Which polarities are most commonly used in SMAW welding?

Which polarities are most commonly used in SMAW welding?

• A. DC-, AC
• B. DC+, AC
• C. DC- only
• D. AC only

Answer: (A)

In SMAW, polarity affects how heat is distributed and how the arc behaves. The two most commonly used options are direct current with the electrode negative and alternating current. Using the electrode negative (DCEN) is the default for many common coated electrodes because it concentrates heat in the workpiece, giving good penetration and a stable arc with lower electrode wear. Alternating current is widely used too, especially because it helps with arc stability for many rods and can reduce arc blow in certain setups or magnetic-field conditions, and many machines and electrodes are designed to work well with AC. Some electrodes are designed for DC positive, but that setup is less commonly used for general-purpose SMAW.

In SMAW, polarity affects how heat is distributed and how the arc behaves. The two most commonly used options are direct current with the electrode negative and alternating current. Using the electrode negative (DCEN) is the default for many common coated electrodes because it concentrates heat in the workpiece, giving good penetration and a stable arc with lower electrode wear. Alternating current is widely used too, especially because it helps with arc stability for many rods and can reduce arc blow in certain setups or magnetic-field conditions, and many machines and electrodes are designed to work well with AC. Some electrodes are designed for DC positive, but that setup is less commonly used for general-purpose SMAW.