Stick Welding Polarity Explained: AC vs DCEP vs DCEN

[@TimWelds]

You can learn to weld. I'll show you exactly what to do in my affordable online welding courses at courses.timwelds.com.

[@ArvInd-vd2ww]

Are there special precautions to be taken when doing DCEN? Any risks of electrocution compared to DCEP?

[@dc47ful]

2/3 of your heat is always on the neg side - you have it backwards. That's why you get more penetration on the EP as opposed to a shallow weld on the EN side

[@frank88ster]

Hi, What does IGBT stand for? Is that a DC welder?

[@hstrong97]

A welding engineer, I wish I knew about that when I was in college. I like welding better than my current job. Keep up the good work.👍

[@oldoldpilgrim7898]

This video gives the best explanations I remember hearing on he subjects covered. It cleared up some things I didn't understand. You also stated your qualiications and unlike some content providers, you appeared to be stone cold sober. Thank you very much.

[@vaughnbernard2577]

I’m just starting welding school and man I am so grateful to have all these wonderful videos to help me out. Thank you.

[@oreogon376]

This really helps! Been having trouble with welding metals almost as thin as a razor blade lately but not anymore thanks to you, sir!

[@robleurs7828]

very clear explanation about everything you need to know about stick welding! thank you, Tim!

[@TimWelds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wolf99ful]

Thank you! You actually explained it clearly enough that it can be understood by none professional welders. 10/10!!!

[@Subway1427]

The easiest way i found to explain this, is this: with DCEP (reverse polarity) 70% percent of the heat is at the electrode and 30% of the heat is at the work, DCEN (straight polarity) 70% of the heat is at the work (ground cable side) and only 30% is at the electrode side. I have primarily only welded with DCEP when using SMAW. However this is a great benefit while using Tig, allowing you to put maximum amount of heat into your work while saving your tungsten from exploding

[@Srk7028]

I think DCEN (straight polarity) has deeper penetration ,since heat distribution on the work metal is higher and which melt faster than DCEP.

[@Rocksolidhandyman]

As always, your videos are always concise and straightforward with the added value of cutting and etching to show the results!!! Thank you!

[@AllenRJoseph]

Thankyou soo much for these videos, im a beginner who wanted to learn welding but was too afraid and had no idea about welding, but after watching your videos and practicing , i feel like i know welding for a long time and im loving this. thanks again and cant wait to learn more from you.

[@Stop_Gooning]

I'm starting my 2nd semester of welding school next week. Videos like these are really great

[@pairofdogs]

As a hobby welder, excellent info, thanks!

[@TimWelds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolynbatta9525]

Great video….no swearing and no, “ I’m the best welder in the universe”. Just good information delivered in a matter of fact way …thank you.

[@Rusiputki]

Let me give you a hint to everyone questioning real life examples. You will be mostly running DCEN (earth cable will be +) because let's face it, you will be doing rust repair which is why you bought that IGBT inverter welder. Stuff that is thin, stuff that you have 1 shot at doing right, stuff you want to tack in place like a washer and a nut etc...basically you don't want to end up blowing holes. Another good thing about DCEN is there is less splatter as you probably noticed in the videos which is why 10 years ago everybody in the forums was telling you to run DCEN on inverter welder. Now if you want to weld a differential for drifting or something structural with lots of meat, sure turn back DCEP + to + and - to - Short version: when it comes to stick welding, penetration is never going to be a problem.

[@ogreunderbridge5204]

Greatly appreciated. You keep your explanations nicely tempered in meat and gravy, just perfect for any noob

[@rthomas42069]

6013 is my favourite rod, id love to see some videos of fillet welds with different rods, when i was learning stick sometimes i felt i got good penetration until i cut it on the bandsaw and could clearly see the parent metal zero fusion, mad respect to all the welders of all diciplines, metallurgy is facinating

[@kenrickfoster2478]

I love ur teaching you explain so clear to understand I watch most of your videos.

[@ronaldkobbo7347]

Always good to learn from you Tim. Thanks for sharing

[@Subway1427]

Sorry, forgot to add at the end of my last comment. Nice job, you're a good teacher. I hope you keep making videos. I wish I had a resource like this when I was first starting out

[@jackprick9797]

Really appreciate your easy to understand explanation of welding concepts. Thank you.

[@MK-wi1bj]

very clear explanation and direct to the knowledge and clear talking technique, really thank you.

[@fireblade95]

Good teacher! Clear and concise no razzamataz!

[@PeakyBlinder]

After blowing holes and sticking to my thin steel I reversed the polarity and it worked a charm. Thanks.

[@rgthomson100]

Just welded up a 1.3 exhaust with DC neg yesterday, use the positive and it will go through like butter I think your under cut was probably caused by running the neg one slower trying to compensate for the lighter burn

[@FPVandotherprojects]

I'm just here to say thanks! I have a few things to fix around my home, now I think I can get started.

[@ypaulbrown]

Great stuff Tim, DCEN along with less penetration, has more build up too, helpful for jumping big gaps on think material. AC has more buildup than DCEP but less than DCEN and has less penetration than DCEP. Big electrodes over 5/32 run better on AC and when your leads are long, [ over 100 feet?] AC is the better way to go, but AC is more dangerous in confined space or damp areas...... Your video is very informative, thanks for making and sharing, cheers form Florida, Paul p.s. AC 7018 rods run on all polarity and relight easy compared to regular 7018....not sure why, but they do not get the hard slag on tip that needs removing before a restrict. great for confined areas where restriking is a problem

[@ohsweatbret]

Thanks so much for your in depth and very informative videos!

[@pumpkinkings5503]

Dude awesome knowledge learned from you. Thank you so much keep it up bro

[@andywilson2406]

What a relief! An American who is not full of blather and deals with the subject professionally and with clarity.

[@KahnDahtsuun]

Such a good video, was confused on a few things especially when it comes to polarity. Thank you. Also for anyone wondering his course is totally worth it[60$ i think] just recently finished the stick welding as thats what i'm learning on. will promptly get to the mig and tig courses as time and fund permits.

[@TimWelds]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@donyboy73]

Thanks for explaining this Tim! What is the polisher with the yellow holder?

[@rollyavecilla]

I always get back to your old videos to be re-educated.

[@Jiz1obber]

Best welding channel on KZbin! I used to watch that ChuckE2009 before he lost his f¤%&ing mind. Tim is on another level. I salute you, Sir!

[@TheDesertRat31]

I used to like that channel as well, and left for the same reason.

[@karansingh1154]

Wat happened to him?

[@ohsweatbret]

I love this guy too. he’s very informative, clearly explains the topic in a way a total newcomer can understand and gets to the point

[@tomfull6637]

Tack för en bra instruktionsvideo! Vänliga hälsningar Anders Sweden

[@stevenmiller7731]

What dimension of material is considered "something thin"? I plan to weld together the new tailpipe onto my existing exhaust system pipe exiting the muffler on my 2002 Chevy 3500. T he orig exhaust system is welded, not clamped. I'm a beginner, just bought a buzz box, I'm setting up a 50A DP circuit for it. Seller gave me a few hundred various rods. Thanks for your clear explanation. I've subscribed to your channel.

[@cycl37]

Your video fills the gap between explanation and practical result which in my amateur experimentation is that DCEN produces less holes on thin material!

[@Karootie]

Excellent! Direct and to the point !!!

[@aimLined]

thank you for this. just set up my tig/stick power source today

[@Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-1968]

Very useful information.. Thanks,, from a complete newbie..👍

[@goatsinker347]

Awesome! Thanks. I find that with dcen i can maintain an arc with less amperage than with dcep. Also with dcen the arc blows/pushes the slag out of the way more effectively than dcep, i can get the slag to peel, using 6011 or 6010 with dcen.

[@AXNJXN1]

Correct. He’s a good welder but he’s really got this wrong here in this video for understanding. You should always start with DCEN first unless your doing very thin material.

[@jeanineconway5817]

hi thanks for the great video . Im confused on the penetration issue. most of what I have read from welding books I bought over the years say that DCEN gives better penetration since more heat is at the base metal . Is that old theory and has it changed ? Thanks

[@STohme]

Nice explanation and very useful. Many thanks.

[@anthonyscott16]

I appreciate you doing this. Thanks Tim!

[@bubblekuku5992]

Hi,de normal recomandation pozition DCEP is for all electrods 6013,7018 etc?

[@johnmacmillan627]

Thx again Tim. Always learning from you

[@JasonVladimir]

Great explanation! Thanks for sharing!

[@TimWelds]

Thank you for watching!

[@Word569]

I am wondering how you got deeper penetration with DCEP and less with DCEN when with DCEP approximately 2/3 of the heat goes to to rod and 1/3 to the work and with DCEN approximately 1/3 of the heat goes to to rod and 2/3 to the work?

[@AXNJXN1]

Correct. He’s confused on this point for some reason. He’s a good teacher otherwise, just don’t think this is particularly solid advice.

[@jeanineconway5817]

Hello again , I noticed in other videos explaining the difference in polarity it is also mentioned that DCEN polarity provides deeper penetration and DCEP is preferred for welding thinner material . Thanks

[@enriquecourtade]

Yes. I don't know which explanation is the correct. DCEP or DCEN is best for thin metals? Arguments are opposite depending on the source you consult and both seems to be the correct one

[@gabiladarlington1456]

You got it all mixed up sir

[@Hutchy45445]

Does the Amperage setting change when selecting between the DCEP/DCEN/AC?

[@benjamincasabal9933]

Excelente explicacion, buen trabajo gracias bro!

[@tomnoone5220]

Hi Tim, catalytic converter got stolen on my car. Had to weld a new adapter on where they cut the pipe. I never welded before but I learned a lot on your channel. Because muffler pipe is thin I bought a 200 Amp 120/240V inverter DC box for $180. Used 6013 rod on DCEN and practiced on some scrap. Saved thousands of $$$. But I did notice the small scrap metal could not absorb as much heat and burned thru. While the large piece on the car work well. DCEN worked better .

[@AXNJXN1]

I think you meant DCEP - worked better..? You’d use DCEP if you can’t turn the voltage down and are burning through. DCEP is the alternative to use when dealing with thin metals though the slag will be worse.

[@mfsperring]

Exactly the information I was looking for thank you.

[@danielchambers1958]

Hey Tim, appreciate you sharing your knowledge . . . just purchased a Mig/Stick machine . . . hope to fire it up and apply your tips . . . thanks!

[@donaldolson9209]

you're helping me out a lot, thank you!

[@anerorr]

Hi, great video. I *think* the choice of dcep or dcen is also depends on your chosen electrode. The electrode manufacturer indicates wether it's a dcep or dcen, wouldn't you go by what they say?

[@johncmitchell4941]

Doesn't that just mean we'd choose our rod accordingly? Seems a lot of those polarity call-outs are for AC and one of the DCs. btw, this video could help me redo my last project .. after I grind out the globs I left on the entire first attempt, lol. I was running 1/8" 7014 at ~120a but AC because I didn't know better. :-/

[@donleejr7624]

THANKS BROTHER FOR THE AWESOME VIDEO!!!!!!!

[@hansstofberg43]

Hi, I had not heard of it some years ago . And we had to weld stainless steel square 2mm tubing. we did the job, but it was difficult enough. Now, lately, I have heard that welding with the negative side is better it does not penetrate so deep, and the electrode melts a bit vaster . I tried it out and oh boy if we had known that it is so much easier . Ireland

[@williamyoung9378]

Did you use your dekopro welder in this video? Thanks for the great videos!

[@mpowersmedia3219]

Great video. It really put these into perspective. I have an AC welder but it's one of the Chinese models that apparently is supposed to be arc, mig, tig and plasma cutter AIO and even though I did read the manual there was a lot to take in so I'm now curious to know if it can do both AC and DC with just a switch of the cables on the ports. Thanks 👍

[@WaschyNumber1]

Hello Is it allowed on build in cables to modefie them to a connector typ cable plug in system on arc Stick welder? My old cable and holder is probably broken and corroded and I was wondering if I could replace the hole thing with a changeable version. 🤔

[@cannarris]

Very informative,for a buzz box is the electrode positive or negative?

[@danmellow5309]

A buzz box, like the one in the video, the Lincoln 225 is AC. It "buzzes" because it is AC.

[@jamesf2697]

I had an old lincoln that I got rid of because I was moving and didn't feel like taking it. 😒 Mistake but it was great, it would run ac or dc with just a flip of a switch.

[@daddyjoemakesit1412]

Hi Tim, I like to know if it is possible to do a reverse Polarity on an Inverter MMA welding machine ???? thanks

[@Davidmenzieshat]

Thanks very much! I like the tip about when to use DCEN. guess I'll try that for thin metals. What do you recommend for sheet metal?

[@kenrickfoster2478]

Good morning, Tim, I need ur input am using a ARC -200 mini welding plant. I need to know the types rods to us on it. I have been using J422 rod and 6013 rods but am getting a lot of flocks????????

[@mikhailpoe5148]

Excellent explanation, Question how do you know which machines can switch between DCEP or DCEN ?

[@TimWelds]

Any DC stick machine can be switched, though it will be easier if there is a polarity switch or removable leads which can be reversed.

[@creeplife2802]

I recently got a Lincoln welder generator acdc. Now it has a switch that goes (ac/dc+/dc-). So, instead moving leads, I just turn the switch?

[@melgross]

You can use Easy Off oven cleaner. It’s the only thing I use it for.

[@ryanb1874]

I saw a commenter that said EP, means earth positive, so (electrode negative) I heard there is less a player with E N. Electrode negative, but it is harder to not, stick welds, smaller ham maintenance required? Is any of this relevant?

[@daddyjoemakesit1412]

Hi, I have an inverter MMA 315A welder (DIY) is it still possible to change from the + / - on an inverter type welder ??? thanks

[@oscarreyes737]

Great video! Maybe you can help me. I’m trying to run a Lincoln buzz box AC welder on a 10,000/8,000 running watt generator. It has a 50amp output. The highest amperage setting I can run it at is at 75 amps. At 90 and above it trips the breaker on the generator. When I check the amperage at the welder’s cord I’m pulling 45 amp on each leg, that’s welding at 75 amps. At. 90A it goes to 55A per leg, thus tripping the breaker on the generator. After watching this video, I’m wondering if I convert it to run at DCEP or DCEN, if possible. Do know if the amperage at the cord/plug/panel would be reduced to lower amperages? After looking into my issues, I’m thinking I may have try an Inverter welder of some sort. Thanks in advance for any help

[@angelofichera89]

Just a question: Is there any sign on the electrode if It can run on DCEN? Thank you. You are Amazing!

[@toddhampton9614]

Thanks Tim and heck yeah it helped like all your vids!

[@MattWinkler1]

I'm new to welding, and had no idea you could switch the electrodes around. I've been having trouble melting straight through sheet metal, hopefully this salvages the disaster!

[@harisyoung4110]

Did you have try it out ? did electrode negative really help with thin metal ?

[@MattWinkler1]

@@harisyoung4110 It did help reduce burn through and I didn't melt the sheet metal as much! It did reduce penetration and the welds had a little more trouble sticking together, but it was better than melting and warping it

[@lucifchristo]

So what does that mean on a machine that has it listed as dcrp and dcsp I know it stands for DC reverse polarity and DC straight polarity but having a hard time finding information on these old terms versus the new ones aside from the little bit you went over in the beginning which basically means that dcrp is basically having it set at positive polarity so I am assuming dcsp is negative polarity? I'm a little confused but get the general gist of it

[@mr3748]

Mmmm I am going to try DCEN for thin square tubing... I wish I could afford a mig, but here where I live it's super expensive to have a mig or tig for occasional use, unless you have welding shop which I dont

[@MySickstring]

Get yourself the tig torch that Tim recommends you can run a tig rig from your DC stick welder

[@outdoorzone]

Good explanation! You can use naval jelly (rust converter) to etch the metal and see the penetration better! Couldn’t really see yours to good!

[@TimWelds]

Thanks! Naval jelly is a great option because it's available at the hardware store. I've found the nital that I used works better, though I was also disappointed with how it showed up on camera in this one.

[@terryhites1]

Only critique is for me being a novice watching to understand the 3 and the difference, it would had been more helpful if you’d experienced welding on the thin metal. The flip side, thank you for your no BS approach and putting that disclaimer on and being open and honest. Thank you

[@davidjames1007]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge,

[@hotspur4237]

I couldn't see the penetration. Would Ferric chloride have revealed more? I'm still new to welding. But, today, I tried DCEP and it seemed easier to strike and hold an arc than DCEN. Each has it's uses. But, if I can not stick a rod and actually make beads + is a better way to go.

[@TimWelds]

Thanks for the comment! I have some ferric chloride, and it works okay, but takes quite a while to develop. I've used Nitol like this a lot and it showed up really well in person. I think it showed up so faint because of the lighting and camera angle. DCEP is almost always the best way to go.

[@davidlixenberg5999]

Thank you so much for your intelligent presentation. David Lixenberg

[@jodyalbert3426]

Will 7018 on reverse polarity create more sparks?

[@Billbobaker]

Great videos thanks for sharing.

[@skintech8620]

every time I weld, I burn through the metal. I'm running 60 amps with 1/8 inch 6013. my travel is the same as yours, but I'm falling through. I have a deko 160. maybe my welder sucks? it seems like a box of lightning. I've never run it past 60 amps. I figure if I'm burning through, I don't need any more, right?

[@hosseinebrahimi3451]

I've read multiple books, and watched hours about arc welding and it seems no one can explain polarity correctly. If in DCEP heat is less on the work piece then how it melts deeper and ⅔ of heat is on electrode so why it melts slower. Nothing makes sense.

[@darrensauter4053]

If the grounding clamp is plugged into the positive "+" and is clamped to the the piece you are welding to, "say to a car frame" and the car frame is grounded to the battery, what will happen? Would that create a direct short to the battery? Or with the same "+" grounding, if your project is touching a metal work table that could be grounded somehow. Could someone touching the table get shocked? When welding with Flux core wire, you connect the ground clamp to the "+". Seams to me that if the ground clamp is connected to the "+", the clamp must NOT touch anything that is grounded. That would include you or a helper, if you or your helper was grounded somehow.

[@TimWelds]

Great question. For all welding machines that I’m aware of, the output is an isolated circuit separate from the input ground, so the output + will only complete a circuit with the output -

[@codyg7936]

Definitely unhook every battery from a vehicle if you intend to weld on it. “shouldn’t” create a problem as the weld circuit “shouldn’t” bleed over. I use “should” because crazy things happen and electronics on a vehicle are sensitive and expensive. It’s always better to remove the battery and I usually set it on a shelf far away. I’ve had my fill of electrical problems, once I had a battery short out on a bolt in my semi from going on chip dumps/road vibrations and it caused me a months worth of headache finding an intermittent problem with the Ecm, it cost me $3500 in electronics...and I labored on it! Had I taken it to a shop it would’ve easily been over $10k.

[@woozhi9218]

Wanna ask ,how to tell if its an ac arc welder or a dc one?

[@Alimotevalian-g8i]

why cant you test on thin ,thats when we switch polarity .. DCEP is for thin but arc lost , too much slug build up .. what to do?

[@GihanAnuradha]

super helpful. Thanks.

[@quintriggins6557]

Can you run 7018 AC electrodes on DCEP?

[@TimWelds]

Yes, DCEP will work great. 7018AC has some arc stabilizers so it won’t go out when the polarity switches on AC, but it still works great on DC.

[@quintriggins6557]

@@TimWelds Thanks. I accidentally picked up a box, and didn't realize until after I opened the box. Didn't want it to go to waste.

[@calvinkalmon6746]

Great video, thank you.

[@davidconaway2830]

I just found your channel yesterday and have been binge watching ever since. As a newbie to welding, I find your videos very helpful. This is not a criticism but your audio sounds as if your in a bit of a bowl or echo chamber and comes across a bit "tinny and hollow" if that makes any sense. Regardless, I will be watching all of your past and future videos!

[@jerryhicks5940]

Thanks Tim.

[@rafaelmagana6823]

What is the best welders for beginners

[@grannylow7073]

Great information

[@specificcxds]

Superb! Thank you!

[@chrispaul9454]

Is dcep the same as 'crisp' and is dcen the same as 'soft'?

[@TimWelds]

Generally, I’ve used those terms relating more to short circuit MIG welding where the arc is not continuous. With stick welding, the arc is always on so those don’t apply as much unless you’re whipping and then that would be controlled with a dig or arc force setting if you had one. Polarity will really just affect penetration with stick welding and DCEP is almost always the better option.

[@aysadcabuk]

So, you didn’t say that if the electrode info on box says DC (-) where will we attach the electrode cable!!!

[@peterstathakis4773]

You should study how the elections leave and go to the plate for straight (en) and reverse (ep). I'll give you a hint, it has to do with electron concentration.

[@mikeboyd21]

Thanks Dude!!!

[@RajeshKumar-xd9et]

Dear anyone. I felt that DCEN is deeper penetration. DCEP is shallow type. By mistakenly he interchanged. Am i correct