Abstract: An EP output voltage to be outputted during a period of EP polarity is set so that a welding current becomes equal to or lower than a critical current level, and an EN output voltage to be outputted during a period of EN polarity is set at a level lower than the EP output voltage. This makes it possible to substantially equalize a wire melting rate in the period of EN polarity and that in the period of EP polarity with each other. Even at such a short arc length as causing frequent short circuiting, gas-shielded AC arc welding making use of a consumable wire can be still performed stably so that high wire melting rate, shallow penetration, convex weld reinforcement and the like, which are characteristic features of AC welding, can each be set selectively at a desired level or in a desired shape depending on the application.