CLAUSE 5. FABRICATION
1M:2015
5.3.2.1 Low-Hydrogen Electrode Storage Condi-
tions. All electrodes having low-hydrogen coverings con-
forming to AWS A5.1 and AWS A5.5 shall be purchased
in hermetically sealed containers or shall be baked by the
user in conformance with 5.3.2.4 prior to use. After open-
ing the hermetically sealed container, electrodes not im-
mediately issued for use shall be stored in ovens held at a
temperature of at least 250°F [120°C]. Electrodes shall
be rebaked no more than once. Electrodes that have been
wet shall not be used.
5.3.2.2 Approved Atmospheric Time Periods. After
hermetically sealed containers are opened or after elec-
trodes are removed from baking or storage ovens, the
electrode exposure to the atmosphere shall not exceed the
values shown in column A, Table 5.1, for the specific
electrode classification with optional supplemental desig-
nators, where applicable. Electrodes exposed to the atmo-
sphere for periods less than those allowed by column A,
Table 5.1 may be returned to a holding oven maintained
at 250°F [120°C] min.; after a minimum hold period of
four hours at 250°F [120°C] min. the electrodes may be
reissued.
5.3.2.3 Alternative Atmospheric Exposure Time
Periods Established by Tests. The alternative exposure
time values shown in column B in Table 5.1 may be used
provided testing establishes the maximum allowable time.
The testing shall be performed in conformance with AWS
A5.5 for each electrode classification and each electrode
manufacturer. Such tests shall establish that the maximum
moisture content values of AWS A5.5 are not exceeded.
Additionally, E70XX or E70XX-X (AWS A5.1 or A5.5)
low-hydrogen electrode coverings shall be limited to a
maximum moisture content not exceeding 0.4% by weight.
These electrodes shall not be used at relative humidity-
temperature combinations that exceed either the relative
humidity or moisture content in the air that prevailed
during the testing program.
For proper application of this subclause, see Annex F for
the temperature-moisture content chart and its examples.
The chart shown in Annex F, or any standard psychomet-
ric chart, shall be used in the determination of tempera-
ture-relative humidity limits.
5.3.2.4 Baking Electrodes. Electrodes exposed to
the atmosphere for periods greater than those allowed in
Table 5.1 shall be baked as follows:
(1) All electrodes having low-hydrogen coverings
conforming to AWS A5.1 shall be baked for at least two
hours between 500°F and 800°F [260°C and 430°C], or
(2) All electrodes having low-hydrogen coverings
conforming to AWS A5.5 shall be baked for at least one
166
AWS D1.1/D1.
hour at temperatures between 700°F and 800°F [370°C
and 430°C].
All electrodes shall be placed in a suitable oven at a tem-
perature not exceeding one half the final baking tempera-
ture for a minimum of one half hour prior to increasing
the oven temperature to the final baking temperature.
Final baking time shall start after the oven reaches final
baking temperature.
5.3.2.5 Low-Hydrogen Electrode Restrictions for
ASTM A514 or A517 Steels. When used for welding
ASTM A514 or A517 steels, low-hydrogen electrodes
shall meet the following requirements, as applicable:
(1) When welding with E90XX-X or higher tensile
strength electrodes, the electrode may be used without
baking, provided the electrode is furnished in hermeti-
cally sealed containers.
(2) When welding with E90XX-X or higher tensile
strength electrodes not furnished in hermetically sealed
containers, or when welding with E80XX-X or lower ten-
sile strength electrodes whether furnished in hermetically
sealed containers or otherwise, the electrodes shall be
baked for a minimum of one hour at temperatures be-
tween 700°F and 800°F [370°C and 430°C] before being
used, except as provided in (c).
(3) When welding with E7018M electrodes, or elec-
trodes with the optional H4R designator, the electrode
may be used without baking.
5.3.3 SAW Electrodes and Fluxes. SAW may be per-
formed with one or more single electrodes, one or more
parallel electrodes, or combinations of single and parallel
electrodes. The spacing between arcs shall be such that
the slag cover over the weld metal produced by a leading
arc does not cool sufficiently to prevent the proper weld
deposit of a following electrode. SAW with multiple
electrodes may be used for any groove or fillet weld pass.
5.3.3.1 Electrode-Flux Combination Require-
ments. The bare electrodes and flux used in combination
for SAW of steels shall conform to the requirements in
the latest edition of AWS A5.17, Specification for Car-
bon Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc
Welding, or to the requirements of the latest edition of
AWS A5.23, Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Elec-
trodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding.
5.3.3.2 Condition of Flux. Flux used for SAW shall
be dry and free of contamination from dirt, mill scale, or
other foreign material. All flux shall be purchased in
packages that can be stored, under normal conditions, for
at least six months without such storage affecting its
welding characteristics or weld properties. Flux from
damaged packages shall be discarded or shall be dried at