With reverse polarity, to which terminal is the welding electrode connected?

• A. Positive terminal
• B. Negative terminal
• C. Ground
• D. None

Answer: (A)

In DC welding, polarity tells you which power-supply terminal the electrode attaches to. Reverse polarity means the electrode is connected to the positive terminal, while the workpiece is connected to the negative terminal. The term “reverse” is relative to straight polarity, where the electrode would be on the negative terminal. The ground is tied to the workpiece, not the electrode, so it isn’t where the electrode goes. Connecting the electrode to the positive terminal with reverse polarity also changes how heat is distributed in the arc, typically delivering more heat to the workpiece and affecting penetration.