ArcWelder vs IP Camera

c hris527

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Oct 12, 2015
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About 2 years ago I was in on a meeting for a proposed new building. They wanted cameras everywhere. I had a copy of the plans and everybody was on board with camera locations. Last week I started the install and I noticed a giant welding curtain. Then saw the 220 on the wall and the drop down vents and I was like..I did not see a welding area on the plans. I called the Admins and asked them about it and revisions were made after the fact. The camera is suppose to go in that upper corner looking down over the garage area. I told them it might be a good idea because I did not think the camera would last that long looking at a ARC. What do you all think would happen? Part of me wanted to say nothing and see how long it would last but that not good business. Anybody out there have a cam in a garage with a welder?
 
I found this, maybe informative, post - while reading it, it occurred to me you might need to double the number of cameras wherever arc welders are being used. One camera kitted-out with filters, and another for all the other time an arc is not present. Not at all easy-to-sell, but... ??

Filming Arc Welding - Ars Technica OpenForum
 
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Things I've read seem that it's okay but you can fit an auto darkening lens directly in front of the camera lens for preventative measures. Building a bracket for the auto darkening lens shouldn't be too difficult. Personally I would contact either welding manufacturers (i.e. Lincoln) and/or manufacturing plants that weld around security cameras in those areas (maybe inquire who the installer is and contact them directly for their input).
 
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I have a camera in a garage with welding equipment in it. No issues so far (2 years), but the cam is usually 20-40 feet from the actual welding. Also, the welding is sporadic, not all day every day.
 
I weld about 15 to 20 feet from my camera in my garage with no problems so far. It's just a hobby so welding only happens a couple times a month. The footage looks good, very mild compared to a sunset. This is with low to mid amperage tig welding though, so like an 11 shade helmet.