WELDING POLARITY

The notation DCEP informs the welder that the procedure calls for attaching the
electrode holder to the positive terminal. Electrode negative is another name for non-standard
term straight polarity. Electrode positive is another name for non-standard term reverse
polarity. Because DCEN and DCEP describe the welding terminal connections directly.
STRAIGHT POLARITY
With DV, when the electrode holder is attached to the negative terminal and the workpiece
connection is attach to positive terminal, the current is said to be electrode negative.

REVERSE POLARITY
With DC, when the electrode holder is attached to the positive terminal and the workpiece
connection is attached to negative terminal, the current id said to be electrode positive.
Difference between straight polarity and reverse polarity

Straight Polarity Reverse Polarity

Electrode is connected with the negative Base metals are connected with the negative
terminal of the power source and base metals terminal of the power source and electrode is
are connected with the positive terminal. connected with the positive terminal.

Under sufficient potential difference, Here electrons liberate from base plate
electrons liberate from the tip of the surface and strike the electrode tip.
electrode and strike the base plate surface.

2/3rd of the total arc heat is generated near 2/3rd of the total arc heat is generated at
base plate and rest is generated at electrode electrode tip and rest is generated near base
tip. plate.

Proper fusion of the base metal can be Due to less heat generation near base plate,
achieved easily. So, it eliminates the lack of incomplete fusion of the base plate may
fusion and lack of penetration defects. occur.

In case of consumable electrodes, filler metal Filler metal deposition rate is quite high as
deposition rate is quite low. greater portion of heat is generated at
electrode tip.

Arc voltage and arc stability does not depend Arc voltage and arc stability significantly
on work material emissivity. depend on work material emissivity.

Arc cleaning action (oxide cleaning) is poor. Arc cleaning action is good.