Welding cable, which is often called a connecting cable, is used in almost all industries. Thanks to this material and modern technologies, it is possible to weld metals with a thickness of only a few microns. It is also used to connect structures of large thickness. To carry out high-quality welding work, you need to use only a good welding cable. That is why different materials are used for different types of compounds. The duration of operation of the welding equipment itself depends on them.
How to choose a welding cable?
The choice of this component material depends on the technical characteristics of the device itself. The cross section of the welding cable and its length are selected so that the voltage drop (decrease) in the circuit wires is no more than 2 volts. It is defined as the voltage difference at the terminals of
the power supply circuit of the apparatus and between the electrode and the welded product itself.
Today, there are different classes of welding cable for sale. They are used for different purposes and in various conditions. All of them are marked depending on the number of cores and the diameter of the cross section. Most often, for the flexible connection use the marking "KG" - flexible welding cable. It consists of a thick (core) and zero core. Its cross section is 0.75-240 mm square. There are other brands of cable. The same material with the marking "T" means that it can be used in hot (tropical) climates, and with the designation "HL" - it is intended for use in cold climates.
The KGN brand means that the welding cable has copper conductors and is coated with rubber insulation with an oil resistant flexible sheath that does not spread combustion. This material is used at temperatures from -30 to + 50 ° C. Welding cable "CNG" has increased flexibility. It also has copper conductors, rubber insulation and rubber coating. Cable section - 0.75-95 mm square. This material is used to connect mobile welding machines to the mains. It is also resistant to temperatures from -30 to + 50˚. Welding cable "KG" 1x16 and 1x25 mm square are most often used for household welding equipment. For professional work apply the brand "KG" 1x70 and 1x95 mm square.
Welding cable prices
The cost of this component material depends on its cross section and the metal from which the cores are made. So, the cheapest ("KG" 1x10) welding cable, the price of which is considered to be 1 m, can cost 50-55 rubles. in view of VAT. Well, the most expensive - "KG" 1x95 - will cost 350-360 rubles. Well, other types of welding cable have an even greater price.
Using a cable for welding
For the flawless operation of any welding equipment and the extension of its service life, you should choose only the cable that is recommended by the technical documentation. So, when choosing the required cross-section, it is necessary to take into account the permissible current load. For different brands of cable "KG" there is its own current load, measured in amperes: 1x16 - 189 A; 1x25 - 240 A; 1x35 - 289 A; 1x50 - 362 A; 1x70 - 437 A; 1x95 - 522 A.