Covered Electrode Classification — EN ISO 2560 and AWS A5.1
Introduction
Covered electrodes (stick electrodes) are the consumable for the SMAW/MMA process (111). They consist of a metal core wire surrounded by a flux coating that provides electrical, metallurgical and protective functions.
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Coating Types
Rutile (R)
Very stable arc, easy striking, easy-to-remove slag, good bead appearance. General purpose. All positions including vertical down. Limitation: Lower mechanical properties than basic.
Basic (B)
High mechanical quality, excellent impact toughness, low diffusible hydrogen. Fatigue structures, pressure equipment, offshore, nuclear. Must be baked (350°C, 2h). Limitation: Less stable arc, requires more skill.
Cellulosic (C)
Deep penetration, little slag, fast progression. Pipeline welding vertical down. Limitation: High hydrogen, rough finish.
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EN ISO 2560 Classification
Example: E 46 3 B 4 2 H5
| Position | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| E | E | Covered electrode |
| 46 | 46 | Min. yield strength (460 MPa) |
| 3 | 3 | Charpy temperature (-30°C) |
| B | B | Coating type (basic) |
| 4 | 4 | Positions |
| 2 | 2 | Efficiency and current |
| H5 | H5 | Hydrogen (≤5 ml/100g) |
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AWS A5.1 Classification
Example: E 70 1 8
| Position | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| E | E | Covered electrode |
| 70 | 70 | Tensile strength (70 ksi ≈ 480 MPa) |
| 1 | 1 | Positions (1 = all) |
| 8 | 8 | Coating type and current (basic + iron powder) |
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Common Equivalences
| Application | EN ISO 2560 | AWS A5.1 | Coating |
|---|---|---|---|
| General purpose | E 42 0 RC 11 | E 6013 | Rutile |
| High quality | E 42 4 B 42 H5 | E 7018 | Basic |
| Pipeline vert. down | E 35 2 C 25 | E 6010 | Cellulosic |
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Practical Selection
Simple rule: General fabrication → Rutile (E6013) · Impact-rated structures → Basic (E7018) · Pipeline → Cellulosic (E6010)
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*Article based on EN ISO 2560, AWS A5.1/A5.5. Published on WeldFC Academy.*