How do I avoid the flying un-chained plasma torch ground

Plain-English answer

You are using a handheld plasma cutter to trim a large rectangular plenum box opening. You clamp the tool's ground lead to a loose piece of scrap metal sitting on the table rather than the actual duct casing sheet. When you pull the trigger, the arc sparks erratically, popping and melting holes through your cutting tip.

Plasma cutters run high-frequency electrical currents that demand a direct, solid, clean path to ground. Never ground through un-bonded loose scrap metal tracks. Clamp the heavy ground copper jaw directly onto a clean, bare section of the actual ductwork. The likely recovery is to check the tool setup, correct the prep or technique if it is within your assignment, and bring the journeyman or foreman clean information before the work creates rework overhead.

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Use this as training guidance. Foreman direction, approved drawings, project specs, manufacturer instructions, employer safety policy, and AHJ/code requirements always control the final answer.

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