With direct current electrode negative (DCEN) polarity, where do electrons go?

• A. Base plate to Electrode tip
• B. Through the arc
• C. From the electrode into the workpiece
• D. Electrode tip to Base plate

Answer: (D)

With DCEN, the electrode is negative and the workpiece is positive. That means electrons flow from the electrode toward the workpiece. The path of the electrons is from the electrode tip, across the arc, into the base plate (the workpiece). So the electrons go from the electrode tip into the base plate. In this setup the conventional current would be opposite, from the base plate toward the electrode, but the actual electron flow is from the electrode into the base metal, concentrating heat in the workpiece and affecting weld characteristics.