Calculate welder duty cycle, maximum continuous arc time, and required rest periods for welding equipment
Input Parameters
Results
--
Actual Duty Cycle at Operating Amps
%
--
Max Continuous Arc Time
min
--
Required Rest Time
min
--
Max Amps at 100% Duty Cycle
A
Note: Exceeding the duty cycle rating causes overheating and can damage the machine. Lower amperage allows longer arc time. Most industrial machines are rated at 60% DC (6 min arc / 4 min rest per 10-min period).
Reference
Duty Cycle Formula:
DC_actual = DC_rated x (I_rated / I_actual)^2
Based on thermal I^2*t relationship
Max Amps at 100% DC = I_rated x sqrt(DC_rated / 100)
Standard duty cycle period = 10 minutes
Example: 300A at 60% DC => 232A at 100% DC