Which statement best describes a secondary voltage shock?

Which statement best describes a secondary voltage shock?

• A. The voltage range is -20-100 volts and occurs when you touch a bare spot on the electrode cable while the body touches the metal you're welding
• B. -230-460 volts and occurs when inside the machine touching hot parts
• C. EMF exposure
• D. No shock is possible at such voltages

Answer: (A)

Secondary voltage shocks come from the welding machine’s secondary circuit—the low-voltage, high-current path that energizes the electrode and the workpiece. Because this voltage is relatively low, a shock can still occur if you create a path for current through your body to grounded metal. The scenario described matches this: touching a bare spot on the electrode cable while your body is in contact with the metal you’re welding completes the circuit and can deliver a shock. The other options describe the primary side inside the machine with much higher voltage, or describe electromagnetic fields rather than a direct body current, or incorrectly claim no shock is possible. So the statement about a low-voltage shock occurring when you bridge the circuit with your body is the best description.

Secondary voltage shocks come from the welding machine’s secondary circuit—the low-voltage, high-current path that energizes the electrode and the workpiece. Because this voltage is relatively low, a shock can still occur if you create a path for current through your body to grounded metal. The scenario described matches this: touching a bare spot on the electrode cable while your body is in contact with the metal you’re welding completes the circuit and can deliver a shock. The other options describe the primary side inside the machine with much higher voltage, or describe electromagnetic fields rather than a direct body current, or incorrectly claim no shock is possible. So the statement about a low-voltage shock occurring when you bridge the circuit with your body is the best description.