Club 80-90 Forums

You don't offer a ground path unlike the 12v ones. Wouldn't be advisable on 230v ac though but then that has not been mentioned.

Oldiebut goodie wrote:You don't offer a ground path unlike the 12v ones.

Really? You amaze me.

You don't short a live 12v wire to earth when you hold it do you, so a gas soldering iron is offering exactly the same path, whereas a 12v soldering iron is earthed at the battery so tends to make sparklers when touched on a live wire.

If you had actually looked at 12v soldering iron you would see there is no electrical connection between the soldering tip and the heating element so there cannot be a return path.

Well..... I tried using one on a live wire and it certainly did ground it.
Take a look at these elements and you can see that there will definitely be contact between the element and tubing and thence to the tip. (whether intentional or not the twisted resistance wire springs proud of the windings.)

I have used 12v irons, and yes I have to say I agree with ObG on this one, deffo sparks against a live

I only do occasional soldering and mainly on electrics for my bus, I bought a cheap iron from lidl which has served me well and I'd recommend it.

Of three different makes of 12V irons I have here, non them have any connection and read infinity resistance between the tip and either battery connection and do not cause a short on live 12v live cables.













If you look closely at the elements you will see they are wrapped and electrically insulated from the tip.