In DCEN welding, approximately what fraction of heat is directed to the work versus the electrode?

• A. 1/3 on work and 2/3 on electrode
• B. 50/50 between work and electrode
• C. 2/3 on work and 1/3 on electrode
• D. All on electrode

Answer: (C)

Heat distribution in DC welding depends on polarity. With DCEN, the electrode is negative and the work is positive, so current flows from the electrode into the work. This setup concentrates most of the arc heat into the work piece, while the electrode sees less resistive heat. As a rule of thumb, about two-thirds of the heat goes into the work and about one-third goes into the electrode. The exact split can vary with amperage, electrode size, coating, and material, but that two-thirds-to-one-third distribution is the practical expectation for DCEN. If polarity is reversed to DCEP, the heat distribution shifts so the electrode receives roughly two-thirds and the work about one-third.