Practice Test Geeks(SAW) Submerged Arc Welding Certification Practice Test
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Electrical Systems & Wiring Flashcards

7 cards from real SAW practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Electrical Systems & Wiring flashcards as text

  1. Voltage drop in the welding cable between the power source and the work clamp causes:

    Answer: Reduced arc voltage at the weld and potential loss of penetration

    Resistance in long or undersized cables causes voltage drop, reducing the actual arc voltage available at the weld joint.

  2. In SAW, the contact-tip-to-work distance (CTWD) affects the electrical circuit primarily by:

    Answer: Altering the electrode extension resistance and thereby the effective heat input

    Longer CTWD increases electrode extension resistance (I²R heating), reducing amperage and altering deposition characteristics.

  3. Which power source characteristic is best suited for SAW with a constant voltage (CV) system?

    Answer: Flat (CV) volt-ampere curve

    A flat CV characteristic maintains relatively constant voltage regardless of current changes, providing stable arc length control with a constant-speed wire feeder.

  4. What is 'arc blow' in the context of SAW electrical systems?

    Answer: Deflection of the arc caused by magnetic fields in the workpiece or circuit

    Arc blow is the deflection of the welding arc from its intended path due to asymmetric magnetic fields, common with DC welding on ferromagnetic materials.

  5. A SAW welder notices porosity increasing as cable length between the power source and work increases. The most likely electrical cause is:

    Answer: Voltage drop causing reduced arc energy, leading to poor flux melting and gas entrapment

    Voltage drop over long cables reduces arc energy, which can prevent complete flux melting and allow gases to become trapped in the weld.

  6. For SAW, the AWS D1.1 code requires that welding cables be sized to:

    Answer: Carry the maximum rated current without exceeding safe temperature limits

    Welding cables must be sized to carry the maximum expected current without overheating, ensuring safe operation and minimal voltage drop.

  7. What electrical hazard is specifically associated with the open-circuit voltage (OCV) of SAW power sources?

    Answer: It presents an electric shock risk to the operator when the arc is not established

    OCV (typically 60–100V) is present at the electrode whenever the power source is energized but no arc is established, posing an electric shock risk.