What unit measures welding current?

The unit that measures welding current is Amperes. In the context of welding processes, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), the amperage directly correlates to the amount of electrical current flowing through the welding circuit and the electrode. This current is crucial for establishing and maintaining the weld, as it influences the heat generation which melts the base metal and the filler material.

Understanding the role of amperage is fundamental in welding, as different materials and thicknesses require specific current settings to achieve the desired weld quality. Higher amperage can lead to deeper penetration, while lower amperage is utilized for thinner materials or to control heat input and prevent warping.

The other units listed have different applications in electrical systems; for example, volts measure electrical potential, watts measure power (which is the product of voltage and current), and ohms measure resistance. Each of these units plays a role in the overall understanding of electrical principles, but for the purpose of measuring the current in a welding process, Amperes is the appropriate unit.