In the United States, common practice has established a preference for the carbide-to-water machines, and they are almost universally used. There is another type of generator using calcium carbide molded into cakes, in which the water drops into the calcium carbide. This type of generator, while common in Europe, is almost unknown in the United States.
Insurance Regulations
The Underwriters’ Laboratories is an organization maintained by the insurance companies of the United States which provides for the inspection and testing of all types of equipment which may be considered a fire or accident hazard, including welding and cutting equipment and acetylene generators. There are established sets of rules governing the design, construction, and installation of acetylene generators, including acetylene pipe lines.
Another insurance authority which publishes rules for acetylene generators is the Factory Mutual Engineering Organization, Norwood, Mass. Regulations of the American Insurance Service Group, New York, N.Y. and the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Mass. are also followed. See GAS SYSTEMS.