What's on a Handy Box? Galvanized? Weldable?

[Bolster]

Does anyone know what that silver, sort of "ice crystals" pattern on your typical electrical handy box is? Is that a galvanized coating? I need to know because I intend to oxy acet weld on it. I understand that welding galvanized is a no-no.

 

[jayrush13]

I believe it is just regular galvanizing

I was told the other day by a sheet metal worker that if you get galvanizing poisoning to drink milk and it makes you feel better put i just use a respirator and good ventilation

 

[t100]

muriatic acid can take the zinc plating in just couple of seconds:

http://www.ehow.com/how_7568855_strip-zinc-plating-bolts.html

 

[gmwelder86]

get your self a respirator, works great. The one I use for welding is compact and designed to fit under a welding hood. If its only a small weld grab a fan blow the smoke away from you and do it outside, or use a grinder and grind the glav. finish off of the box in all of the surrounding area you will be welding. If it was say stick or mig I would say use the hold your breath trick but OA takes a little more time. And if its only a small amount, zinc posioning should be that big of a concern. I know saftey first, but the hold your breath method works ok....

 

[78Bird]

Just grind off the galv where you need to weld, don't risk getting a whiff. That stuff is NASTY.