It is used to make square-groove welds for butt and t-joints, especially in the shipbuilding industry and in the construction of storage tanks.
The moving head variation uses an assembly of an electrode guide tube which travels upwards as the weld is laid, keeping it from melting.
Compared to other processes, a large amount of molten metal is present during welding, and this poses an additional safety and fire hazard.
Since the process is often performed at great heights, the work and equipment must be properly secured, and the operator should wear a safety harness to prevent injury in the event of a fall.
EGW uses a constant voltage, direct current welding power supply, and the electrode has positive polarity.