Welding Electricity

What is the definition and application of Amperage?

• Current flow Controls penetration and deposition rate.

• Voltage applied to the circuit. Determines arc length.

• Resistance in the circuit. Affects heat generation.

• Type of electrode used. Influences weld appearance.

What is the definition and application of Voltage?

• Electromotive force (EMF). Responsible for arc initiation, and puddle control.

• A measure of electrical resistance in a circuit.

• Controls penetration and burnoff rate

• Measures the frequency.

What is the definition and application of Resistance?

• Opposition to electron flow. Generates heat. Measured in ohms (Ω).

• Allows current to flow without any loss. Measured in amperes (A).

• Stores electrical energy in a magnetic field. Measured in henries (H).

• Provides a path for current to flow. Measured in volts (V).

What is the definition and application of Duty Cycle?

• Time a machine can safely run at full output within 10 minutes

• The total weight a machine can lift in one hour.

• The maximum voltage a machine can handle continuously.

• The speed at which a machine completes one full rotation.

What is the definition and application of Open Circuit Voltage (OCV)?

• Voltage when the machine is on but no arc is struck. Essential for arc starting.

• Voltage when the arc is struck and welding is in progress.

• Voltage measured across the load during operation.

• Voltage that is always zero in a welding machine.

What is the definition and application of Cycle?

• One full sine wave of AC – peaks positive, crosses zero, peaks negative.

• A continuous flow of direct current in one direction.

• A single pulse of voltage in a DC circuit.

• The process of converting AC to DC.

What is the definition and application of Polarity?

• Direction of electron flow. Affects heat distribution in DC circuits.

• Amount of resistance in a circuit. Determines voltage drop.

• Type of material used in wiring. Influences current capacity.

• Shape of the circuit. Determines the number of components.

When an atom loses or gains electrons, it becomes a _________.

• charged ion

• neutral atom

• molecule

• proton

Match the current type in welding with its correct electron flow direction:

• Workpiece → Electrode

• AC

• Direction switches every cycle

• DCEP

• Electrode → Workpiece

• DCEN

Which current type in welding results in shallow penetration and fast deposition?

• DCEN

• DCEP

• AC