What does the duty cycle of an arc welder refer to?

The duty cycle of an arc welder refers to the continuous operating time of the welder within a specified time frame, usually measured over a 10-minute period. This percentage indicates how long the welder can operate before it needs to cool down to prevent overheating. For example, a duty cycle of 60% means that the welder can work for 6 minutes continuously and must cool for the remaining 4 minutes.

This specification is critical for users to understand the limitations of their equipment and to maximize efficiency while ensuring safety during the welding process. Knowing the duty cycle helps in planning welding tasks and managing time effectively, especially in larger projects. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect what the duty cycle signifies within welding operations.