Arc Welding & Cutting Cable Requirements

All arc welding and cutting cables must be of completely insulated, flexible, and capable of handling the maximum current requirements of the work in progress. The duty cycle under which the arc welder or cutter is working must be taken into account as well.

A cable may not be used if it has been repaired or spliced at a site less than 10 feet from where the electrode holder is connected, unless the cable has insulated connectors or splices with insulation quality equal to that of permitted cables.

When it becomes necessary to connect or splice lengths of cable from one to another, substantial insulated connectors of a capacity at least equivalent to that of the cable must be used. If connections are affected by means of cable lugs, they must be securely fastened together to ensure solid electrical contact. The exposed metal parts of the lugs must be completely insulated.

Cables in need of repair must not be used. When a cable becomes worn to the extent of exposing bare conductors, the exposed portion must be protected by rubber and friction tape or other equivalent insulation.

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