A consumable assembly for use in an arc welding apparatus is provided that includes a nozzle assembly having a nozzle body, an insulator disposed within the nozzle body, and a nozzle insert disposed within the insulator. The nozzle insert includes an internal gas diverter. A contact tip is disposed within the nozzle assembly and includes at least one aperture extending from an exterior portion to an internal cavity, an exit orifice, a distal end face, and an exterior surface extending between the at least one aperture and the distal end portion of the contact tip. The internal gas diverter directs a flow of shield gas exiting the at least one aperture along the exterior surface of the contact tip.