At what temperature do safety plugs on an acetylene bottle melt?

Safety plugs on an acetylene bottle are designed to melt at a specific temperature to prevent overpressure and potential explosion. The correct temperature is 212 degrees Fahrenheit. This is slightly above the boiling point of water, which allows the plug to effectively release gas from the cylinder if it becomes overheated, thereby ensuring the safety of the cylinder and the surrounding area.

In essence, when the temperature reaches 212 degrees, the safety mechanism is activated, preventing dangerous conditions from occurring. Understanding the function and melting point of safety plugs is critical for handling acetylene safely and is a fundamental concept for anyone working with compressed gases.