What is a possible result of drag in the liner or a poor ground connection?

What is a possible result of drag in the liner or a poor ground connection?

• A. Arc hunting
• B. Arc stability
• C. Spatter
• D. Overheating

Answer: (A)

In MIG welding, the arc relies on a low-resistance, stable electrical path from the power source through the wire, tip, and ground back to the machine. If the liner drags on the wire or the ground connection is poor, that path becomes inconsistent, causing fluctuations in current and voltage at the arc. The arc then tends to move as it tries to find a more favorable path, which is described as arc hunting. You’ll often see the arc wander along the weld and the puddle respond with variable penetration or length. Spatter, overheating, or a generally unstable arc aren’t the specific symptom described here. Spatter is more tied to improper settings or contaminated surfaces, overheating to excessive heat input, and “arc stability” is a broader quality rather than the wandering behavior caused by a compromised path.

In MIG welding, the arc relies on a low-resistance, stable electrical path from the power source through the wire, tip, and ground back to the machine. If the liner drags on the wire or the ground connection is poor, that path becomes inconsistent, causing fluctuations in current and voltage at the arc. The arc then tends to move as it tries to find a more favorable path, which is described as arc hunting. You’ll often see the arc wander along the weld and the puddle respond with variable penetration or length.

Spatter, overheating, or a generally unstable arc aren’t the specific symptom described here. Spatter is more tied to improper settings or contaminated surfaces, overheating to excessive heat input, and “arc stability” is a broader quality rather than the wandering behavior caused by a compromised path.