What is the minimum light intensity required during a direct visual examination of a pipe weld?

What is the minimum light intensity required during a direct visual examination of a pipe weld?

• A. 50 footcandles
• B. 100 footcandles
• C. 200 footcandles
• D. 400 footcandles

Answer: (B)

When inspecting a pipe weld directly with the naked eye, you need enough illumination to clearly reveal surface features and any discontinuities. Illuminating at least 100 footcandles provides the level of brightness and contrast necessary to see common weld defects such as cracks, undercut, porosity, or misalignment against the weld surface. If the light is too dim, smaller flaws can hide in shadows or blend with the surrounding metal, making detection unreliable. While higher illumination (200 or 400 footcandles) can improve visibility for very fine or critical examinations, the minimum standard calls for 100 footcandles as the baseline to ensure consistent, effective visual inspection.

When inspecting a pipe weld directly with the naked eye, you need enough illumination to clearly reveal surface features and any discontinuities. Illuminating at least 100 footcandles provides the level of brightness and contrast necessary to see common weld defects such as cracks, undercut, porosity, or misalignment against the weld surface. If the light is too dim, smaller flaws can hide in shadows or blend with the surrounding metal, making detection unreliable. While higher illumination (200 or 400 footcandles) can improve visibility for very fine or critical examinations, the minimum standard calls for 100 footcandles as the baseline to ensure consistent, effective visual inspection.