This document describes the recommended practices of plasma arc cutting and gouging. It provides a brief history of its application process development and provides a general description of components used for the process@ controls@ power supplies@ and process consumables. The types of cutting machines and the related control systems are described@ along with associated pollution and hazard control methods. Methods of optimizing cut quality and economics associated with the process are discussed. Safety and health aspects associated with the plasma arc cutting and gouging process are discussed.These recommended practices@ prepared by the AWS C5J Subcommittee on Plasma Arc Cutting of the AWS Committee on Arc Welding and Cutting@ are intended to guide plasma arc operators and supervisors in the use of plasma arc cutting and gouging equipment. These recommended practices are not intended to take the place of sound engineering principles and should be supplemented with the equipment manufacturers operation and safety instructions.This standard makes use of the U.S. Customary Units. Approximate mathematical equivalents in the International System of Units (SI) are provided for comparison in parentheses ( ) or in appropriate columns in tables and figures.