What happens to the arc if the electrode is held too far from the workpiece?

When the electrode is held too far from the workpiece in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), the arc can extinguish. This occurs because the electrical circuit that sustains the arc requires a proper distance and consistency between the electrode and the workpiece. If the electrode is too far away, the voltage may not be sufficient to maintain the ionization of the air gap between the electrode and the workpiece, leading to a loss of the arc.

Maintaining the correct arc length is crucial for effective welding, as it influences the heat input, penetration, and overall quality of the weld. A proper distance allows the current to flow effectively and keeps the arc stable, whereas excessive distance can interrupt the necessary conditions to sustain the arc, causing it to go out.