AWS Certified Welding Inspector — FundamentalsInspector Duties and ResponsibilitiesMedium
A CWI is reviewing welder qualification records for a project requiring welding to AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel. The records indicate a welder is qualified for SMAW in the 3G position. The current job involves welding a fillet weld in the 2F position. Is the welder qualified for this task according to AWS D1.1?
- ANo, because 3G qualification only covers groove welds, not fillet welds.
- BNo, because a separate qualification for fillet welds is always required, regardless of groove weld qualification.
- CYes, but only if the electrode used for the 3G qualification is the same as that specified for the 2F fillet weld.
- DYes, because a 3G qualification for groove welds also qualifies for all fillet welds in the flat (1F), horizontal (2F), and vertical (3F) positions.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Yes, because a 3G qualification for groove welds also qualifies for all fillet welds in the flat (1F), horizontal (2F), and vertical (3F) positions.
According to AWS D1.1, a welder qualified for groove welds in a specific position (e.g., 3G) is also qualified for certain fillet weld positions. Specifically, 3G (vertical groove) qualifies for 1F (flat fillet), 2F (horizontal fillet), and 3F (vertical fillet), along with 1G, 2G, and 3G groove welds.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; groove weld qualifications do provide qualification for certain fillet weld positions.
- B. This is incorrect; separate fillet weld qualifications are not always required if groove weld qualifications meet the criteria.
- C. While electrode type is important, the primary qualification for position is covered by the 3G test, and the statement about 'only if the electrode is the same' is too restrictive and not the primary rule for positional qualification.
AWS D1.1 Welder Qualification
AWS D1.1 specifies the range of qualification for welders based on the type and position of the test weld performed.
- Groove weld qualifications often cover certain fillet weld positions.
- A 3G qualification covers 1F, 2F, and 3F fillet welds.
- Qualification ranges depend on the specific test position and joint type.
Memory trick: Groove welds are the 'G'ateway to many 'F'illet positions.