Cylinder Damage Risk From Poor Welding Earth Connections
We’re reaching out to our valuable customers to share a critical finding from an extensive defect investigation involving a chrome-plated hydraulic cylinder rod. The issue stemmed from welding operations conducted with an inadequate earth connection, resulting in severe arc damage to the cylinder surface.
What Happened:
A cylinder rod was inadvertently used as part of the welding circuit due to a poor earth setup on nearby equipment. This caused electrical arcing across the chrome plating, leaving deep pitting and compromising the rod’s integrity.
Why It Matters:
Even brief exposure to stray welding current can cause irreversible damage to hydraulic components. In this case, the rod was rendered unserviceable, requiring full replacement and risking downstream equipment failure.
How To Prevent This:
- Always ensure welding equipment has a secure and direct earth connection.
- Never allow hydraulic cylinders or chrome-plated rods to be part of the welding circuit.
- Isolate sensitive components before performing any welding nearby.
- Train staff to recognise and mitigate electrical grounding risks.
At Tuff Manufacturing, we’re committed to helping you protect your equipment and maintain operational reliability. If you have any questions, our team is here to help!