exothermic welding process

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Fishin-trician

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Whats' involved in doing this too extend or repair broken GECs' ? Does any one do this or is there an easier way? p.s. I checked the archives and couldn't find anything. thanx in advance for any replies. :-?
 
You would need to purchase the correct mold as they are all different depending on the size and number of the conductors to be joined.

Then you would have to get the right size load for the mold and a handle for the mold.

Once you have done that it is all easy. :smile:

Here is the area we stored cadweld molds, (the dark gray things) handles and charges and this was just what was at the shop that day. There was probably an equal number out on jobs.

cadweldshelf.jpg


You can also check out this link

http://www.erico.com/products.asp?folderid=41
 
Bob didn't mention it (although his picture reflects it) but there are strict rules you must follow in storing your molds.

molds_1.JPG


molds_2.JPG
:wink:

Roger
 
roger said:
Bob didn't mention it (although his picture reflects it) but there are strict rules you must follow in storing your molds.


molds_1.JPG


molds_2.JPG
:wink:

Roger
Click to expand...

What's rules are those?
Don't overload the shelf cause it may fall and break your toes...or worse?:D

steve
 
In addition to the molds, if you just have one or two welds to do you can buy 'OneShots' which I are more expensive per joint but without the capitol investment in the tooling.

-Jon
 
Since I only use about 10-20 shots a year at my plant, I've moved to the Cadweld PLUS shots instead of the regular weld metal with the starter powder at the same price per shot. The PLUS units have an unlimited shelf life because they are sealed, and are ignited with an electronic control unit instead of a sparker (or instead of a propane torch for those weld shots over the one year shef life).

I haven't tried it, but they also have a "multi" mold that replaces 35 of their common molds using layers of batting/gaskets to form the mold you need.
 
The most common mistake I see with cadwelding is not drying the wire and molds. Take a mold off the shelf and heat it with a torch and you can see the moisture leaving the mold. If I don't have a torch handy I will waste a shot to dry out the mold.
 
wow I can see some cash tied up in those photos..lets see at 12% interest and no governmental issues..could be nice investment..We use one shots for what little we need..
 
thankyou for all the feed back everyone. The reason I posted to begin with was, some one clipped off the #4 bare CEE bond wire, that was to go back, via 2 - 8ft. ground rods, too the detatched building main disconnect, as my GEC. The AHJ let me use the 2nd rod as a junction point, with an extra groundclamp (couldn't find a clamp listed for 2 wires on a rod) I couldn't find anything in the 2005 nec to say I couldn't do that, but I think we may have bent the rules. Either way, the job finaled today, and I learned about the exothermic process.:rolleyes: :)
 
Fishin-trician said:
The AHJ let me use the 2nd rod as a junction point, with an extra groundclamp (couldn't find a clamp listed for 2 wires on a rod) I couldn't find anything in the 2005 nec to say I couldn't do that, but I think we may have bent the rules. Either way, the job finaled today, and I learned about the exothermic process.:rolleyes: :)
Click to expand...

The AHJ would have to allow it, the GEC only has to be continuous to the first electrode, after that all others can all be jumpered together.


1100202225_2.jpg


Roger
 
hillbilly said:
What's rules are those? . . .
Click to expand...
Steve, the most importand one is to keep them away from moisture. If they are the least bit damp, they will blow up when used and the moisture turns to steam. :smile:
 
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