Welding power sources designed only for wire feed welding can be used for SMAW.

Welding power sources designed only for wire feed welding can be used for SMAW.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (B)

Welding power sources built only for wire feed welding are meant to deliver a constant-voltage, wire-feed controlled arc suitable for GMAW. Shielded metal arc welding, on the other hand, relies on a constant-current output and a different arc behavior, where the electrode itself influences the current and arc length. A unit designed exclusively for wire feed typically lacks the current control and electrical characteristics (and sometimes the electrode-holder setup) needed to strike and stabilize a stick arc. Because of these fundamental differences in how the arc is formed and controlled, a wire-feed-only power source cannot be used effectively for SMAW.

Welding power sources built only for wire feed welding are meant to deliver a constant-voltage, wire-feed controlled arc suitable for GMAW. Shielded metal arc welding, on the other hand, relies on a constant-current output and a different arc behavior, where the electrode itself influences the current and arc length. A unit designed exclusively for wire feed typically lacks the current control and electrical characteristics (and sometimes the electrode-holder setup) needed to strike and stabilize a stick arc. Because of these fundamental differences in how the arc is formed and controlled, a wire-feed-only power source cannot be used effectively for SMAW.