When the machine is set to DCEP, which terminal would you plug the ground clamp into?

When the machine is set to Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP), it means that the workpiece (or the ground) is connected to the positive terminal of the welding machine. In DCEP, the positive terminal attracts the electrons from the electrode, enhancing the stability of the arc and resulting in deeper weld penetration. By connecting the ground clamp to the negative terminal, you would be counter to the intended arc characteristics of DCEP, which could lead to poor weld quality and performance issues.

In this setup, using DCEP is advantageous for achieving better weld quality on certain materials and for specific welding processes, as it allows for a more efficient transfer of heat to the workpiece, making it crucial to connect the ground clamp to the positive terminal. This understanding is foundational in welding practices and in optimizing machine settings for successful operations.