This specification establishes the requirements for classification of carbon steel electrodes for shielded metal arc welding. The requirements include mechanical properties of weld metal, weld metal soundness, and usability of electrode. Requirements for composition of the weld metal, moisture content of low-hydrogen electrode coverings, standard sizes and lengths, marking, manufacturing, and packaging are all included. A guide to the use of the standard is included in an annex. Optional supplemental requirements include improved toughness and ductility, lower moisture contents, and diffusible hydrogen limits. This specification makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units (SI). Since these are not equivalent, each system must be used independently of the other.

Composition and other requirements are specified for more than forty classifications of covered stainless steel welding electrodes. The requirements include general requirements, testing, and packaging. Annex A provides application guidelines and other useful information about the electrodes. This specification makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units [SI]. Since these are not equivalent, each system must be used independently of the other.