| A | B |
|---|
| Bridge rectifier | A group of diodes or SCRs used to transform AC into DC |
| Alternative current (AC) | type of electricity in which the direction of electron flow reverses at regular intervals |
| Constant Current (CC) | term used for arc welding machines that produce a nearly constant current even though the arc gap voltage may vary |
| Chipping Hammer | cleaning tool with a sharp, pointed pick at one end of its head, used to remove slag from weld beads |
| Direct Current (DC) | electric current that flows in only one direction. |
| Drooper | term for constant current welding machines, also called droop curve machines because of the voltage versus amperage curve they produce. |
| Duty Cycle | a rating that indicates how long a welding machine can be used at its maximum output current without damaging it. Percentage of time in a 10-minute period that a welding machine can be used at its rated output without overloading. |
| Electrode Lead | The electric conductor between the welding machine and the electrode holder |
| Hertz (Hz) | a unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second |
| Polarity | The direction of the flow of electrons in a closed direct current welding circuit |
| Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) | a welding process in which the base metal is heated to fusion temperature by an electric arc created between a covered metal electrode and the base metal. |
| Slag | the hard, brittle metal that covers finished shielded metal arc, flux cored arc, and submerged arc weld beads; metal oxides and other materials that form on the underside of a flame or arc cut. |
| Voltage drop | voltage loss that occurs when electricity travels a long distance from the welding machine |
| Workpiece lead | the electric cable that connects the base metal to the welding machine. |
| Welding outfit | the welding machine and other equipment required to actually create a weld. |
| Welding station | a work area that contains the fuel gas welding or cutting outfit or welding machine, booth, ventilation, and all required supplies to perform welds. |
| Constant Voltage (CV) | term used for arc welding machines that produce a nearly constant voltage even when the current changes. |
| Direct Current Electrode Negative (DCEN) | The arc welding method in which direct current flows from the electrode (cathode) to the workpiece (anode) |
| Direct Current electrode positive (DCEP) | The arc welding method in which direct current flows from the workpiece (cathode) to the electrode (anode) |
| Flash Goggles | goggles worn under their helmets by arc welders to protect their eyes from flashes from the rear |
