Electrode code…. explained

Ever notice the letters and numbers on your stick welding electrode ??? What the heck are all the different numbers and which one do you choose and when well it’s not just a random set of numbers we have common electrodes such as E7018 , E6010, E6013, E7024 and we have some specialty rods like ER308L-16,E4043, Nirod-55etc now what do these codes mean well the common Electrodes can be deciphered by using this key

E': Indicates an arc welding electrode.

First two numbers (e.g., 60, 70): Denote the minimum tensile strength x thousand PSI (e.g., '70' in E7018 is for 70,000 psi tensile strength (tensile strength is material's ability to withstand pulling forces before breaking. It is a measure of the maximum stress a material can handle when stretched or pulled)
Third digit: Indicates the welding position for which the rod is suitable (e.g., '1' for all positions, '2' for flat and horizontal, '4' for flat only).
Last digit (e.g. 8): Represents the type of flux coating and the type of welding current (AC, DC, or both) it can be used with. I’ll post a chart that breaks down the flux makeups and their corresponding numbers if you guys want to check it out
So E is for electrode first two #’s are tensile strength x 1000 third # is positions that rod can be used in and last # tells the flux makeup ON COMMON ELECTRODES
Additional suffixes for specialty rods

'H' (e.g., H4, H8, H16): Indicates the hydrogen content for low-hydrogen electrodes, which helps minimize cracking in the weld.
'R' (e.g., H4R): Denotes moisture resistance, meaning the electrode can be exposed to the atmosphere for a longer time before it needs to be put in a rod oven.
'-1': Signifies improved impact strength or toughness.
'-W': Used for electrodes designed for weathered steel.
'-A', '-B', '-C', or '-D': Indicates the addition and amount of specific alloys to the steel.

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