What voltage range is required to maintain the arc during welding with SMAW?

What voltage range is required to maintain the arc during welding with SMAW?

• A. 5 - 15 volts
• B. 17 - 40 volts
• C. 50 - 100 volts
• D. 100 - 200 volts

Answer: (B)

In SMAW, once the arc is struck the welding power source works to keep the arc stable by maintaining a relatively low running voltage. This arc voltage is typically in the low tens of volts, generally around 17 to 40 volts. That range provides enough potential to keep the plasma arc going while allowing control over heat input and electrode distance. If the voltage drops too low, the arc can become unstable or extinguish; if it climbs too high, the arc can become erratic and harder to control. The open-circuit voltage of the machine is higher to strike the arc, but during welding the voltage settles into this lower running range.