What Do the Numbers on a Welding Rod Mean?

Welding rod numbers allow fabricators to choose the right rod for the job.

Welding rods are used to add material to a weld. Each welding rod has a number assigned to it that designates its material, purpose, coating and other variables.

Welding Rod Standards

The numbers on a welding rod are based on standards incorporated by the American Welding Society. This standardization provides a common system for welders to use the right rod for the right application.

Prefix

Many welding rods begin with a prefix with the letter "E." This indicates the welding rod can be used as an electrode for arc welding.

Tensile Strength

After the prefix, the welding rod will have a four- or five-digit number. The first two digits (or three digits if the number has a total of five digits) represent the minimum tensile strength of the rod material.

Welding Position

The second to last number represents what position the welding rod can be used in. One represents all welding applications, 2 represents horizontal or flat applications, and 3 represents flat applications only.

Coating and Current Type

The last two digits taken together tell the welder what type of coating is on the welding rod, and the type of current that can be used with the welding rod for arc welding.

References

• Metal Web News