This document specifies requirements for classification of wire electrodes, wires and rods for gas shielded metal arc welding and tungsten inert-gas welding of creep-resisting steels, and for their deposits in the as-welded or post-weld heat-treated condition. One wire electrode can be tested and classified with different shielding gases.

This document is a combined specification providing for classification utilizing a system based upon the chemical composition of wire electrodes, wires and rods with requirements for yield strength and average impact energy of 47 J of all-weld metal, or utilizing a system based upon the tensile strength of the all-weld metal deposits and the chemical composition of wire electrodes, wires and rods.

a)       Clauses, subclauses and tables which carry the suffix “system A” are applicable only to wire electrodes, wires, rods and deposits classified in accordance with the system based upon the chemical composition with requirements for yield strength and the average impact energy of 47 J of all-weld metal deposits under this document.

b)       Clauses, subclauses and tables which carry the suffix “system B” are applicable only to wire electrodes, wires, rods and deposits classified in accordance with the system based upon the tensile strength of all‑weld metal deposits and the chemical composition of wire electrodes, wires and rods under this document.

c)        Clauses, subclauses and tables which do not have either the suffix “system A” or the “system B” are applicable to all wire electrodes, wires, rods and deposits classified under this document.