Cadweld Weld Metal

Cadweld Connections to Steel Connections

CADWELD connections are made with a semi-permanent graphite mold, which holds the conductors to be welded. Weld metal (a mixture of copper oxide and aluminum) is dumped into the top of the mold. The mold is covered and the weld metal ignited. The exothermic reaction produces molten copper, which produces a permanent, high conductivity connection.

CADWELD weld metal is a mixture of copper oxide and aluminum, packaged by size in plastic tubes. Each tube contains the starting powder at the bottom of the plastic tube, with the weld metal on top. These containers are packaged, with metal disks, in polyethylene boxes. The welding metal cannot ignite spontaneously. They can be handled and stored without danger and can be shipped with no special packaging or marking.

Two types of CADWELD weld metal are used for cathodic protection connections:

F-33 alloy is used for all connections of cable to cable and cable to steel or stainless steel pipe. The F-33 weld metal containers have green caps.

XF-19 alloy is used for all connections to cast iron. The FX-19 weld metal containers have orange caps.

Tests by ERICO, Inc. indicate that connections to DUCTILE IRON pipe can be made using the CADWELD molds and weld metal designated to be used on steel pipe. However, some reports from the field suggest that all ductile iron is not the same. In some cases the material for steel will not work. In such cases, the molds and weld material for cast iron do work. We therefore, suggest the following:

1. Whenever possible, make tests on the ductile iron pipe being used to determine if the material for steel can be used.

-OR-

2. Use the material for cast iron. It will make satisfactory connections on all ductile iron.

Cadweld Connections to Steel Weld Metals

Cadweld Connections to Cast Iron Weld Metals