Which set of welding positions are the four basic welding positions commonly specified in codes?

• A. Inclined, Vertical, Flat, Dome.
• B. Horizontal, Vertical, Flat, Overhead.
• C. Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead.
• D. Planar, Lateral, Upward, Downward.

Answer: (C)

The set of basic welding positions commonly specified in codes is flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. These four cover the main orientations a weld can take in practice and are used in qualification tests to ensure a welder can handle different gravity effects, access, and heat control. The flat position is easiest because gravity helps the molten filler metal settle; overhead is the most challenging due to gravity pulling the weld away from the joint and limited accessibility; horizontal and vertical represent intermediate but distinct challenges in maintaining bead shape and proper deposition. Other terms like dome, planar, lateral, upward, or downward aren’t the standard base positions used by codes, so they don’t represent the four basic positions.