AWS A5.1 / ASME SFA-5.1 · Stick electrode (SMAW / MMA)

E7016 Low-Hydrogen Welding Electrodes

Q: What is the difference between E7016 and E7018?

Iron powder in the coating. Both are basic low-hydrogen electrodes in the 70 ksi class. E7018 has iron powder, which raises deposition rate and gives a smoother arc and a larger pool. E7016 has none, so it deposits more slowly but gives a smaller, more fluid, more controllable pool — which is exactly what a root run needs. Many pipeline procedures use E7016 for the root and E7018 for the fill.

Q: What does E7016 mean?

E is a covered stick electrode; 70 is the minimum tensile strength of the weld metal in thousands of psi, so 70,000 psi or 490 MPa; 1 means all-position welding; and 6 means a low-hydrogen coating without iron powder, usable on AC and DC. A -1 suffix adds a tougher impact requirement of 27 J at −46 °C.

Q: Which electrode is used for pipeline root runs?

E7016-1 grades are commonly specified. OK 53.70 is described by ESAB for one-sided welding of transmission pipelines in steels up to API 5LX56, and for the root run in higher-strength pipe at API 5LX60, 5LX65 and 5LX70, with good root penetration, a flat inside bead and easily removable slag. Cellulosic E6010 and E7010 grades are the alternative tradition on cross-country pipeline.

Q: Is E7016 low hydrogen?

Yes, it is a basic low-hydrogen class — but the level varies within it. In the ESAB range OK 53.68 is under 4.0 ml/100 g, OK 53.70 under 5.0 ml, and OK 53.05 is classified H10. Where a procedure sets a hydrogen limit, which pipeline and high-strength procedures usually do, that is a selection criterion between grades rather than something the class alone settles.

Q: Should E7016 be welded on DC positive or negative?

It depends on the grade. Most basic electrodes run DC positive, but ESAB states that DC negative is preferred for OK 53.68 because it produces a small, easily controlled weld pool — the property a root run needs. That grade also runs on AC and DC positive. Check the grade rather than applying a general rule.

Q: What temperature are E7016 electrodes re-dried at?

ESAB lists OK 53.05, OK 53.16 Spezial, OK 53.68 and OK 53.70 in the 350 °C group, held for two hours, with the temperature measured in the bulk of the electrodes rather than as an oven setting. Electrodes from an intact VacPac need no re-drying before use. Re-drying is recommended up to a maximum of three times.

Q: Can E7016 run on a small welding machine?

OK 53.16 Spezial is the grade for that. It is double-coated to combine rutile running characteristics with basic mechanical properties, and ESAB states the double coating enables it to be used with small transformers at low open-circuit voltage — 50 V. Other basic electrodes generally want more.

Q: Who supplies E7016 electrodes in Abu Dhabi?

POFIS supplies the full ESAB OK low-hydrogen electrode range from Abu Dhabi across the UAE and the wider GCC, as an ESAB Authorized Distributor and Service Centre, approved ADNOC vendor and ISO 9001 certified supplier. Send the pipe grade, the hydrogen limit and the impact requirement and we will confirm the electrode against the procedure. Email weldiv@pofis.ae.

E7016 is a basic low-hydrogen stick electrode classified to AWS A5.1 for welding carbon and carbon-manganese steel, depositing weld metal with a minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi (490 MPa) and sharing the low-hydrogen coating of E7018 without its iron powder, which gives a more fluid and controllable weld pool at a lower deposition rate — the reason it is specified for pipeline root runs and positional work.

Carbon and carbon-manganese steel, pipeline root runs
Stick electrode (SMAW / MMA)
EN ISO 2560-A
4 ESAB grades

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Price on request. POFIS is an ESAB Authorized Distributor & Service Centre in Abu Dhabi — quotations include confirmed lead time and delivery terms.

The designation

What E7016 / E7016-1 means

E: A covered electrode for shielded metal arc welding — stick or MMA welding.
70: Minimum tensile strength of the deposited weld metal in thousands of pounds per square inch — 70,000 psi, which is 490 MPa. The same strength class as E7018.
1: Welds in all positions: flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead.
6: A low-hydrogen potassium coating without iron powder, usable on AC and DC. The 6 against E7018's 8 is the whole difference between the two classes: same basic coating, same strength, no iron powder.
-1: An optional suffix requiring a more demanding impact value — 27 J at −46 °C instead of −29 °C. In this range OK 53.68 and OK 53.70 are the -1 grades, and both are pipeline electrodes.
H4 / H5 / H10: Diffusible hydrogen in ml per 100 g of deposited weld metal. The range here spans H4 to H10 — OK 53.68 is under 4.0 ml and OK 53.05 is classified H10 — so hydrogen level is a selection criterion within the class, not a constant.

Reading the E7016 / E7016-1 designation, left to right.

How it behaves

E7016 / E7016-1 in practice

E7016 against E7018: the iron powder is the difference

Both are basic low-hydrogen electrodes in the 70 ksi class. E7018 adds iron powder to the coating, which raises deposition rate and makes the arc smoother and the pool larger. E7016 has none, so it deposits more slowly and gives a smaller, more fluid, more controllable pool. On a fill pass that is a disadvantage; on a root run, where the welder is controlling penetration through a gap and needs to see what the pool is doing, it is exactly what is wanted. That is why pipeline procedures that use E7018 for fill frequently specify E7016 for the root.

Why pipeline work dominates this class

Two of the four ESAB grades here are built for one-sided pipe welding. OK 53.70 is described for transmission pipelines in steels up to API 5LX56, and for the root run in higher-strength pipe at API 5LX60, 5LX65 and 5LX70. The requirements are specific: good root penetration, a flat bead on the inside, slag that lifts cleanly from a position the welder cannot see, and a stable arc in every position around the circumference. A general-purpose electrode does not do those things well.

Polarity is a real variable here

Most basic electrodes run DC positive. OK 53.68 is unusual in that ESAB states DC negative is preferred, because it produces a small, easily controlled weld pool — which is the property a root run needs. It also runs on AC and DC positive. Getting polarity wrong on this grade does not stop it working, but it gives away the control the electrode was chosen for.

Hydrogen levels vary across the class

E7016 is a low-hydrogen class, but "low" spans a factor of two and a half within this range. OK 53.68 is H5 with under 4.0 ml/100 g measured, OK 53.70 is H5 with under 5.0 ml, and OK 53.05 is classified H10. Where a procedure sets a hydrogen limit — and pipeline and high-strength procedures usually do — that is a selection criterion between grades, not something the AWS class alone settles.

The toughness on offer is genuinely high

The -1 grades here are tough by any standard: OK 53.68 gives 150 J at −45 °C and 140 J at −50 °C, and OK 53.70 gives 100 J at −50 °C. Those are figures that comfortably exceed most E7018 grades in the same catalogue, which is a reason to consider E7016 even where deposition rate would favour E7018. ESAB attributes it to an extra low content of impurities in the deposit.

What POFIS supplies

ESAB E7016 / E7016-1 grades

Every grade below carries the E7016 / E7016-1 classification, which is why a WPS naming E7016 / E7016-1 can be satisfied by any of them. They are not interchangeable in practice — the differences in current type, hydrogen level and impact toughness are what decide which one belongs on your job. Figures are the manufacturer's typical as-welded values.

**E7016 / E7016-1 grades supplied by POFIS** — typical as-welded properties. Blank cells are values the manufacturer does not publish for that grade, not zeros.
Grade	Classification	Current	Diffusible H₂	Yield	Tensile	Impact (lowest published)
OK 53.70 POFIS recommends	E7016-1 (AWS A5.1) E 42 5 B 12 H5	AC, DC+(-)	< 5.0 ml/100g	440 MPa	530 MPa	100 J at −50 °C
OK 53.68	E7016-1 H4 R (AWS A5.1) E 42 5 B 12 H5	AC, DC+(-)	< 4.0 ml/100g	470 MPa	550 MPa	140 J at −50 °C
OK 53.05	E7016 (AWS A5.1) E 42 4 B 22 H10	DC+(-)	—	470 MPa	540 MPa	80 J at −40 °C
OK 53.16 Spezial	E7016 (AWS A5.1) E 38 2B 32 H10	AC, DC+(-)	—	450 MPa	530 MPa	—

OK 53.70 E7016-1 (AWS A5.1)

The pipeline root electrode: one-sided welding with good root penetration, a flat inside bead and easily removable slag. Named for transmission pipelines to API 5LX56 and root runs in API 5LX60, 5LX65 and 5LX70. Widest diameter range here.

Diameters: 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm
Alloy type: Carbon Manganese
Type: Basic covering
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-21

OK 53.68 E7016-1 H4 R (AWS A5.1)

The toughest deposit on this page — 150 J at −45 °C and 140 J at −50 °C — with an extra low content of impurities and under 4.0 ml/100 g hydrogen. Built for on-site welding. DC negative is preferred, giving a small easily controlled pool.

Diameters: 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm
Alloy type: Carbon Manganese
Type: Basic covering, LMA
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-20

OK 53.05 E7016 (AWS A5.1)

Double-coated, with especially good running characteristics and very good mechanical properties. Note the H10 classification rather than H5 — check it against any hydrogen limit in the procedure.

Diameters: 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm
Alloy type: Carbon Manganese
Type: Basic covering, double coated
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-18

OK 53.16 Spezial E7016 (AWS A5.1)

Double-coated to combine the running characteristics of a rutile electrode with the mechanical properties of a basic one, and usable with small transformers at 50 V open-circuit voltage. Holds ABS, BV and CE approvals.

Diameters: 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm
Alloy type: Carbon Manganese
Type: Basic covering, double coated, min 50 V OCV
Approvals: ABS · BV · CE
Source: ESAB Filler Metal Handbook, page 1-19

Diameters are listed from the manufacturer's deposition data. Ordering part numbers and pack sizes are confirmed with your quotation — send the grade and diameters you need to weldiv@pofis.ae.

Specifying

Which E7016 / E7016-1 grade to specify

For pipeline root runs

OK 53.70 is the grade: low-hydrogen AC/DC for one-sided welding of pipes and general structures, with good root penetration leaving a flat bead and easily removable slag. ESAB names transmission pipelines up to API 5LX56 and root runs in API 5LX60, 5LX65 and 5LX70. The widest diameter range here at 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm, 100 J at −50 °C.

For site work and the toughest deposit

OK 53.68 is the LMA grade for on-site welding, with an extra low content of impurities and the best impact values on this page — 150 J at −45 °C and 140 J at −50 °C — at under 4.0 ml/100 g diffusible hydrogen. ESAB notes that DC negative is preferred, producing a small easily controlled pool, though it runs on AC and DC positive too.

For general low-hydrogen work on a small machine

OK 53.16 Spezial is double-coated, combining the running characteristics of a rutile electrode with the mechanical properties of a basic one, and the double coating lets it work with small transformers at low open-circuit voltage — ESAB publishes 50 V. It welds on both AC and DC and holds ABS, BV and CE approvals. Where a basic electrode is wanted but the machine is modest, this is the one.

For good running characteristics in the general range

OK 53.05 is also double-coated, with especially good running characteristics and very good mechanical properties, giving 470 MPa yield and 80 J at −40 °C in 2.5 mm to 4.0 mm. Note it is classified H10 rather than H5, so check it against any hydrogen limit in the procedure.

When E7018 is the better choice

If the work is fill and cap passes on heavy section, the iron powder in an E7018 coating will deposit substantially more metal per electrode and run more smoothly doing it. E7016 earns its place on roots, on positional work and where its higher toughness figures are needed — not as a general replacement. Many procedures use both on the same joint.

Storage & handling

Storing and handling E7016 / E7016-1 consumables

Basic coatings absorb moisture — these included

Every grade here has a basic coating and will reabsorb atmospheric moisture once the packet is open, and moisture becomes hydrogen in the weld. ESAB lists all four in the 350 °C re-drying group, held for two hours, with the temperature measured in the bulk of the electrodes. Electrodes from an intact VacPac need no re-drying before use.

Issue by the shift, not by the carton

In Gulf humidity an opened carton left on a bench is no longer low-hydrogen regardless of what the box says. Issue electrodes to the welder in quantities that will be consumed in a shift, into a heated quiver, and return unused stock to a holding oven. On pipeline and pressure work the oven log is an audit point in its own right.

Frequently asked

E7016 / E7016-1 — common questions

What is the difference between E7016 and E7018?

Iron powder in the coating. Both are basic low-hydrogen electrodes in the 70 ksi class. E7018 has iron powder, which raises deposition rate and gives a smoother arc and a larger pool. E7016 has none, so it deposits more slowly but gives a smaller, more fluid, more controllable pool — which is exactly what a root run needs. Many pipeline procedures use E7016 for the root and E7018 for the fill.

What does E7016 mean?

E is a covered stick electrode; 70 is the minimum tensile strength of the weld metal in thousands of psi, so 70,000 psi or 490 MPa; 1 means all-position welding; and 6 means a low-hydrogen coating without iron powder, usable on AC and DC. A -1 suffix adds a tougher impact requirement of 27 J at −46 °C.

Which electrode is used for pipeline root runs?

E7016-1 grades are commonly specified. OK 53.70 is described by ESAB for one-sided welding of transmission pipelines in steels up to API 5LX56, and for the root run in higher-strength pipe at API 5LX60, 5LX65 and 5LX70, with good root penetration, a flat inside bead and easily removable slag. Cellulosic E6010 and E7010 grades are the alternative tradition on cross-country pipeline.

Is E7016 low hydrogen?

Yes, it is a basic low-hydrogen class — but the level varies within it. In the ESAB range OK 53.68 is under 4.0 ml/100 g, OK 53.70 under 5.0 ml, and OK 53.05 is classified H10. Where a procedure sets a hydrogen limit, which pipeline and high-strength procedures usually do, that is a selection criterion between grades rather than something the class alone settles.

Should E7016 be welded on DC positive or negative?

It depends on the grade. Most basic electrodes run DC positive, but ESAB states that DC negative is preferred for OK 53.68 because it produces a small, easily controlled weld pool — the property a root run needs. That grade also runs on AC and DC positive. Check the grade rather than applying a general rule.

What temperature are E7016 electrodes re-dried at?

ESAB lists OK 53.05, OK 53.16 Spezial, OK 53.68 and OK 53.70 in the 350 °C group, held for two hours, with the temperature measured in the bulk of the electrodes rather than as an oven setting. Electrodes from an intact VacPac need no re-drying before use. Re-drying is recommended up to a maximum of three times.

Can E7016 run on a small welding machine?

OK 53.16 Spezial is the grade for that. It is double-coated to combine rutile running characteristics with basic mechanical properties, and ESAB states the double coating enables it to be used with small transformers at low open-circuit voltage — 50 V. Other basic electrodes generally want more.

Who supplies E7016 electrodes in Abu Dhabi?

POFIS supplies the full ESAB OK low-hydrogen electrode range from Abu Dhabi across the UAE and the wider GCC, as an ESAB Authorized Distributor and Service Centre, approved ADNOC vendor and ISO 9001 certified supplier. Send the pipe grade, the hydrogen limit and the impact requirement and we will confirm the electrode against the procedure. Email weldiv@pofis.ae.

Procurement & supply

Buying the E7016 / E7016-1 consumables through POFIS

The E7016 / E7016-1 consumables is supplied from Abu Dhabi by Perfect Oilfield & Industrial Supply LLC as an ESAB Authorized Distributor and Service Centre. The information below covers what procurement and QA/QC departments normally need before raising a purchase order.

Lead time

Stock items dispatch from Abu Dhabi within 24–48 hours. Indent items are quoted with a confirmed lead time at the time of offer.

Approved vendor status

POFIS is an approved ADNOC vendor and is listed on the approved vendor lists (AVL) of major operators and EPC contractors across the GCC. We can complete supplier registration and prequalification documentation on request.

Payment terms

Standard credit terms are available to registered corporate accounts. LPO, LC and advance payment are all accepted.

Delivery terms

Delivery across the UAE and the wider GCC. Quotations can be issued on EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP terms to suit your project.

Warranty

Full manufacturer warranty, honoured locally. As an ESAB Authorized Service Centre we carry out warranty work and repairs in Abu Dhabi rather than returning equipment abroad.

Service & spares

In-UAE service, commissioning, operator training and spare parts backing for every machine we supply.

ISO 9001 Certified
Approved ADNOC Vendor
ESAB Authorized Distributor & Service Centre

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