Resistance ARC Welding in Proximity to AEI Equipment

Resistance ARC welding on or near the rail presents electrical and thermal hazards to AEI equipment and associated wiring. Comet Electronics' position on welding operations in the vicinity of AEI installations is as follows:

General

All AEI equipment and associated wiring must be positioned outside the spark zone established for the welding operation. Personnel must take precautions to ensure that spatter, hot metal fragments, or slag do not contact equipment housings, cable runs, connectors, or any other wiring associated with the AEI installation.

Track Circuit

Where AEI equipment is integrated with a track circuit, the track circuit must be disconnected and electrically isolated prior to any welding activity on the rail in proximity of the AEI site. Work should not commence until isolation is confirmed. Proximity is defined as less than 30 ft from track circuit connection.

These requirements apply regardless of welding duration or perceived proximity.