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Welder Red Seal · Question

When welding thick ferromagnetic steel plate with SMAW using DCEP, the welding arc deflects severely and uncontrollably towards the ends of the joint. What is the most effective solution for this problem?

This phenomenon is magnetic arc blow, caused by an imbalanced magnetic field, especially when welding with DC. Switching to Alternating Current (AC) is a primar

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Question: When welding thick ferromagnetic steel plate with SMAW using DCEP, the welding arc deflects severely and uncontrollably towards the ends of the joint. What is the most effective solution for this problem?

Answer options:

  • Increase the travel speed ✅ Switch to an AC welding current
  • Use a larger diameter electrode
  • Decrease the arc length

Correct answer: Switch to an AC welding current

Explanation: This phenomenon is magnetic arc blow, caused by an imbalanced magnetic field, especially when welding with DC. Switching to Alternating Current (AC) is a primary solution because the rapid reversal of polarity disrupts the formation of a stable magnetic field, stabilizing the arc.

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