This specification prescribes requirements for the classification of carbon steel and low-alloy steel electrodes (both solid and composite) and fluxes for submerged arc welding. Multiple pass flux-electrode classifications include requirements for low-alloy weld metal composition. Two-run flux-electrode classifications, which are also permitted under this specification, have no requirements for weld metal composition. The multiple pass classification of flux-electrode combinations for carbon steel submerged arc welding is not within the scope of this specification but remains with AWS A5.17/A5.17M, Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding.

Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard and, therefore, are not fully addressed herein. Some safety and health information can be found in the nonmandatory Annex Clauses A5 and A10. Safety and health information is available from other sources, including, but not limited to, ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, and applicable federal and state regulations.

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 A5.23 uses U.S. Customary Units. The specification A5.23M 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 the sizing of electrodes or packaging or both under specification A5.23 or A5.23M.