DCEP heat distribution results in which penetration characteristics?

• A. Deep penetration with conical end
• B. Moderate penetration with rounded end
• C. Wide - shallow penetration - strong cleaning action - rounded end
• D. Narrow penetration - pointed end

Answer: (C)

With direct current electrode positive (DCEP), the welding arc behaves in a way that concentrates more heat at the electrode side and promotes oxide removal from the workpiece surface. This causes the weld pool to spread laterally, producing wide but shallow penetration, and the bead tends to have a rounded end. The positive polarity enhances cleaning action at the surface, helping remove oxides as the arc passes.

So the result is wide, shallow penetration with a rounded weld-bead end and noticeable cleaning action, which matches this description. Deep, conical penetration or a narrow, pointed end would correspond to other polarities where heat is more concentrated into the weld root rather than spreading across a broad, shallow pool.