Skip to main content

Welder Red Seal · Question

A pipefitter is using carbon arc gouging to back gouge a stainless steel pipe weld. After a few minutes, the electrodes start to overheat and erode rapidly. What is the most probable cause?

Rapid erosion and overheating of carbon electrodes during gouging are primarily caused by excessive current settings for the specific electrode diameter. This o

Start free practice for Welder Red Seal

154 questions · no signup required · 40 free questions per day

Start Practice →

Question: A pipefitter is using carbon arc gouging to back gouge a stainless steel pipe weld. After a few minutes, the electrodes start to overheat and erode rapidly. What is the most probable cause?

Answer options:

  • The air pressure is too low, not effectively cooling the electrode. ✅ The gouging current is set too high for the electrode size.
  • The travel speed is too fast, causing the arc to wander.
  • The electrode angle is too steep, concentrating the heat.

Correct answer: The gouging current is set too high for the electrode size.

Explanation: Rapid erosion and overheating of carbon electrodes during gouging are primarily caused by excessive current settings for the specific electrode diameter. This overloads the electrode, causing it to consume faster than intended.

Start free practice for Welder Red Seal

154 questions · no signup required · 40 free questions per day

Start Practice →

More about Welder Red Seal

Related Questions

More for Welder Red Seal candidates

Ready to practice?

Free, no signup required. Build a wrong-question list as you go.

Start Free Welder Red Seal Practice →

Related courses

Other Canadian certifications candidates often prepare for alongside this one.