This specification prescribes requirements for the classification of low-alloy steel electrodes for shielded metal arc welding of carbon and low-alloy steels. These electrodes include steel alloys in which no single alloying element exceeds 10.5 percent.

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 Informative 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 material properties. The specification designated A5.5 uses U.S. Customary Units; and the specification designated A5.5M uses SI Units. The latter units are shown within brackets [ ] or in appropriate columns in tables and figures. Standard dimensions based on either system may be used for sizing of filler metal or packaging or both under A5.5 or A5.5M specification.