What should you do if the electrode freezes to the work during welding?

When an electrode freezes to the workpiece during welding, the safest and most responsible action is to turn the welding machine off immediately. This step ensures that you eliminate the potential for further electrical hazards and unintended consequences that could arise if the machine remained operational while attempting to free the electrode.

Turning off the welding machine prevents accidental burns or electrical shocks that could occur from trying to manipulate the electrode while it is still energized. Additionally, it allows for a safe environment to assess the situation and properly address the issue without the risks associated with active welding conditions.

While other options might seem feasible, they could lead to increased risk. For instance, continuing to weld or manually loosening the electrode could exacerbate the situation, leading to damage to the workpiece, injury, or even equipment malfunction. Cooling down the electrode might help in some situations, but it does not address the immediate danger posed by an energized welding machine. Thus, turning off the machine is the most prudent course of action.