In CAC-A gouging setup on steel, which polarity configuration is used?

In CAC-A gouging setup on steel, which polarity configuration is used?

• A. Electrode is positive and ground is negative
• B. Electrode is negative and ground is positive
• C. Both electrode and ground are positive
• D. Both electrode and ground are negative

Answer: (A)

In CAC-A gouging, polarity choice shapes how the arc interacts with the metal and how quickly material is removed. The setup uses the carbon electrode as the positive terminal and attaches the workpiece to the negative return. This arrangement makes the arc energy and the electrode wear behave in a way that promotes aggressive erosion of the base metal. The positive electrode (anode) tends to erode the carbon tip and sustain a stable arc focused at the gouge site, while the negative workpiece serves as the return path, allowing the current to flow through the metal being gouged. The result is efficient metal removal and a clean gouge. Other polarities either reduce gouging effectiveness or increase unwanted electrode wear and arc instability, so the positive electrode with a negative workpiece is preferred.

In CAC-A gouging, polarity choice shapes how the arc interacts with the metal and how quickly material is removed. The setup uses the carbon electrode as the positive terminal and attaches the workpiece to the negative return. This arrangement makes the arc energy and the electrode wear behave in a way that promotes aggressive erosion of the base metal. The positive electrode (anode) tends to erode the carbon tip and sustain a stable arc focused at the gouge site, while the negative workpiece serves as the return path, allowing the current to flow through the metal being gouged. The result is efficient metal removal and a clean gouge. Other polarities either reduce gouging effectiveness or increase unwanted electrode wear and arc instability, so the positive electrode with a negative workpiece is preferred.