Bob Zinck wrote:
One of the problems with a pacemaker are warnings re the use of stick or mig
electric welders.
The cardiologists see non-commital on this . Does anyone know of any
protective clothing, e.g. metal or lead apron, that would allow some limited
welding. Any help would be much appreciated as a farmer, I sometimes need to
stick a couple pieces together antil the pros can do it.


The major concern is the magnetic field. Some pacemakers contain a
magnetically activated reed switch to turn them on and off.

http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&useSecondary=true&ss DocName=CON008930&ssTargetNodeId=419

The high current running through the cables creates a strong magnetic
field. In that the field is difficult to characterize, it may be prudent
to learn new oxy-acetylene techniques.

If you want to have someone else modify the welding setup and measure
the fields in an attempt to get the levels low enough, you may want to try:

Running the cables in a(steel)conduit. Could be Greenfield. Grounding
the conduit will help with RF EMI issues.

An additional sheet steel enclosure around the welding power supply. (Mu
Metal is expensive and a pain to fabricate).

Protective clothing? One of the common cable wraps for magnetic
shielding is Monel mesh. Chainmail borrowed from the local SCA chapter
may also work.

Whatever you do, don't put it into practice until you know it will work.
Good luck in getting a "safe" flux level from the pacemaker manufacturer.

Kevin Gallimore


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