A pressure pipe welder is qualifying for a difficult 6G position using an E6010 root pass followed by E7018 fill and cap passes. During the E6010 root pass, the welder finds the arc blowing out excessively at specific points around the pipe circumference. What is the most effective immediate action to mitigate the arc blow?

Question: A pressure pipe welder is qualifying for a difficult 6G position using an E6010 root pass followed by E7018 fill and cap passes. During the E6010 root pass, the welder finds the arc blowing out excessively at specific points around the pipe circumference. What is the most effective immediate action to mitigate the arc blow?

Answer options:

• Increase the travel speed to outrun the arc blow.
• Reduce the amperage setting by 10-15 amperes. ✅ Wrap the ground lead around the pipe in the opposite direction of travel.
• Switch to DCEN polarity for the E6010 electrode.

Correct answer: Wrap the ground lead around the pipe in the opposite direction of travel.

Explanation: Arc blow is often caused by magnetic forces. Wrapping the ground lead around the workpiece in the opposite direction of travel creates an opposing magnetic field that can help neutralize the primary field causing the arc blow, providing an immediate and effective solution.