Arc Welder question?

Question

I have bought a small second hand arc welder. It seems to work fine. I have noticed the earth clamp cable is on the + positive side with the handpiece cable on the - negative side.

I would have thought the opposite was correct.

What happens if I swap them around.

Answer 1

For the home welder, nothing will happen.  If you were on a "code" sensetive job or the like, it would be specified whether to use "electrode positive" or "electrode negative". all that is different is how the electricity flows.  Either from the workpiece to the electrode or the other way around. I would suggest leaving the electrode positive as you will see better penetration in your welding with the common rods you will be using.

Answer 2

The lead that has the rod holder should be connected on the positive. Only clamp to work with the negative.

**JD

Answer 3

I have a hunch it would work either way- as long as it completes the circuit.  Just a hunch. The metal shouldnt care what direction the juice hits it from.

Answer 4

Arc welders come in both AC an DC.  Yours is a DC and some welding positions and welding rods need reverse polarity to work right.   Just switch the leads to whatever the rod you use calls for.