AWS Welding Inspection and Testing Certification Practice Test

The weld discontinuity caused by starting the welding arc outside the weld joint is referred to as?

1. Incomplete fusion

2. Undercut

3. Overlap

4. Arc strike

The correct answer is: Arc strike

The term that describes the weld discontinuity resulting from starting the welding arc outside the weld joint is "arc strike." When the welding arc is initiated outside the intended joint area, it can create an arc strike mark on the base metal or adjacent areas. This results in localized heating and potential damage to the material, which can affect the overall integrity of the weld and the surrounding base metal. Although arc strike does not directly contribute to the joint strength like incomplete fusion, undercut, or overlap, it is critical to recognize its presence as it can indicate poor welding practices and impact the quality of the finished weld. Incomplete fusion refers to a failure to bond between the weld metal and base metal or between layers of weld metal, while undercut is a groove that develops at the base of the weld due to excessive melting of the base metal. Overlap involves the weld metal rolling over the base material without bonding properly. Each of these terms describes specific types of discontinuities that affect the weld quality, but none specifically relate to the issue of an arc being initiated outside the weld joint area, which is accurately described as an arc strike.