This specification prescribes requirements for the classification of carbon steel electrodes (solid, composite stranded, and composite metal cored) and rods (solid) for gas metal arc (GMAW), gas tungsten arc (GTAW), and plasma arc (PAW) welding. Rod is understood to include both cut lengths and spooled wires for GTAW or PAW.

This specification makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units (SI). The measurements are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other without combining in any way when referring to weld metal properties. The specification with the designation A5.18 uses U.S. Customary Units. The specification A5.18M uses SI Units. The latter are shown within brackets [ ] or in appropriate columns in tables and figures. Standard dimensions based on either system may be used for sizing of electrodes or packaging or both under the A5.18 or A5.18M specifications.

Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard; some safety and health information is provided, but such issues are not fully addressed herein. Some safety and health information can be found in Annex Clauses A5 and A10.

Safety and Health information is available from the following sources:

American Welding Society:

(1) ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes

(2) AWS Safety and Health Fact Sheets

(3) Other safety and health information on AWS website

Material or Equipment Manufacturers:

(1) Safety Data Sheets supplied by materials manufacturers

(2) Operating Manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers

(3) Applicable federal and state regulations

Work performed in accordance with this standard may involve the use of materials that have been deemed hazardous, and may involve operations or equipment that may cause injury or death. This standard does not purport to address all safety and health risks that may be encountered. The user of this standard should establish an appropriate safety program to address such risks as well as to meet applicable regulatory requirements. ANSI Z49.1 should be considered when developing the safety program.