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Step 1
Look at the welding classification code on the electrode. This may consist of a capital "E" (for electrode) followed by a hyphen and 4 or 5 digits. This format will cover the great majority of electrodes, although other variations do exist primarily to accommodate electrodes for specialized tasks or characteristics.
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Step 2
Examine the first 2 digits in a 4-digit code or 3 digits in a 5-digit code. This represents the minimum tensile strength of the weld produced by the electrode in thousands of pounds per square inch. This figure is rounded to the nearest 1,000 pounds and will require 3 digits when the tensile strength is at least 100,000 pounds per square inch.
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Step 3
Look at the third digit in a 4-digit code or fourth-digit in a 5-digit code. This indicates the position that may be used when welding with this electrode. A "1" indicates all positions may be used, a "2" is for horizontal and flat welding and a "4" is for vertical positions.
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Step 4
Study the last digit of the standard classification code. It represents a combination of characteristics including the power source (AC, DC or both), type of coating (low hydrogen, mineral, organic or rutile), type of arc (soft, medium or digging), penetration (light, medium or deep) and amount of iron powder in the coating.
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Step 5
Analyze the electrode code 6013, a common electrode used in many general purpose applications. This is a 4-digit code so the first 2 digits (60) indicate a minimum tensile strength of 60,000 pounds per square inch. The "1" in the third position means this electrode is suitable for all welding positions. Referring to an electrode classification chart, we see that a "3" in the last position means the electrode may be used with any power source, has a rutile coating (titanium dioxide), a soft arc with light penetration and a coating consisting of up to 10 percent iron powder.
