GROUNDING SYSTEM FOR WELDING APPLICATION WITH MEASUREMENT CIRCUIT; METHOD OF GROUNDING IN A WELDING APPLICATION WITH SUCH MEASURING.

摘要

A grounding system (44) is provided for welding applications. The system (44) comprises a pair of contacts (56, 68) that are brought into close grounding contact with a workpiece (14), and a measurement circuit coupled to the contacts (56, 68). The contacts (56, 68) may be urged into intimate contact with the workpiece (14) by a biasing structure (54) that pulls the contacts (56, 68) tightly against the workpiece (14). The measurement circuit may include a center- tap transformer having a secondary coupled to a ground lead and to the contacts (56, 68). A primary winding of the transformer is coupled to an oscillator that executes a measurement test. The system (44) may provide an indication of the quality of the ground in the form of an operator perceptible notification, a digitized value, or any other suitable form.