This document specifies requirements for classification of wire electrodes and weld deposits in the as-welded condition and in the post-weld heat-treated condition for gas shielded metal arc welding of non alloy and fine grain steels with a minimum yield strength of up to 500 MPa or a minimum tensile strength of up to 570 MPa. One wire electrode can be tested and classified with different shielding gases.

This document constitutes a combined specification providing classification utilizing a system based upon the yield strength and the average impact energy of 47 J of all-weld metal, or utilizing a system based upon the tensile strength and the average impact energy of 27 J of all-weld metal.

a) Clauses and tables which carry the suffix letter "A" are applicable only to wire electrodes classified to the system based on the yield strength and the average impact energy of 47 J of all-weld metal in accordance with this document.

b) Clauses and tables which carry the suffix letter "B" are applicable only to wire electrodes classified to the system based on the tensile strength and the average impact energy of 27 J of all-weld metal in accordance with this document.

c) Clauses and tables which have neither the suffix letter "A" nor the suffix letter "B" are applicable to all wire electrodes classified in accordance with this document.