Where should the cable ends be placed during a cad weld connection?

• A. In the Mold
• B. On the Bench
• C. Under the Mold
• D. In a Separate Container

Answer: (A)

In an exothermic cad-weld connection, the ends of the cables must be placed in the mold. The mold contains the molten copper alloy produced by the exothermic reaction and shapes the weld as it forms. This containment is essential because it directs the flow of the molten metal to properly fuse the cable ends, creating a solid, continuous, low-impedance joint. Proper seating and alignment inside the mold also ensure the weld fills evenly and the final conductor remains correctly joined.

If the ends aren’t inside the mold, the molten metal can spill, misalign, or fail to bond correctly, leading to a weak or incomplete connection and serious safety risks.