Direction of energy flow in plasma cutter

[alangibson]

Hello all,

Plasma cutters appear to be wired electrode negative (aka DCEN), which should mean that energy transfer is from the negative electrode (the torch in this case) to the positive work piece.

However, when I look at my plasma cutter, the work clamp lead is far beefier than the torch lead. The positive work lead connection to the plasma cutter is also far better protected from someone potentially touching it than is the negative terminal. Also the positive terminal is attached to a red cable inside the plasma cutter, while the negative is attached to a black lead and an uninsulated copper strap. All this seems to indicate that the positive side is the power side, not the negative.

What am I getting wrong here? Sorry for the newbie question, and thanks in advance for your answer.

[plasmanewbie]

Here is a good explanation https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en/weld ... tter-works