To flashback or not to flashback, that isn’t the question apparently

From LE:

Hose to torch or hose to regulator?

Dale gets it right this time with this answer:

Torch to hose protects hose and regulator. Hose to regulator only protects regulator.

More on amperage ratings for kilns

I’ve received some feedback from folks wanting more information about my previous post “The rule of 80% and kilns“.

First, here is a direct link to the NEC (National Electrical Code): http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=70 (scroll to near the bottom of the page and click on the link that says “View the 2008 edition of this document”)

The important sections are 210.21 and 210.23. In part, they say:

Table 210.21(B)(2) Maximum Cord-and-Plug-Connected Load to Receptacle

Circuit Rating …………………… Receptacle Rating ………………. Max Load (Amperage)
15 or 20 Amps ………………………. 15 Amps ……………………………… 12 Amps
20 Amps ………………………………. 20 Amps ……………………………… 16 Amps

210.23 Permissible Loads

(1) Cord-and-Plug-Connected Equipment Not Fastened in Place

The rating of any one cord-and-plug-connected utilization equipment not fastened in place shall not exceed 80 percent of the branch-circuit amperage rating.

What we have here is a failure to communicate…

From wonderful WetCanvas:

Has anyone used the AGW-300 for furnace work? It seems like a good product from the specifications but I’m not sure how well I’d be able to see in the hot shop with 60% visible light transmission. A packet about eye protection that came with the intoductory materials for a course I took in Corning suggested wearing flip up #5 welding filters but it would be nice to not have to deal with the flipping. The AGW-300s are pretty expensive at $260 though so I’m not sure if it would be worth it even if I could see pretty well.

On-site consulting

I am now available to consult on-site at your studio facility. See this page for more information:

http://mikeaurelius.wordpress.com/on-site-consulting-now-available/

Setting up your torch outside of North America

There have been several posts lately on LE and WC about the difficulties in trying to fit together the various parts of a torch “system” in places like Europe, Australia, etc. These poor folks have been tearing their hair out because they have purchased torch and hoses plus things like quick disconnects or flash back arrestors from US suppliers and then find that these parts don’t work or fit properly with things like propane tanks and oxygen tanks where they live.

On in-line fans…

In the past, I’ve been an outspoken critic of in-line fans for a lot of reasons, many of them annotated elsewhere in this blog. Lately, I’ve heard of a company that manufactures in-line fans that are far beyond anything else available in this style of fan.

The company in question is Fantech. http://www.fantech.net/index.htm They are located in Sarasota Florida and provide a variety of fans that can easily be used by glassworkers almost anywhere.