Gauge of HF ground wire?

[zoama]

Alright well if the HF ground and power are grounded to the welder chassis what is the point of the HF ground. Wouldn't it ground to whichever is the cable of least resistance? Or is the HF ground just a redundant ground for safety and if not then can someone explain what the benefit is of hooking it up? Thanks!

Josh

It allows a shorter ground path by placing a ground rod close to your welder, otherwise the welder would ground though your electrical panel with everything else that's connected.
If you're in a shop with it's own ground and no sensitive electronics then there's no need to worry with the HF ground.... If your welder pulls power from your house where there are televisions, stereo equipment or computers in use, then connecting the HF ground closer than your houses electrical panel will stop (or greatly reduce) the HF from interfering with your sensitive electronics.

[Zman0690]

Thanks, that makes perfect sense. Fortunately I have a shop in the back with its own panel and the only electronic in there is a stereo.

Josh