A power circuit, in certain embodiments, includes an inductor to limit current through a capacitor, wherein the capacitor is configured to smooth ripple for a constant voltage welding system. More specifically, the power circuit may include a rectifier configured to convert AC power to DC power. The rectifier may be coupled to a DC bus configured to transmit the DC power. A capacitive circuit having the capacitor may be coupled across the DC bus to smooth ripple in the DC power. The inductor, e.g., coupled between the DC bus and the capacitive circuit, limits the rate of current flow between the capacitive circuit and the DC bus during a welding operation, thereby reducing heating in the output capacitive circuit. A further inductor may be coupled to one side of the DC bus to stabilize the rate of current flow from the power circuit to a load.