If you're struggling to understand the difference between a fire and welding blanket, you might need this article. We will talk about the main differences between them and how you should go about choosing the best one.
A fire blanket's used to put out fires. It is flame-retardant but to a much lower extent than what you will find with a welding blanket.
This blanket has is to be more flame retardant than a fire blanket. You should not be tempted to buy a fire blanket because it is cheaper than a welding blanket.
Instead, be wiser and choose the right blanket because this one has more uses than a fire blanket. If you already know the kind of welding techniques you plan to use, then you can plan for what you need.
What are the differences?
If you are considering whether to get a fire or a welding blanket, then you should know the situation. You will need to know this to achieve a good quality weld. You will want to avoid putting yourself in danger and protecting the environment you are in.
Sparks will fly when you weld and these can start fires. Welding blankets are to protect you against these sparks.
They also protect you from any of the metal that has melted. Melted metal is very dangerous and can scar you for the rest of your life. It protects you from this by doubling as a thermal barrier.
You will notice that a welding blanket is much thicker than a fire blanket. A welding blanket can sustain a much greater amount of heat than a fire blanket can.
Welding blankets can handle melted metal, but a fire blanket cannot. If you try to use it for welding, you will most likely generate a blanket hole. Fire blankets are for putting out small fires.
You will often see these being used by the fire department. If someone is on fire, then you can pat them down with a fire blanket. This will put out the fire.
Why should you use welding blankets for welding fires only?
You should only use welding blankets for welding because it is the only blanket that can handle the heat. A normal fire blanket would only last a few seconds if melted metal was to get on to it. This means that you will be throwing it away.
Often consumers are tempted by the low price that one can buy a fire blanket for. This causes them to put faith in a product that is not designed for such heavy tasks. What may end up happening if you use a fire blanket instead of a welding blanket is that you might start a fire.
If you fail to contain the sparks coming out, you will only end up hurting yourself. I advise against using a fire blanket to weld with. If you must use it then you should know it will only be good for one use.
It is doubtful that the product will last you more than that because it is not designed for that. It's designed to put out fires and not to deal with melted metal. This will only puncture the blanket, so why bother?
How to choose between the different types of welding blankets?
You will find that everybody has their own way of welding. People use different techniques and welding products to achieve the results they want. In doing this, then you can see why one becomes more efficient than another.
These blankets should be on what temperature you are expecting to operate on. You will need to be aware of the metals you will be welding together and how much sparks they will produce.
Being aware of this knowledge will allow you to choose the correct material. This is because some welding jobs have a higher / lower density than others. These cutting methods will protect the user against injury.
You will need to understand the cooling process involved in using the blanket. A thermal blanket's meant to have a cooling technique built into it.
If you finish welding and the blanket's exposed to high temperatures, where would you keep it as it cools. You should get a welding blanket that has to cool down.
What similarities and differences do these flame-retardant blankets have?
There are many different types of welding blankets that are to be flame retardant. These products can be used in different ways, i.e., horizontally, or vertically.
It depends on the technique you intend on using. It will also depend on how much space you have available to work in.
If the metals you are using will produce molten metal splashes, then you will need a thermal barrier. Flame retardant materials can come in different forms but can withstand heat up to 300 degrees Celsius. This is what it can withstand continuously.
By this, I mean you can continue welding at this temperature without taking breaks. If you need to use a high temp, then you can go up to 1300 degrees, but you would have to keep pausing to allow it to cool down.
Conclusion
The most remarkable difference is the heat resistance. A welding blanket is more specialised. You are best served when you use it for what it's intended.
A fire blanket is a utility blanket for all fire-related emergencies. The key is being able to figure out where and how to use each blanket. We have provided plenty of information for you to consider.
Reece Thompson: Reece has been involved in property in one way or another for the past 10 years. He's gained a lot of experience when it comes to the home, kitchen and garden. He shares his knowledge with enthusiasm and honesty.