Abstract: A control circuit for an electric arc welder is responsive to the operation of a torch or gun mounted control switch. A first comparator has one input connected to the gun switch and the other input to a reference voltage source. When the gun switch is closed, the output of the comparator will cause a control relay to be energized. When a welding arc is established, a reed switch closes and provides an input to a second comparator which effectively provides a latch to hold the control relay energized. After a predetermined time delay, typically in the order of 1 second, a timer circuit will provide an output to one input of a third comparator, the other input of which is connected to the gun switch. A subsequent closure of the gun switch will caused the output of the third comparator to change the level of the reference voltage, changing the outputs of the first two comparators, thereby removing the latch and deenergizing the control relay.