The thorium tungsten electrode contains thorium oxide (Th02 or thorium oxide), which is the most common tungsten electrode in the United States and has become a standard for judging other tungsten electrodes. However, because of the low level of radioactive hazards in this tungsten electrode, many users have switched to alternative options. In general, 2% thorium tungsten electrode is a good tungsten electrode with the lowest escape power, which works well even under overload voltage. The performance of thorium tungsten electrode is superior to that of pure tungsten electrode in many ways. Thorium oxide provides a current carrying capacity, which is about twenty percent higher than pure tungsten. It has a longer service life and helps to prevent pollution at the time of welding. The use of thorium tungsten electrodes makes arcing easier and the arc more stable than the pure tungsten electrode or the zirconium tungsten electrode. Thorium tungsten electrodes 1% (EWTh - 1) and thorium tungsten electrodes 2% (EWTh - 2) can be used for DCEN. They maintain sharp points in the process of welding so that they can be used to weld steel tubes, usually without direct current, because it is difficult to keep the tip of the weld spherical without cracking, which is necessary for direct current.

Thorium tungsten electrodes are commonly used in DC negative electrodes, or carbon, stainless steel, nickel alloys, titanium alloys and other positive electrodes. The operation performance of them is good, even in the current overload, it also can work well.

Thorium tungsten electrodes are commonly used in the carbon and stainless steel fields. Compared with the thorium tungsten electrode with 1% thorium oxide content, the thorium tungsten electrode with 2% thorium oxide content can improve the operation performance easier. The use of thorium tungsten electrodes for AC welding is faster and should be used carefully so that direct current welding is performed prior to AC welding. In alternating current welding, the ball does not melt, so the effect is not as good as the liquid ball.

The thorium tungsten electrode is usually used in the field of direct current welding, while pure tungsten electrodes are used for AC welding. During the welding process, the staff shall read the instructions on the use of thorium tungsten electrodes carefully.