What does duty cycle mean?

[IH_4_Me]

Hi guys,
In terms of welding, what does 'Duty Cycle' mean? I've been welding for a couple of years now but I wouldn't have a clue what it means!

 

[daedong]

Glenn
In layman's terms it is the length of time that the welder can operate at a given amperage.
From the text book,
"Duty cycle is a term used to describe current output rating over a certain period of time. Exceeding the duty cycle of a power source causes overheating. If the duty cycle time on a given plant is 5 minutes, a duty cycle of 60% at 200 amps indicates that the power source can be used at 200amps for 3 minutes in every 5 minute period then off for 2 minutes, similarly a duty cycle of 100% at 180 amps means the machine can be used continuously at 180 amps."

 

[RICHARDG]

Yeah,thats about it,,I was taught it meant how many min. out of 10,but not sure,,,,in any case a 60%duty cycle at 180 amps means it will run 60% out of a given time at that amperage without tripping a breaker cause it needs to cool down,,,,important thing to consider when buying machine,,the higher the duty cycle rating,if you will notice on the machines for sale,the more expensive and higher amped machine it is generally speaking. thingy

 

[IH_4_Me]

Thanks guys, it makes sense now that I know what it means!