside?
Welding outside is safe, but some factors could hamper your weld quality. Gas-shielding welding processes like MIG and TIG could get underwhelming results in windy conditions. If outdoor welding has to go on, consider using electrode-based processes or shielding tents.
Does welding attract lightning?
Welding in the rain could have a direct impact on your work and may result in injury. But on the other hand, welding does not attract lightning as it has low earth conductivity.
Can you stick weld wet metal?
Stick-welding wet metal is possible, but there are some risks attached. A simple electric shock could become worse due to water’s considerable connectivity with electricity.
Final Word
Can you weld in the rain? Well, it’s not illegal or impossible.
But caution demands you take preventive steps by putting your job forward until the weather’s dry. On the other hand, it’s understandable that demanding deadlines may need extra effort. That’s why it’s a must to adhere to all safety welding protocols for better protection support.
Welding in the rain could result in death, so think twice about engaging in wet-weather weld operations.