SMAW Equipment and Setup Trade Terms with verified correct definitions

Alternating current (AC) Electrical current that flows in both directions through wiring or other media, switching direction 60 time per second. Amperage A measurement of the rate of flow of electric current. Electric Arc The flow of electric current through an air gap or gaseous space. Chipping hammer Sharpened tool used to remove weld slag. DCEN Abbreviation used to describe the DC polarity of a welding process as "electrode negative". DCEP Abbreviation used to describe the DC polarity of a welding process as "electrode positive". Direct Current Electrical current that flows in one direction only. Duty Cycle The duty cycle of a welding machine is based on a ten-minute period of time. It is the percentage of a ten-minute period that the machine can continuously produce its rated amperage without overheating. Electrode Terminal point to which electricity is brought in the welding operation and from which the arc is produced to do the welding. Needle scaler A pneumatically powered device with many floating used to remove weld slag in large pieces. Polarity The direction of flow of electrical current in a direct current welding circuit. Primary current Electrical current received from conventional power lines used to energize welding machines. Step down transformer An electrical device that uses two wire coils of different sizes to convert a high-voltage, low-current power source into a lower voltage, higher current output. Voltage A measurement of electromotive force or pressure that causes current to flow in a circuit. Weld slag chipper A pneumatically powered chisel like device used to remove weld slag in large pieces. Wire Brush A steel bristled hand tool used to remove fine weld slag and loss contamination. Constant Current Power Source Arc Welding machine that alters voltage to maintain a nearly Constant Amperage (current) over a given arc gap.