This specification prescribes requirements for the classification of low-alloy steel electrodes (both solid and composite) and fluxes for submerged arc welding.

This document is the first of the A5.23 specifications which is a combined specification providing for classification utilizing a system based upon U.S. Customary Units, or utilizing a system based upon the International System of Units (SI). The measurements are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other, without combining values in any way. In selecting rational metric units, ANSI/AWA A1.1, Metric Practice Guide for the Welding Industry, is used where suitable. Tables and Figures make use of both U.S. Customary Units and SI Units which, with the application of the specified tolerances, provides for interchangeability of products in both U.S. Customary and SI Units.

(1) Paragraphs, tables, and figures which carry the suffix letter "U" are applicable only to those products classified to the system based upon U. S. Customary Units under the A5.23 specification.

(2) Paragraphs, tables, and figures which carry the suffix letter "M" are applicable only to those products classified to the system based upon the International System of Units (SI), under the A5.23M specification.

(3) Paragraphs, tables, and figures which do not have either the suffix letter "U" or the suffix letter "M" are applicable to those products classified under either the U.S. Customary Units System or the International System of Units (SI).