stickout of a welding electrode wire from a welding torch is determined during welding , and based upon a welding parameter , such as welding current . different relationships are used for the determination depending upon whether the welding wire is in a short - circuit condition or an arc condition . the stickout may be converted to a standardized unit of measure to make it readily understandable to an operator . the stickout may be logged and associated with other parameters and information , such as workpiece , operator , welding system , date and time . the stickout may be used as the basis for an alarm or a disabling operation . moreover , the stickout may be provided on a readout for the operator . it may also be used as a basis for controlling a wire feeding apparatus that retracts the welding wire to a desired stickout following a weld .