Red Seal Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Practice Exam

What does "electrode positive" signify in arc welding?

1. Electrode is the cathode

2. Electrode is the anode

3. Higher voltage output

4. Lower heat generation

The correct answer is: Electrode is the anode

In arc welding, "electrode positive" indicates that the electrode is functioning as the anode in the electrical circuit. This configuration allows current to flow from the electrode to the workpiece. When the electrode is positive, it attracts electrons during the welding process, resulting in a characteristic distribution of heat and metallic transfer. Using an electrode positive setup typically leads to increased penetration in the weld because more heat is generated at the workpiece, which is connected to the negative terminal (cathode). The welding arc formed in this setup will generally provide a more stable and controlled arc, which can be beneficial for certain types of welding applications, such as welding thick materials. When considering the other options, an electrode being the cathode would mean it is negatively charged, which would not correspond to "electrode positive." Higher voltage output is a characteristic of different welding methods or settings, not inherently tied to the anode or cathode designation. Lower heat generation typically would not occur with electrode positive as it usually results in higher heat input at the workpiece, helping to ensure deeper penetration of the weld. Therefore, understanding "electrode positive" as signifying that the electrode serves as the anode is crucial for comprehending its effects on welding processes.