Apparatus and method for controlling blanket gas flow in an electrical welding facility, wherein welding is performed using a welding electrode in electrical connection with a welding machine unit. The apparatus includes an electric measuring device having a current sensor for determining the magnitude of an electrical welding current carried in a circuit incorporating the welding electrode and having a current sensor output adapted to provide a I signal indicating the current magnitude, and a voltage sensor for determining the magnitude of electrical voltage applied to the welding electrode and having a voltage sensor output for providing a U signal indicating the voltage magnitude, and a control device having inputs connected to the current sensor output and the voltage sensor output, respectively, and a control signal output for providing a control signal to a blanket gas flow controller.