What happens when the control is pushed all the way down?

• A. Achieve maximum welding power set on the machine
• B. Start gas flow
• C. Stop welding
• D. Reduce welding power

Answer: (A)

Pushing the power control all the way down is like squeezing the throttle to its maximum. In many welding machines, this control sets the welding current—the more you push it toward the bottom, the higher the current the machine delivers. Higher current means more heat in the arc, so you get maximum welding power (assuming the machine is set up for that current and the wire feed and gas are enabled). Gas flow, stopping the weld, or lowering power aren’t driven by this control’s full-down position; gas flow is controlled by a separate valve or trigger, stopping welding happens when you release the trigger or break the circuit, and reducing power occurs by moving the control to a lower setting.