456A Welding Symbols

Question 1

On a welding symbol, what does the arrow side versus the other side indicate?

Accepted Answer

The arrow side refers to the joint surface the arrow points to; the other side refers to the opposite surface of the joint

Answer

In CSA W59 and AWS A2.4 welding symbol conventions, the arrow side is the joint surface that the arrow physically points to. The other side is the opposite surface of the same joint. Weld symbols placed below the reference line indicate arrow-side welds; symbols above the reference line indicate other-side welds.

Question 2

What does a fillet weld symbol look like on a welding drawing?

Accepted Answer

A right triangle placed on the reference line with the vertical leg always on the left

Answer

The fillet weld symbol is a right triangle with the perpendicular (vertical) leg always on the left side, regardless of the weld orientation. The leg size is written to the left of the symbol. This is the most commonly used welding symbol in structural and general fabrication.

Question 3

What does a circle at the intersection of the reference line and arrow indicate on a welding symbol?

Accepted Answer

The weld must go all around the joint (weld-all-around)

Answer

A circle placed at the junction where the arrow meets the reference line indicates a weld-all-around symbol, meaning the weld must be applied continuously around the entire joint. This is common for pipe connections, circular attachments, and perimeter welds on structural connections.

Question 4

What does a flag (triangle) at the intersection of the reference line and arrow indicate?

Accepted Answer

The weld is to be made in the field (on site) rather than in the shop

Answer

A flag (small filled or open triangle) at the junction of the arrow and reference line indicates a field weld — one that must be performed at the construction site rather than in the fabrication shop. This is critical information for planning, as field welds may require different procedures and inspection.

Question 5

On a groove weld symbol, what do the numbers inside and outside the weld symbol indicate?

Accepted Answer

The number inside the groove symbol indicates the groove angle; the number to the left indicates the depth of groove or weld size

Answer

For groove weld symbols, the number inside the V or U shape indicates the included groove angle in degrees. The number to the left of the symbol indicates the depth of groove preparation or the effective weld size. Additional dimensions like root opening and root face appear in parentheses or between the symbol and reference line.

Red Seal Welder 456A Practice Test

Red Seal Welder 456A Practice Test

456A Welding Symbols