Oxy/fuel backflash arrester question

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I picked up a torch a few months ago and I new nothing about arresters and installed them per instructions. It seems funny though to install them only at the tank side. Logically speaking, I would think they should be at the torch end.Can someone explain to me how they work? The instructions left a lot to be desired between the Eng, Spanish, Martian and French languages. The set has been working fine but I noticed a difference with and without them installed in the way the torch works.Sorry if this is a dumb question but I have only used others equipment and never noticed these things before. Thanks!
Reply:Flashback arrestors are designed to stop flash backs at the point they are installed. It will prevent the flame from buring back into your hose (if mounted on torch) or into your regulator and cylinder (if mounted on regulator). Many (not all are alike) flashback arrestors have built in check valves to stop reverse gas flow. So not only will some stop the flame, they will also prevent gas from flowing back. There are some torches with built in flashback arrestors already in them. Victor has them at the back of the handle and Smith has them in the torch head. This has always been one of the reasons you'll pay more for a Victor or Smith torch. The typical flashback arrestor has a stainless steel sintered element which stops the flame. I hope this helps.
Reply:As far as performance goes; the fb arrestor can restrict gas flow to the tip which will effect the flame characteristics. Be sure to set the regulator pressure for the size tip in the torch and not the material thickness as outlined by the correct torch tip chart for your model of torch and gas type used. I recommend setting the maximum pressure for the tip size in use.Weldtek
Reply:Thanks Steel and Weld, hummm, good name for a business. lol Anyway, one more question. What’s the worst that can happen if I have arrestors just at the regs? Should I have them at both ends? I don’t use them that much but when I do it may be a lengthy session.Roger.
Reply:Assuming everything is set up properly, the worst that can happen is you will burn up all your hose before the fba puts the fire out. I would recommend inserting them at the torch. You only need one set in your setup, too many fba's and/or cv's will restrict gas flow.The number one cause of flashback is starvation!Weldtek
Reply:Thanks weldtek, I appreciate your help!Roger.