What is the duty cycle of a SMAW power supply that can run for seven minutes out of every 10 minutes period?

What is the duty cycle of a SMAW power supply that can run for seven minutes out of every 10 minutes period?

• A. 60 percent
• B. 70 percent
• C. 80 percent
• D. 90 percent

Answer: (B)

The duty cycle of a welding power supply refers to the amount of time it can operate at a specific output level within a set period, typically expressed as a percentage. In this case, if the SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) power supply can run for seven minutes out of every 10-minute period, the calculation for the duty cycle is straightforward. To determine the duty cycle, you divide the operational time (7 minutes) by the total time (10 minutes) and then multiply by 100 to convert it to a percentage: \[ \text{Duty Cycle} = \left( \frac{7 \text{ minutes}}{10 \text{ minutes}} \right) \times 100 = 70\% \] This means the power supply can continuously operate at the specified output for 70% of the time in a 10-minute interval before it needs to cool down or shut off. Understanding duty cycle is crucial for welders, as it affects not only the operational efficiency but also prevents overheating and damage to the equipment. Therefore, 70 percent accurately reflects the ability of the SMAW power supply to sustain operation within the defined parameters.

The duty cycle of a welding power supply refers to the amount of time it can operate at a specific output level within a set period, typically expressed as a percentage. In this case, if the SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) power supply can run for seven minutes out of every 10-minute period, the calculation for the duty cycle is straightforward.

To determine the duty cycle, you divide the operational time (7 minutes) by the total time (10 minutes) and then multiply by 100 to convert it to a percentage:

[ \text{Duty Cycle} = \left( \frac{7 \text{ minutes}}{10 \text{ minutes}} \right) \times 100 = 70% ]

This means the power supply can continuously operate at the specified output for 70% of the time in a 10-minute interval before it needs to cool down or shut off.

Understanding duty cycle is crucial for welders, as it affects not only the operational efficiency but also prevents overheating and damage to the equipment. Therefore, 70 percent accurately reflects the ability of the SMAW power supply to sustain operation within the defined parameters.