AC vs. DC: More Dangerous or Just More Difficult?

[Krunch]

In the instructions for my stick welder, it seems like they're suggesting that AC welding is somehow more dangerous than DC welding (more shock potential?), they really seem to be trying to advise against using AC unless it's absolutely necessary.

Is there anything to this? Or are they just pushing everyone to use DC over AC because it's easier to get decent results with DC?

And if AC welding is more dangerous than DC welding, why is it more dangerous?

Thanks,

Jeff

[Rocky D]

In the instructions for my stick welder, it seems like they're suggesting that AC welding is somehow more dangerous than DC welding (more shock potential?), they really seem to be trying to advise against using AC unless it's absolutely necessary.

Is there anything to this? Or are they just pushing everyone to use DC over AC because it's easier to get decent results with DC?

And if AC welding is more dangerous than DC welding, why is it more dangerous?

Thanks,

Jeff

You're more likely to get burned by picking up something you just welded, than to be shocked by the welder. But I'll let those who are more eloquent than I, answer this question.

[calweld]

Assuming you are creating a good ground (damp feet, wet soil, standing in water, etc.), you can get shocked equally well with either AC or DC. The difference is, AC has the ability to freeze up your muscles, working with DC you go "Ow", and drop whatever hurts. AC you have the very real possiblility of freezing up, and hanging onto the stinger, ground, or whatever.

Under normal circumstances, in a nice dry clean shop, no water, I wouldn't worry about it. But if you're going out, standing hip deep in a manure sump at a dairy or something, DC would be preferable and worth spending the extra money for.

[Craig in Denver]

I've read what Calweld said in a book somewhere, long time ago. It said something about if you're welding on a trailer while laying on it and sweating, AC would be a bad choice.

What I think about is this: if welding were dangerous, we'd be hearing about it in the news. There are hundreds of thousands of untrained weldors out here using AC buzz boxes. Rarely does anyone get killed by shock while welding. And there are some really dumb things done by folks welding.

[Roger]

Underwater welding is DC only. Rubber gloves, and dry suit was required but now wet suit gloves without holes is OK, rubber glove is better easier to detect leaks.

Only after WW2 did USN change to AC shipboard power. They thought DC was safer but AC was better supply for electronics, florescent lights and more. Ship's 110 Volt AC to outlets had ground isolation from ships ground to reduce shock hazard. All electric hand tools and extension cords were checked for ground fault before each days use.

[Krunch]

Great replies, thanks everyone. I've been curious to try using AC on my new machine, and now I feel more comfortable doing so.

[JimDon]

Krunch,
Like others said, don't worry about getting shocked with AC unless you're standing in a pool of water. I've got an AC buzz box that's about 50 years old and even with sweaty palms and damp gloves from perspiration, I've never had any problem with shocks. If you're anxious to try the AC portion of your stickmate, just remember to turn up the juice a bit more than you would with it on DC. You need a little more to get the arc to start easier with the AC. DC definitely welds easier and nicer however. Good luck,
Jim Don