In a DC arc welding circuit, the no-load voltage is typically in the range of which values?

In a DC arc welding circuit, the no-load voltage is typically in the range of which values?

• A. 10-20
• B. 15-30
• C. 60-80
• D. 15-40

Answer: (C)

The main idea is the no-load (open-circuit) voltage of a DC arc welding power source. When the circuit is open, no current flows, but there’s still voltage across the output. To reliably strike the arc, the source must provide enough voltage to ionize the gap between electrode and workpiece. In DC welding, this is typically around 60 to 80 volts. Once the arc starts, the voltage drops to the actual welding voltage, which is much lower, in the tens of volts range. The other ranges listed are too low to reliably initiate an arc in most DC welding setups, so 60–80 volts is the correct range.

The main idea is the no-load (open-circuit) voltage of a DC arc welding power source. When the circuit is open, no current flows, but there’s still voltage across the output. To reliably strike the arc, the source must provide enough voltage to ionize the gap between electrode and workpiece. In DC welding, this is typically around 60 to 80 volts. Once the arc starts, the voltage drops to the actual welding voltage, which is much lower, in the tens of volts range. The other ranges listed are too low to reliably initiate an arc in most DC welding setups, so 60–80 volts is the correct range.