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FCAW NC II study materials
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FCAW NC II practice questions

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Question 1Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

In FCAW, which type of fume exposure is most directly associated with the electrode's flux core rather than the base metal?

  1. Nitrogen dioxide formed when shielding gas is overheated
  2. Ozone generated by ultraviolet radiation acting on atmospheric oxygen
  3. Carbon monoxide produced by incomplete combustion of the workpiece coating
  4. Fluoride and metal-oxide particulate released as the flux decomposes in the arc Correct answer.

Explanation

The flux core of a tubular electrode contains minerals and fluorides that vaporize and condense into fine particulate fume during welding. Ozone and nitrogen oxides arise from the arc's UV radiation and high temperature acting on air, not from the flux itself. Identifying the source helps the welder select the right extraction and respiratory controls.

Question 2Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

What is the primary purpose of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) positioned at the arc during FCAW?

  1. To cool the weld pool so that slag detaches more easily
  2. To supply extra shielding gas to the molten weld pool
  3. To reduce arc flash intensity reaching nearby workers
  4. To capture fume and gases at the source before they enter the welder's breathing zone Correct answer.

Explanation

LEV draws contaminated air away at the point of generation, preventing fume from rising into the welder's breathing zone. It does not affect weld cooling, shielding gas supply, or arc radiation. Correct hood placement close to the arc is what makes extraction effective.

Question 3Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

A welder must enter a confined space to complete an FCAW repair. Which action is required before entry?

  1. Open the access hatch and begin welding while a coworker watches
  2. Test the atmosphere for oxygen, flammables, and toxic gases, and obtain an entry permit Correct answer.
  3. Wear a dust mask and rely on natural ventilation through the opening
  4. Purge the space with argon and enter without further testing

Explanation

Confined spaces must be tested for oxygen deficiency, combustible gases, and toxic contaminants before entry, and a permit documents the controls. Argon purging creates an asphyxiation hazard rather than making the space safe. Natural ventilation and a dust mask do not provide adequate protection.

Question 4Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

Why is welding on drums or tanks that previously held flammable liquids especially hazardous?

  1. Flux-cored wire cannot bond to previously painted surfaces
  2. The metal becomes too thin to support a stable FCAW arc
  3. Residual vapor or liquid can ignite or explode when heated by the arc Correct answer.
  4. The shielding gas reacts chemically with the container's lining

Explanation

Containers that held flammables may retain vapor or liquid residues that can ignite when welding heat is applied. Such vessels require documented cleaning, purging, and testing before hot work. The other options describe welding-quality issues, not the explosion hazard.

Question 5Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

What is the correct response when a welder's clothing catches fire during FCAW work?

  1. Run to the nearest exit to escape the area quickly
  2. Wait for a coworker to finish the pass before acting
  3. Pour water on the clothing while continuing to weld
  4. Stop, drop to the ground, and roll to smother the flames Correct answer.

Explanation

Stop, drop, and roll smothers flames by cutting off oxygen and limits burn injury. Running fans the flames and increases the burn area. Delaying action or continuing work allows the fire to spread.

Question 6Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

Which eye and face protection is appropriate for a welder performing FCAW?

  1. A welding helmet with the correct filter shade plus safety glasses underneath Correct answer.
  2. A face shield rated for grinding only
  3. Clear safety glasses alone, because FCAW produces less UV than other processes
  4. Sunglasses with dark lenses and no side shields

Explanation

FCAW produces intense UV and infrared radiation, so a helmet with the proper filter shade is required, with safety glasses worn underneath for chipping and grinding. Clear glasses or sunglasses do not block the arc radiation. A grinding face shield is not rated for arc exposure.

Question 7Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

A welder notices that the extraction hood of the LEV system is positioned far above and behind the arc. What is the likely effect?

  1. Fume will rise past the hood and enter the welder's breathing zone Correct answer.
  2. The arc will become unstable because of the air current
  3. The weld pool will be contaminated by excess airflow
  4. The shielding gas coverage will improve at the nozzle

Explanation

Fume rises and disperses quickly, so a hood placed too far from the arc captures little of it and allows exposure. Correct placement keeps the hood close to and slightly ahead of the plume. Cross-draughts and distance are the main reasons LEV systems underperform.

Question 8Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

Which practice best reduces a welder's exposure to noise during grinding and chipping of FCAW welds?

  1. Work faster so the exposure time is shorter
  2. Use hearing protection and maintain grinding equipment to limit noise at the source Correct answer.
  3. Rely on the welding helmet to block the sound
  4. Turn up the welding machine to finish the joint sooner

Explanation

Hearing protection combined with source controls such as well-maintained, properly guarded grinders reduces noise exposure. Helmets do not attenuate sound, and rushing the work increases both noise and injury risk. Noise control follows the hierarchy of eliminating or reducing the hazard before relying on PPE.

Question 9Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

What is the correct way to store shielding gas cylinders at a welding station?

  1. Grouped with oxygen cylinders without separation
  2. Lying flat under the workbench to save space
  3. Upright and secured with a chain or strap, with valve caps fitted on unused cylinders Correct answer.
  4. Stored near the welding arc to keep the hose short

Explanation

Cylinders should be kept upright and secured so they cannot fall, and valve protection caps should be fitted when cylinders are not in use. Lying cylinders down or placing them near heat and arcs creates impact and heat hazards. Fuel and oxidizer cylinders must also be separated.

Question 10Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

What hazard is created by welding or cutting on metal that has been degreased with chlorinated solvents?

  1. The arc heat can decompose the solvent into toxic phosgene gas Correct answer.
  2. The metal becomes magnetic and distorts the weld
  3. The solvent improves conductivity and causes arc blow
  4. The solvent increases the shielding gas flow rate

Explanation

Chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene can decompose in arc heat and UV light to form phosgene, a highly toxic gas. Surfaces must be cleaned and solvent allowed to evaporate before welding. The other options misdescribe electrical or gas-flow effects.

Question 11Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

Which is the correct order for controlling fume exposure in a welding shop, following the hierarchy of controls?

  1. Engineering controls last, after all PPE has been issued
  2. Administrative controls first, then PPE, then elimination
  3. Eliminate or substitute the hazard, then engineering controls, then administrative controls, then PPE Correct answer.
  4. PPE first, then administrative controls, then engineering controls

Explanation

The hierarchy of controls places elimination and substitution at the top, followed by engineering controls such as LEV, then administrative measures, with PPE as the last line of defence. Starting with PPE leaves the hazard in the workplace. This order gives the most reliable protection.

Question 12Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

A welder is working in a hot environment and begins to feel dizzy, nauseated, and stops sweating. What should be done?

  1. Move the worker to a cool area, cool them, and seek medical help for suspected heat stroke Correct answer.
  2. Have the worker lie down near the arc to stay warm
  3. Give the worker a hot drink and continue welding after a short rest
  4. Tell the worker to drink water and finish the shift without reporting

Explanation

Cessation of sweating with dizziness and nausea suggests heat stroke, a medical emergency requiring rapid cooling and urgent medical attention. Continuing work or applying warmth worsens the condition. Heat illness must be reported and the worker removed from the hot environment.

Question 13Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

Which welding process hazard is controlled by using dry insulating gloves and a properly grounded workpiece connection?

  1. Noise from the wire feeder
  2. Arc radiation to the eyes
  3. Fume inhalation from the flux core
  4. Electric shock from the welding circuit Correct answer.

Explanation

Electric shock occurs when current passes through the body via the electrode holder, workpiece, or ground path. Dry insulating gloves and a solid workpiece connection reduce the chance of the welder becoming part of the circuit. Fume, radiation, and noise are controlled by different measures.

Question 14Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

Why must slag be removed from completed FCAW beads before the area is left unattended?

  1. Slag conducts electricity and creates a shock hazard
  2. Slag reacts with the base metal to form toxic gas
  3. Hot slag can crack, fly off, and ignite combustible material after welding stops Correct answer.
  4. Slag absorbs shielding gas and weakens the next pass

Explanation

Slag retains heat and can spall or pop off after welding, throwing hot fragments onto nearby combustibles. Removing slag and checking the area for smoldering material is part of fire watch duties. The other options describe effects that slag does not have.

Question 15Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

Which statement correctly describes the purpose of a fire watch after hot work has finished?

  1. To record the welder's production output for the shift
  2. To check the weld for slag inclusions before cooling
  3. To guard the welding machine against theft during breaks
  4. To monitor the area for smoldering fires for a defined period after welding ends Correct answer.

Explanation

A fire watch is maintained after hot work stops because heat can smolder in concealed materials and ignite later. The watch period is defined by the site's hot work procedure. It is a fire-prevention role, not a security, inspection, or production task.

Question 16Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

A welder must weld inside a large tank. Which combination of controls is most appropriate?

  1. A dust mask, an open hatch, and a single welder working alone
  2. Argon purging of the tank and entry without a permit
  3. Atmosphere testing, continuous ventilation, a standby attendant, and a retrieval system Correct answer.
  4. Natural ventilation and a mobile phone for emergencies

Explanation

Confined space welding requires atmospheric testing, forced ventilation, a trained standby attendant, and rescue and retrieval arrangements. Working alone, purging with inert gas, or relying on natural ventilation leaves the welder without adequate protection. These controls address asphyxiation, toxic exposure, and rescue capability.

Question 17Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

What is the main environmental concern when disposing of spent flux-cored wire spools and collected welding fume dust?

  1. They may contain heavy metals and must be handled as controlled waste Correct answer.
  2. They can be composted with general shop waste
  3. They can be poured into the storm drain
  4. They can be burned in an open drum on site

Explanation

Welding fume dust and wire residues can contain heavy metals such as manganese, chromium, and nickel, so they are managed as controlled waste. Open burning, storm drains, and general refuse disposal can spread contamination. Segregating and labelling the waste is part of environmental protection.

Question 18Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

How should a welder protect nearby workers from arc flash when welding in a shared workshop?

  1. Erect welding screens or curtains around the work area Correct answer.
  2. Ask nearby workers to close their eyes during welding
  3. Increase the welding current so the arc is brighter
  4. Weld only when the other workers have left the building

Explanation

Welding screens block UV radiation and spatter from reaching nearby workers, protecting their eyes and skin. Asking others to close their eyes is not a reliable control and does not stop UV exposure. Current adjustment does not reduce radiation spread.

Question 19Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

A welder develops a metallic taste and flu-like symptoms after welding galvanized steel. Which hazard does this suggest?

  1. Nitrogen narcosis from compressed air
  2. Metal fume fever from zinc oxide fume Correct answer.
  3. Carbon monoxide poisoning from the shielding gas
  4. Ozone burns from the arc radiation

Explanation

Welding galvanized steel releases zinc oxide fume, which can cause metal fume fever with flu-like symptoms and a metallic taste. Ventilation and respiratory protection are required when welding coated steel. The other conditions have different causes and symptoms.

Question 20Occupational health and safety, and environmental protection in the welding workplace

Which housekeeping practice reduces slip, trip, and fire hazards at an FCAW station?

  1. Storing oily rags next to the welding machine for reuse
  2. Leaving spatter and slag on the floor until the end of the shift
  3. Coiling the torch cable across the access path to keep it tidy
  4. Keeping cables and hoses routed clear of walkways and removing combustible debris regularly Correct answer.

Explanation

Routing cables and hoses out of walkways prevents trips, and removing combustible debris reduces fire risk from spatter and slag. Oily rags can self-ignite and should be kept in covered metal containers. Leaving slag on the floor creates both slip and fire hazards.

Question 21Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

Before connecting the electrode holder to a welding machine, what should be done with the power source?

  1. The machine must be switched off and isolated from the supply Correct answer.
  2. The machine should be set to AC so the terminals are safe to touch
  3. The machine should be set to maximum current to test output
  4. The machine should be left running so the fan cools the terminals

Explanation

Welding power sources must be de-energized and disconnected before connecting or inspecting torch and holder leads, because the output terminals carry open-circuit voltage that can be lethal. Isolating the supply also protects against accidental arc strike while the connection is being made.

Question 22Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

A welder notices the gas hose on a FCAW semiautomatic gun has a small cut near the connector. What is the correct action?

  1. Tape the cut tightly and continue welding
  2. Increase gas flow to compensate for the leak
  3. Replace the hose before further welding Correct answer.
  4. Turn the gun so the cut faces away from the weld

Explanation

A damaged gas hose admits air into the shielding stream and causes porosity, and it can also leak shielding gas into the work area. The only reliable fix is to replace the hose, since tape will not hold a gas-tight seal under the flexing of a semiautomatic gun.

Question 23Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

What is the main purpose of the wire-feed drive rolls on a FCAW semiautomatic machine?

  1. To clean oxidation from the electrode surface
  2. To measure the welding current being delivered
  3. To pull the electrode from the spool and push it through the conduit Correct answer.
  4. To preheat the electrode before it enters the arc

Explanation

The drive rolls grip the electrode wire and feed it at a controlled rate from the spool through the gun liner to the contact tip. Feed-roll tension and groove shape must match the wire type so the wire is driven without crushing or slipping.

Question 24Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

Which item of personal protective equipment is essential when chipping slag or spatter from a finished FCAW weld?

  1. A leather apron and hearing muffs
  2. A welding helmet with a dark filter
  3. A respirator and rubber boots
  4. Leather gloves and safety glasses Correct answer.

Explanation

Chipping and grinding throw hot fragments at high speed, so impact-rated eye protection and heat-resistant leather gloves are the minimum. The welding helmet is raised during chipping because the dark filter would prevent seeing the work.

Question 25Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

Why should a FCAW gun be purged with the wire feed run briefly before the first weld of the day?

  1. To discharge static electricity from the liner
  2. To warm the contact tip to operating temperature
  3. To confirm gas flow and feed a fresh length of wire to the tip Correct answer.
  4. To check that the drive rolls are worn out

Explanation

Running the feed without striking an arc draws fresh wire through the liner and confirms that wire and gas reach the gun properly. It also clears any wire that was left with a melted end at the contact tip, which would otherwise cause a poor start.

Question 26Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

Which practice best protects a welding machine from dust and moisture when it is stored between shifts?

  1. Cover it once it has cooled and keep it in a dry location Correct answer.
  2. Store it outdoors with the leads still connected
  3. Wrap it in a damp cloth to keep the windings cool
  4. Leave it uncovered so condensation can escape

Explanation

Dust and moisture are the main causes of insulation breakdown and internal shorting in welding machines. Covering the machine after it cools and keeping it dry prevents both, while covering a hot machine traps heat.

Question 27Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

A FCAW welder finds the drive rolls slipping and the arc sputtering, with the wire feed stalling when the gun cable is bent. What is the most likely cause?

  1. The electrode wire is the wrong polarity
  2. The shielding gas flow is set too high
  3. The drive-roll tension is too low or the liner is kinked Correct answer.
  4. The contact tip bore is too large for the wire

Explanation

Slipping rolls and feed that stalls when the cable bends point to insufficient drive tension or a restricted liner. The feed path must be checked along its length, since a kink or clogged liner adds drag that the rolls cannot overcome.

Question 28Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

What is the correct way to set the tension on the drive rolls of a FCAW machine?

  1. Loosen it until the wire slips slightly to avoid motor overload
  2. Set it so the wire feeds without slipping and is not crushed or flattened Correct answer.
  3. Adjust it only while an arc is being struck
  4. Tighten fully so the wire can never slip

Explanation

Drive-roll tension should be just enough to feed the wire steadily without deforming it, because crushed wire causes feed problems and poor contact-tip fit. Over-tightening flattens the wire and overloads the motor, while too little tension causes slipping.

Question 29Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

A welder is preparing a FCAW machine for a job that requires a change from 1.2 mm to 0.9 mm wire. What must be checked first?

  1. The gas flow is doubled for the smaller wire
  2. The work lead is moved to the other terminal
  3. The contact tip is removed to allow freer feeding
  4. The drive rolls and liner are matched to the smaller wire size Correct answer.

Explanation

Drive rolls, liner and contact tip are sized for a particular wire diameter, and using the larger-wire parts with smaller wire causes slipping, birdnesting and poor contact. The correct groove size and tip bore must be fitted before welding.

Question 30Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

What is the function of the contact tip on a FCAW gun?

  1. It cools the gun by circulating water around the wire
  2. It meters the shielding gas flow into the nozzle
  3. It guides the wire and transfers welding current to the electrode Correct answer.
  4. It sets the arc length by touching the workpiece

Explanation

The contact tip aligns the electrode with the joint and conducts welding current into the wire as it passes through. Its bore must match the wire size, and a worn or oversized bore causes arcing inside the tip and erratic current transfer.

Question 31Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

Why must a self-shielded FCAW electrode be stored and handled according to the manufacturer's recommendations?

  1. The flux core absorbs moisture, which causes porosity and hydrogen-related defects Correct answer.
  2. The spool will unwind if the humidity is too high
  3. The copper coating dissolves in humid air
  4. The wire becomes magnetic if exposed to air

Explanation

Flux-cored electrodes contain fluxing and alloying ingredients that can pick up moisture, and moisture in the core leads to porosity and hydrogen cracking. Manufacturers specify storage conditions and limits on exposure time so the electrode performs as designed.

Question 32Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

A welder is about to service the wire feeder and finds the machine plugged in. What is the correct sequence?

  1. Lower the current setting and proceed with the service
  2. Unplug or lock out the machine, then service the feeder Correct answer.
  3. Service the feeder quickly while wearing rubber gloves
  4. Ask another welder to hold the gun trigger closed

Explanation

Service work on the feeder exposes the welder to open-circuit voltage and moving parts, so the machine must be de-energized and locked out before any cover is removed. Lockout prevents another person from restoring power while hands are inside the machine.

Question 33Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

What does the duty cycle rating on a welding power source indicate?

  1. The speed at which the wire feeder delivers electrode
  2. The maximum thickness of plate the machine can weld in one pass
  3. The percentage of a ten-minute period the machine can operate at rated output without overheating Correct answer.
  4. The number of hours the machine can run before servicing

Explanation

Duty cycle is expressed as the portion of a ten-minute period a machine can run at a stated current without exceeding its thermal limit. Exceeding the duty cycle causes thermal overload trips and shortens the life of the machine.

Question 34Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

The regulator on a shielding gas cylinder shows pressure at the cylinder but no flow when the valve is opened. Which check is most appropriate first?

  1. Replace the cylinder immediately
  2. Check that the flowmeter valve is open and the hose is not blocked or kinked Correct answer.
  3. Increase the welding current to draw more gas
  4. Remove the regulator and blow through it

Explanation

No flow with cylinder pressure present usually means the flow-control valve is closed or the gas path is blocked or kinked. The gas path should be checked systematically before any component is replaced or removed.

Question 35Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

Why is it important to keep the gun cable and liner as straight as possible during FCAW welding?

  1. A straight cable raises the open-circuit voltage
  2. A straight cable reduces drag on the wire and gives a steadier feed Correct answer.
  3. A straight cable prevents the work lead from overheating
  4. A straight cable increases the shielding gas pressure at the nozzle

Explanation

Sharp bends in the gun cable increase friction between the wire and the liner, which causes feed hesitation, slipping rolls and birdnesting. Keeping the cable relaxed and straight lets the drive rolls feed the wire smoothly.

Question 36Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

A welder is setting up a FCAW machine and must confirm the polarity required by the electrode. Where should this information come from?

  1. The electrode manufacturer's specification for that classification Correct answer.
  2. The gas flow rate shown on the flowmeter
  3. The colour of the gun handle
  4. The thickness of the base metal only

Explanation

Each flux-cored electrode classification is designed for a specific polarity, and the manufacturer's data states whether it is DCEN, DCEP or AC. Using the wrong polarity changes penetration, arc stability and the mechanical properties of the deposit.

Question 37Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

During a long production run, a FCAW machine repeatedly trips on thermal overload. Which action addresses the underlying cause?

  1. Increase the wire feed speed to finish faster
  2. Disconnect the cooling fan to stop nuisance trips
  3. Reset the breaker and continue at the same output
  4. Reduce the welding current or allow cooling to stay within the duty cycle Correct answer.

Explanation

Repeated thermal trips mean the machine is being operated beyond its rated duty cycle. Lowering output or allowing cool-down periods keeps operation within the rating, whereas simply resetting the breaker repeats the overload.

Question 38Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

A weld shows porosity that appears only when the gun is used at a steep angle in a confined corner. Which equipment-related cause is most likely?

  1. The electrode spool is nearly empty
  2. The drive rolls are set for the wrong wire diameter
  3. The work lead is too short for the joint
  4. The nozzle is blocked or gas flow is disturbed at that angle Correct answer.

Explanation

Porosity that appears only at a particular gun angle suggests the shielding gas is being disrupted, often by a blocked or spatter-clogged nozzle or by the nozzle being pushed too close to the joint. The gas path and nozzle condition should be checked and the nozzle cleaned or replaced.

Question 39Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

A welder must choose between two contact tips for a 1.2 mm flux-cored wire: one with a 1.2 mm bore and one with a 1.6 mm bore. Which selection and reason are correct?

  1. Either tip, because tip bore does not affect weld quality
  2. The 1.6 mm tip, because it allows higher gas flow
  3. The 1.2 mm tip, because it aligns the wire and gives reliable current transfer Correct answer.
  4. The 1.6 mm tip, because a looser bore reduces friction and wear

Explanation

The contact tip bore should closely match the electrode diameter so the wire is guided centrally and current transfers consistently. An oversized bore allows the wire to wander and arc inside the tip, causing erratic feed and burn-back.

Question 40Use and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment

A FCAW machine is being returned to service after repair. Which combination of checks best confirms it is ready for welding?

  1. Confirm that the fan runs and skip the cable inspection
  2. Replace the electrode spool and begin welding immediately
  3. Inspect cables, gun, liner, gas hose and work clamp, then test on scrap before production Correct answer.
  4. Check only that the power light comes on

Explanation

Returning a repaired machine to service requires a full inspection of the current and gas paths, including cables, gun, liner, hose and work clamp, followed by a test weld on scrap. This confirms both safety and weld quality before production work begins.

Question 41Interpretation of welding drawings, symbols, and specifications

In a welding symbol, the reference line is drawn horizontally and the arrow line points to the joint. Where is the fillet weld symbol placed when the weld is to be made on the arrow side of the joint?

  1. On the tail of the symbol
  2. On the reference line above the horizontal line
  3. On the reference line below the horizontal line Correct answer.
  4. On the arrow line itself, near the arrowhead

Explanation

The arrow side of a joint is the side the arrow line touches. By convention, a weld symbol drawn below the reference line means the weld is made on the arrow side, while a symbol above the line means the other side. This placement rule lets a single symbol show both sides of a joint unambiguously.

Question 42Interpretation of welding drawings, symbols, and specifications

A fillet weld symbol carries a dimension of 8 mm placed to the left of the fillet symbol, with no size shown in parentheses. What does this dimension specify?

  1. The weld leg length, with the weld contour flat Correct answer.
  2. The effective length of the weld in millimetres
  3. The root gap to be maintained before welding
  4. The weld throat thickness measured at the root

Explanation

For a fillet weld, the number placed to the left of the symbol is the leg size, unless a throat dimension is shown in parentheses. A dimension in parentheses would instead indicate the theoretical throat. Length, if required, is placed to the right of the symbol.

Question 43Interpretation of welding drawings, symbols, and specifications

On a welding symbol, a circle placed at the junction of the reference line and the arrow line indicates which requirement?

  1. Weld to be finished flush by grinding
  2. Weld to be made with a backing strip
  3. Weld all around the joint Correct answer.
  4. Field weld to be made on site

Explanation

The all-around symbol is a small circle at the bend where the arrow line meets the reference line. It instructs the welder to continue the weld completely around the joint. A field weld, by contrast, is shown by a flag on the same junction.

Question 44Interpretation of welding drawings, symbols, and specifications

A drawing note states that the welding procedure specification to be used is qualified to a particular standard. Which drawing document should the welder consult to confirm preheat and interpass temperature limits before starting?

  1. The bill of materials for the joint
  2. The welding procedure specification referenced on the drawing Correct answer.
  3. The welder's own experience record
  4. The general arrangement drawing only

Explanation

Preheat and interpass limits are essential variables controlled by the qualified welding procedure specification. The drawing typically references the WPS by number or by a standard. The welder must follow that document rather than inferring values from other drawings.

Question 45Interpretation of welding drawings, symbols, and specifications

A drawing shows a groove weld symbol with the letter 'V' and a dimension of 60 degrees above it. What does the 60 degrees specify?

  1. The interpass temperature in degrees
  2. The included groove angle of the joint preparation Correct answer.
  3. The travel angle of the welding torch
  4. The bevel angle of only one plate

Explanation

For groove welds, the angle shown with the groove symbol is the included groove angle between the prepared faces. It defines the shape of the joint preparation the welder must fit and fill. The bevel angle of a single plate would be half of this included value.

Question 46Interpretation of welding drawings, symbols, and specifications

A welding symbol on a drawing carries a flag at the arrow-to-reference-line junction. What does this tell the welder about the work?

  1. The weld must be inspected by radiography
  2. The weld is a temporary tack weld
  3. The weld requires a consumable insert
  4. The weld must be made at the field site, not in the shop Correct answer.

Explanation

The flag symbol designates a field weld, meaning the joint is welded at the installation site rather than in the fabrication shop. This affects access, conditions, and often the procedure used. It does not by itself specify inspection or consumables.

Question 47Interpretation of welding drawings, symbols, and specifications

A detail drawing shows a fillet weld symbol with the size 6 mm to the left and the length 150-50 to the right. How should the welder interpret the length information?

  1. A continuous weld 150 mm long with 50 mm unwelded at each end
  2. Fifty welds each 150 mm long along the joint
  3. Three weld segments of 50 mm each, spaced 150 mm apart on centre Correct answer.
  4. A weld 150 mm long made in 50 mm increments with no gaps

Explanation

Length and pitch notation gives the length of each weld segment followed by the centre-to-centre spacing. The value 150-50 therefore means 50 mm long segments at 150 mm pitch. This is a common way to show intermittent welds on long joints.

Question 48Interpretation of welding drawings, symbols, and specifications

A drawing shows a groove weld symbol on the upper side of the reference line with a backing symbol on the lower side. The arrow points to the root of the joint from the near side. What does this arrangement require?

  1. The groove weld is made on the arrow side and backing is applied on the other side Correct answer.
  2. Both the weld and the backing are made on the arrow side
  3. The backing is removed after welding is completed
  4. The groove weld is made on the other side and backing on the arrow side

Explanation

Symbols above the reference line apply to the other side of the joint, and symbols below apply to the arrow side. A backing symbol placed opposite the weld symbol shows backing on the root side. The welder therefore welds from the arrow side with backing behind the root.

Question 49Interpretation of welding drawings, symbols, and specifications

A structural drawing specifies a complete-joint-penetration groove weld with a note requiring the weld to be 'CJP' and inspected to a stated acceptance standard. What does CJP mean for the welder?

  1. The weld cap must be ground flush with the base metal
  2. The weld is made only on one face of the joint
  3. The weld must fuse the full thickness of the joint for its entire length Correct answer.
  4. The weld is a partial groove filled to half the plate thickness

Explanation

Complete joint penetration means the weld extends through the full thickness of the joint and fuses the root for the entire length. It is a strength-critical requirement tied to the joint detail and procedure. Partial joint penetration, by contrast, fills only part of the thickness.

Question 50Interpretation of welding drawings, symbols, and specifications

A drawing uses a weld symbol with a 'V' groove and a small perpendicular line at the root of the symbol. What does this addition indicate?

  1. A root gap or root opening is specified for the joint Correct answer.
  2. The weld must be made vertical-up
  3. The weld requires a permanent backing bar
  4. The groove must be machined rather than flame cut

Explanation

A root opening symbol, shown as a gap at the root of the groove symbol, indicates that a specified space must be left between the joint faces before welding. This opening affects penetration and is part of the fit-up. It is distinct from backing or position requirements.