Are GTAW torches connected to the negative terminal?

• A. Not connected to any terminal
• B. True
• C. False
• D. Both positive and negative terminals possible

Answer: (C)

In GTAW, polarity is adjustable and depends on the welding mode. The torch carries the tungsten electrode and is connected to one side of the power source, while the workpiece connects to the other side. You can run the process with electrode negative (DCEN) or electrode positive (DCEP) when using direct current, which means the torch can be the negative pole in one setup or the positive pole in another. When using alternating current (AC TIG), the polarity switches, so there isn’t a fixed negative or positive connection for the torch. Because the torch isn’t inherently tied to the negative terminal in all cases, the statement that GTAW torches are connected to the negative terminal is not universally true.