Which of the following expresses the percentage of time a welding power source can operate at its rated output without overheating?

The concept of duty cycle is critical in welding applications as it indicates the percentage of time a welding power source can continuously operate at its rated output without the risk of overheating. Specifically, this measurement typically highlights a 10-minute time frame, where the duty cycle percentage corresponds to the duration the welder can safely operate within that time. For instance, a duty cycle of 60% means the welder can work for 6 minutes and must then cool down for 4 minutes to avoid overheating.

Understanding the duty cycle is essential for welders as it helps them plan their work effectively to maintain equipment performance and prevent damage from excessive heat. This value can differ depending on the machine type and settings, making it a crucial factor in selecting the appropriate welding equipment for a job.

The other terms, while relevant in various contexts, do not specifically relate to the safe operational timeframe of welding power sources like the duty cycle does.