The first step in making an exothermic (cad weld) connection is to?

The first step in making an exothermic (cad weld) connection involves preparing the cable mold and the welding material. This step is essential because the cable mold is specifically designed to form the shape of the weld and securely hold the components in place during the welding process. Proper preparation of the mold ensures that the weld is formed accurately and effectively, providing a strong electrical connection.

The quality of the welding material also plays a crucial role; it must be appropriate for the specific metals being connected to ensure a proper exothermic reaction occurs. When the material is prepared and loaded into the mold correctly, it allows the reaction to produce sufficient heat to fuse the materials together reliably.

Successful execution of the exothermic process relies heavily on this initial step, as any issues with the mold or welding material could compromise the integrity of the connection. Each subsequent step, like securing the equipment and laying out the cables, heavily relies on having the foundation of mold preparation done first.