Welding

[Sparky2003]

I need to do some welding on the frame of a refrigeration unit. The unit has a compressor driven by an Engine and also has a microprocessor controller and Battery.
What do I need to disconnect when welding and what precautions should I take.

 

[buzzp]

At the very least, both terminals on the battery should be disconnected. There is available, an isolation device of sorts (cant remember name) used just for welding to reduce damage caused by welding on electrical type equipment. I wish I could remember the name but we used them in the shop where I used to work. Also, locate the ground clamp as close to the work as possible. This is all I can think of to do to reduce damage.

 

[busbar]

It would be best to disconnect and temporarily remove the controller from the machine. buzzp's reccomendation of keeping the welder-lead connections close together is a good one.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: To weld close to electronics is always very risky. The electric arc emanates electromagnetic fields that may become detrimental to electronic components, e.g. chips, switching devices, magnetic circuits, etc. If the electronics is not in some solidly shielded cabinet and possible to turn off, it may be better to check with electronic engineer or technician to safeguard it or remove it during welding.