C.C. or C.V,

Josey · Mar 10, 2012

Hi, This may sound like a dumb question?
I"m wondering whats the difference between C C an CV,
What changes in the welder to produce cv output
Why some engine drives have cv and others dont?
Any explanations appreciated, Thanks,

lotechman · Mar 10, 2012

CC stands for constant current. SMAW is done with CC and some wire feed processes but not common.
CV is constant voltage used for wire feed processes exclusively.
Some machines/power sources can switch back and forth but older machines are one or the other.
For example when SMAW on CC the amperage does not change much as you pull back and have a long arc. The voltage changes but the amperage only changes slightly. The reverse is the case with CV.
I am trying to simplify.

Kelvin · Mar 10, 2012

CC - stick and TIG
CV - MIG, fluxcore wirefeeders

boatbod · Mar 11, 2012

In a constant current system (Stick, Tig), the machine attempts to maintain the set amperage by varying the electrode voltage as the arc length changes.

In a constant voltage system (Mig), the machine maintains the specified electrode voltage by varying the current as arc length changes.

C.C. or C.V,

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