MEASUREMENT OF MAGNETIC FIELDS EMITTED FROM WELDING MACHINES

Abstract

The electric arc welding process makes use of the heat produced by the electric arc to fusion weld metallic pieces. An electric arc is formed when an electric current passes between two electrodes separated by a short distance from each other. The aim of this work is to determine the electromagnetic field strength emitted by different electrical welding machines at different ranges and identify the safe ranges in order to avoid its negative health effects on the welder body. The research has been performed in two parts, mathematical calculations and practical measurements using (EMF-827) field tester. Both measurements indicate that these exposure levels lie within permissible international standard limits , but in some very close to the torch the values of magnetic filed are above the standard permissible values, so there is no harm to human health if the exposure is for an intermittent and discontinuous periods.