I'm a farm boy welder that once had a shop class on welding but thats it. I can get the job done but usually not the best or quickest or prettiest.

Question is, when welding on vehicles, what precautions should be taken to not harm the electronics if any?

I remember hearing once that you could inadvertantly weld the points shut, fry the alternator, cook the computer, etc, etc. I've welded on bumpers, beds, etc and never had a problem yet.

Should the battery be disconnected or does it really matter?

Thanks for all your professional opinions!

 

Technically, you should disconnect the battery, any nearby ground straps in the vicinity of the weld, and connect the ground clamp close to the weld zone.

Stray welding amperage can wreak havoc on electrical equipment and electronic parts!

l've been welding on machinery & equipment for 3 decades, and usually just clamp the ground in a convenient place where I'm welding - never had a problem with batteries, gas tanks or ECMs, but then again - I avoid welding around those items!

Did watch the TIG fry a popcorn machine on the welding table once long ago - seems the power cord was grounded to the table's surface - had it glowing like the space shuttle on re-entry before I heard the flames under my helmet.

 

As long as your ground clamp is the most convenient path to ground (hit the spot you're going to put it with the grinder to be sure) you won't hurt anything.

 

Pull your battery connections for sure, both terminals, both batteries assuming you have two. I've had dash gauges on a loader fried and the radio in my excavator was the last casualty. Stupid equipment dealer!

 

Did some exhaust 'work' on my '05 and just made sure that the ground for the mig was close to the weld and that all accessories were turned off .... BUT .... disconnecting the batteries is the sure/'best' method .... I'll take the extra time to unhook them from now on.

 

Gotta have a good ground! I have been the ground source on more then one occassion and that was a little 120 welder. wanna know how 120 feels passing through ankles and wrist joints??

 

be carefull with stray arcs as well it is considered a weld fault and can lead to cracking. and as frames are heat treated use bolts for strength and keep your welds short ... stitching works best still allows frame to flex

 

Cool, pop corn while you weld!

Thanks guys. I was wanting some reassurance. I'll take the precautions with the battery an make sure my ground is close and clean.

Many thanks

 

Im a welder by trade, i know a muffler shop that has never unhooked a battery on any vehicle. I always try to unhook the battery on what im welding at home though. Its just good insurance! and the ground being close to the weld is a good practice to get started too!!
ez

 

Sound like you know what you are talking about. Keep up the good work.