Tungsten Electrodes Rating for Welding Currents
Tungsten
Diameter
mm
DC Current Amps
Torch Negative
2% Thoriated
AC Current Amps
Un-Balanced Wave
0.8% Zirconiated
AC Current Amps
Balanced Wave
0.8% Zirconiated
1.0mm
15-80
15-80
20-60
1.6mm
70-150
70-150
60-120
2.4mm
150-250
140-235
100-180
3.2mm
250-400
225-325
160-250
4.0mm
400-500
300-400
200-320
Zirconiated (Color Code: White)
Zirconiated tungsten electrodes (AWS
classification EWZr-1) contain a minimum of
99.10 percent tungsten and 0.15 to
0.40percent zirconium. Most commonly
used for AC welding Zirconiated tungsten
produces a very stable arc and is resistant to
tungsten spitting. It is ideal for AC welding
because it retains a balled tip and has a high
resistance to contamination. Its current-
carrying capacity is equal to or greater than
that of thoriated tungsten. Zirconiated
tungsten is not recommended for DC
welding.
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