Project welding specification specifies various requirements for welding electrodes used in welding of piping systems. Here are typical requirements for welding electrodes.

1. Welding electrodes should have approval of the client.
2. The welding electrodes and filler wires shall conform to the class specified in the Welding Specification Chart.
3. The materials shall be of the make approved by the Engineer-in-Charge.
4. Electrode qualification test records should be submitted as provided by client in respect of the electrodes tested by the Contractor, for obtaining the approval of the Engineer­ in-Charge.
5. The Welding contractor shall submit batch test certificates, from the electrode manufacturers, giving details of physical and chemical tests carried out by the manufacturer, for each batch of electrodes to be used.
6. All electrodes shall be purchased in sealed containers and stored properly to prevent deterioration.
7. The electrodes removed from the containers shall be kept in holding ovens at temperatures recommended by the electrode manufacturer.
8. “Out of the oven time” or electrodes, before they are consumed, shall not exceed the limits recommended by the electrode manufacturer.
9. The electrodes shall be handled with care to avoid any damage to the flux covering.
10. All low hydrogen type of electrodes shall be rebaked at 350°C for 1 hour minimum and stored in ovens kept at 80-100°C before use. Recommendations of the electrode manufacturer shall be followed, if available.
11. The electrodes, filler wires and flux used shall be free from rust, oil, grease, earth and other foreign matter which affect the quality of welding.
12. Tungsten electrodes used shall conform to ASME Sec.II C SFA 5.12 specification.
13. Thoriated Tungsten electrodes shall not be permitted due to possible radiation hazard. Instead, ceriated Tungsten Electrodes (EWCe-2 or equivalent) shall be used for GTA Welding.