Basic Guide of ARC Welding Electrodes
INTRODUCTION
ELECTRODE IDENTIFICATION
The electrode is 1/8″ in diameter
The “E” stands for arc welding electrode.
Next will be either a 4 or 5 digit number stamped on the electrode. The first two numbers of a 4 digit number and the first 3 digits of a 5 digit number indicate the minimum tensile strength (in thousands of pounds per square inch) of the weld that the rod will produce, stress relieved. Examples would be as follows:
E60xx would have a tensile strength of 60,000 psi E110XX would be 110,000 psi
The next to last digit indicates the position the electrode can be used in.
- EXX1X is for use in all positions
- EXX2X is for use in flat and horizontal positions
- EXX3X is for flat welding
The last two digits together, indicate the type of coating on the electrode and the welding current the electrode can be used with. Such as DC straight, (DC -) DC reverse (DC+) or A.C.
I won’t describe the type of coatings of the various electrodes, but will give examples of the type current each will work with.
ELECTRODES AND CURRENTS USED
- EXX10 DC+ (DC reverse or DCRP) electrode positive.
- EXX11 AC or DC- (DC straight or DCSP) electrode negative.
- EXX12 AC or DC-
- EXX13 AC, DC- or DC+
- EXX14 AC, DC- or DC+
- EXX15 DC+
- EXX16 AC or DC+
- EXX18 AC, DC- or DC+
- EXX20 AC ,DC- or DC+
- EXX24 AC, DC- or DC+
- EXX27 AC, DC- or DC+
- EXX28 AC or DC+
CURRENT TYPES
Ac current changes it’s polarity 120 times a second by itself and can not be changed as can DC current.
ELECTRODE SIZE AND AMPS USED
Electrode Table |
|||
ELECTRODE DIAMETER (THICKNESS) |
AMP RANGE |
PLATE |
|
1/16″ |
20 – 40 |
UP TO 3/16″ |
|
3/32″ |
40 – 125 |
UP TO 1/4″ |
|
1/8 |
75 – 185 |
OVER 1/8″ |
|
5/32″ |
105 – 250 |
OVER 1/4″ |
|
3/16″ |
140 – 305 |
OVER 3/8″ |
|
1/4″ |
210 – 430 |
OVER 3/8″ |
|
5/16″ |
275 – 450 |
OVER 1/2″ |
Note! The thicker the material to be welded, the higher the current needed and the larger the electrode needed.
SOME ELECTRODE TYPES
E6010 This electrode is used for all position welding using DCRP. It produces a deep penetrating weld and works well on dirty, rusted, or painted metals
E6011 This electrode has the same characteristics of the E6010, but can be used with AC and DC currents.
E6013 This electrode can be used with AC and DC currents. It produces a medium penetrating weld with a superior weld bead appearance.
E7018 This electrode is known as a low hydrogen electrode and can be used with AC or DC. The coating on the electrode has a low moisture content that reduces the introduction of hydrogen into the weld. The electrode can produce welds of x-ray quality with medium penetration. (Note, this electrode must be kept dry. If it gets wet, it must be dried in a rod oven before use.)
It is hoped that this basic information will help the new or home shop welder identify the various types of electrodes and select the correct one for their welding projects.
Author: Bruce Bauerlein