This document specifies requirements for classification of solid wire electrodes, tubular cored electrodes, and electrode-flux combinations (the all-weld metal deposits) in the as-welded condition and in the post-weld heat-treated condition for submerged arc welding of high strength steels with a minimum yield strength greater than 500 MPa or a minimum tensile strength greater than 570 MPa. One flux can be tested and classified with different electrodes. One electrode can be tested and classified with different fluxes. The solid wire electrode is also classified separately based on its chemical composition.

This document is a combined specification providing for classification utilizing a system based on the yield strength and average impact energy of 47 J for the all-weld metal, or utilizing a system based on the tensile strength and average impact energy of 27 J for the all-weld metal.

For comparison purposes, some tables include requirements for electrodes classified in accordance with both systems, placing individual electrodes from the two systems, which are similar in composition and properties, on adjacent lines in the particular table. In a particular line of the table that is mandatory in one system, the symbol for the similar electrode from the other system is indicated in parentheses. By appropriate restriction of the formulation of a particular electrode, it is often, but not always, possible to produce an electrode that can be classified in both systems, in which case the electrode, or its packaging, can be marked with the classification in either or both systems.

For system B only, electrode flux combinations for the single-run and two-run techniques are classified on the basis of the two-run technique.