B S I BS*EN*499 95 m Lb24669 0 4 4 9 8 5 2 O80

BRITISH STANDARD BS EN
499 : 1995

Welding consurnables -
Covered electrodes for manual
metal arc welding of non alloy
and fine grain steels -
Classification

The European Standard EN 499 : 1994 has the status of a

British Standard

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BS EN 499 : 1995

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted to Technical Committee

WEE/39, Welding consumables, upon which the following bodies were
represented:

Aluminium Federation
Associated Offices Technical Committee
Association of Welding Distributors
British Association for Brazing and Soldering
British Compressed Gases Association
British Constructional Steelwork Association Ltd.
British Steel Industry
Electricity Association
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users’ Association
Lloyd’s Register of Shipping
Magnesium Industry Council
Power Generation Contractors Association (PGCA (BEAMA Ltd.))
Process Plant Association
Stainless Steel Wire Industry Association
Welding Institute
Welding Manufacturers Association (BEAMA Ltd.)
Coopted member

of the Standards Board and Amd. No. Date Text affected

comes into effect on
15 March 1995

O BSI 1995

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference WEE/39
Draft for comment 91/75861 DC

ISBN O 5Sû 23788 5

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BS EN 499 : 1995

National foreword

This British Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee WEE/39 and is
the English language version of EN 499 : 1994 Welding consumables - Covered
electrodesfor manual metal arc welding of non alloy and f i n e grain steels -
Classification, published by the European Committee for Standardization
(CEN).
EN 499 was produced as a result of international discussion in which the United
Kingdom took an active part.
EN 499 supersedes BS 639 : 1986 which is withdrawn.

Cross-references
Publication referred to Corresponding British Standard
EN 22401 : 1993 BS EN 22401 : 1994 Covered electrodes -
Determination of the efficiency, metal recovery and
deposition coefiiicient
EN 26847 : 1993 BS EN 26847 : 1994 Covered electrodesf o r manual
metal arc welding -
Deposition of a weld metal pad for chemical analysis
IS0 31-0 : 1992 BS 5775 Specification for quantities, units and symbols
Part O : 1993 General principles

Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity

from legal obligations.

i
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 BSI BS*EN*Lt99 95 I1624669 0449855 8 9 T

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 499

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM December 1994

ICs 25.160.20

Descriptors: Manual metal arc welding, welding electrodes, covered electrodes, unalloyed steels, manganese steels, alloy steels,
classification, symbols

English version

Welding consumables - Covered electrodes for manual

metal arc welding of non alloy and fine grain steels -
Classification

Produits consommables pour le soudage - Schweifizusätze - Umhüllte Stabelektroden

Electrodes enrobées pour le soudage zum Lichtbogenhandschweifienvon
manuel à l’arc des aciers non alliés et des unlegierten Stählen und Feinkornstählen -
aciers à grain fin - Classification Einteilung

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1994-12-05. CEN members

are bound to comply with the CENICENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a
national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any
CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French,
German). A version in any other language made by translation under the
responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the
Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation
Europäisches Komitee für Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

O 1994 Copyright reserved to CEN members

Ref. No. EN 499 : 1994 E

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Page 2
EN 499 : 1994

Foreword Contents
This European Standard was prepared by the
%chnical Committee CEN/TC 121, Welding, the Foreword 2
secretariat of which is held by DS.
O Introduction 3
CEN/TC 121 decided to submit the final draft for
formal vote by its resolution 132/1992. 1 Scope 3
The result was positive. 2 Normative references 3
Annex A is informative and contains a description 3 Classification 3
of types of electrode covering. 4 Symbols and requirements 4
Annex B is also informative and contains the
4.1 Symbol for the productíprocess 4
bibliography.
In normative references, reference is made to 4.2 Symbol for strength and elongation
IS0 3690. It should be noted that a European of all-weld metal 4
Standard (00121129) is under preparation for the 4.3 Symbol for impact properties of
same subject in CEN/TC 121/SC 3. all-weld metal 4
This European Standard shall be given the status of 4.4 Symbol for the chemical
a national standard, either by publication of an composition of all-weld metal 4
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by 4.5 Symbol for type of electrode
June 1995 and conflicting national standards shall covering 4
be withdrawn at the latest by June 1995.
4.6 Symbol for weld metal recovery and
According to the CENKENELEC Internal
type of current 5
Regulations, the following countries are bound to
implement this European Standard: Austria, 4.7 Symbol for welding position 5
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, 4.8 Symbol for hydrogen content of
Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, all-weld metal 5
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom. 5 Mechanical tests 5
5.1 Preheating and interpass
temperatures 5
5.2 Passsequence 6
6 Chemical analysis 6
7 Technical delivery conditions 6
8 Example of designation 6
Annex A (informative) Description of
types of electrode covering 7
Annex B (informative) Bibliography 7

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 BSI B S * E N * 4 9 9 95 D L b 2 4 b b 9 0 4 4 9 8 5 7 6 6 2
O Introduction
This standard proposes a classification in order to
designate covered electrodes in terms of the yield
strength, tensile strength and elongation of the
all-weld metal. The ratio of yield to tensile strength
of weld metal is generally higher than that of
parent metal. Users should note that matching
weld metal yield strength to parent metal yield
strength will not necessarily ensure that the weld
metal tensile strength matches that of the parent
material. Where the application requires matching
tensile strength, therefore, selection of the
consumable should be made by reference to
column 3 of table 1.
It should be noted that the mechanical properties
of all-weld metal test specimens used to classify the
electrodes will vary from those obtained in
production joints because of differences in welding
procedure such as electrode size, width of weave,
welding position and material composition.
1 Scope
This standard specifies requirements for
classification of covered electrodes and deposited
metal in the as-welded condition for manual metal
arc welding of non alloy and fine grain steels with
a minimum yield strength of up to 500 N/mm2 in
the welded condition.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or
undated reference , provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited
at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated
references, subsequent amendments to or revisions
of any of these publications apply to this European
Standards only when incorporated in it by
amendment or revision. For undated references the
latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
prEN 759 Welding consumables - lkchnical
delivery conditionsfor welding
filler metals including type of
product, dimensions, tolerances
and marking
EN 1597-1 Welding consumables - %stingfor
cluss@ication
Part 1. lkst assembly for all-weld
metal test specimen in steel, nickel
and nickel alloys
prEN 1597-3 Welding consunaables - lksting for
classification
Part 3. nsting of positional
capability of welding consumables
in a fillet weld
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Page 3
EN 499 : 1994
EN 22401 Covered electrodes -
Determination of the efficiency,
metal recovery and deposition
coefficient
EN 26847 Covered electrodesfor manual
metal arc welding - Deposition of
a weld metal pad for c h i c a 1
analysis
IS0 31-0 Quantities and units
Part O. General principles
IS0 3690 Welding - Determination of
hydrogen in àeposited weld metal
arising f r o m the use of covered
electrodesfor welding mild and low
alloy steels
3 Classification
The classification includes all-weld metal properties
obtained with a covered electrode as given below.
The classification is based on the electrode size
4 mm with the exception of the symbol for welding
position which is based on EN 1597-3.
The classification is divided into eight parts:
1) the first part gives a symbol indicating the
product/process to be identified;
2) the second part gives a symbol indicating the
strength and elongation of all-weld metal;
3) the third part gives a symbol indicating the
impact properties of ali-weld metal;
4)the fourth part gives a symbol indicating the
chemical composition of all-weld metal;
5) the fifth part gives a symbol indicating the
type of electrode covering;
6) the sixth part gives a symbol indicating the
weld metal recovery and type of current;
7) the seventh part gives a symbol indicating the
welding position;
8) the eight part gives a symbol indicating the
hydrogen content of all-weld metal.
In order to promote the use of this standard, the
classification is split into two sections:
a) Compulsory section
This section includes the symbols for the type of
product, the strength and elongation, the impact
properties, the chemical composition and the
type of covering, i.e. the symbols defined
in 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4and 4.5.
b) Optional section
This section includes the symbols for the weld
metal recovery, the type of current, the welding
positions for which the electrode is suitable, and
.
the symbol for hydrogen content, i.e. the
symbols defined in 4.6, 4.7 and 4.8.
The full designation (see clause 8) shall be used on
packages and in the manufacturer’s literature and
data sheets.
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EN 499: 1994

4 Symbols and requirements 4.4 Symbol for the chemical composition of

all-weld metal
4.1 Symbol for the product/process The symbol in table 3 indicates the chemical
The symbol for the covered electrode used in the composition of all-weld metal, determined in
manual metal arc welding process shall be the accordance with clause 6.
letter E placed at the beginning of the designation.
4.2 Symbol for strength and elongation of
all-weld metal
The symbol in table 1 indicates yield strength, Alloy symbol Chemical comp~sition~)')~)
tensile strength and elongation of the all-weld Mn Mo Ni
metal in the as-welded condition determined in No symbol 2,O - -
accordance with clause 5.
Mo 1,4 0,3 - 0,6 -
MnMo > 1,4 - 2,O 0,3 - 0,6 -
1Ni 174 - 0,6 - 1,2
Minimum Tensile Minimum
Symbol
yield strength elongation') 2Ni 174 - 1,8 - 2,6
strength') 3Ni 194 - > 2,6 -3,8
N/llUll' N/llUll' % MnlNi > 1,4 - 2,O - 0,6 - 1,2
35 355 440 - 570 22 1NiMo 194 0,3 - 0,6 0,6 - 1,2
38 380 470 - 600 20 Z Any other agreed composition
42 420 500 - 640 20 ')If not specified Mo < 0,2, Ni < 0,3, Cr < 0,2, V < 0,05,
Nb < 0,06, Cu < 0,3.
46 460 530- 680 20
')Single values shown in the table mean maximum values.
50 500 560 - 720 18 3)The results shail be rounded to the same number of
')For yield strength the lower yield (IteL)shall be used when significant figures as in the specified value using the rules
yielding occurs, otherwise the 0,2 % proof strength accordina to IS0 31-0.annex B Rule A.
shall be used.
2)Gaugelength is equal to five times the specimen diameter. 4.5 Symbol for type of electrode covering
The type of covering of a covered electrode
4.3 Symbol for impact properties of all-weld depends substantially on the type of slag-forming
metal components. The symbols indicating the type shali
The symbol in table 2 indicates the temperature at be formed by the following letters or groups of
which an average impact energy of 47 J is achieved letters:
under the conditions given in clause 5. Three
specimens shall be tested. Only one individual A = acid covering
value may be lower than 47 J but not lower than C = cellulosic covering
32 J. When an all-weld metal has been classified
for a certain temperature, it automatically covers R = rutile covering
any higher temperature in table 2. RR = rutile thick covering
RC = rutile-cellulosic covering
RA = rutile-acid covering
RB = rutile-basic covering
B = basiccovering
NOTE. A description of the characteristics of each of the types
Z No requirement of covering is given in annex A.
A + 20
O O
2 - 20
3 - 30
4 - 40
5 - 50
6 - 60

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EN 499 : 1994

4.6 Symbol for weld metal recovery and type of

current
The symbol in table 4 indicates weld metal
a b l e 5. Symbol for hydrogen content of
all-weld metal 1
content mV1ûû g ail-weld metal
recovery, determined according to EN 22401 with
the type of current shown in table 4.
H5 5
làble 4. Symbol for weld metal recovery and H10 10
type
- of current H15 15
Symbol Weld metal recovery Type of
%

I105 a.c. + d.c.

5 105 d.c.
> 105 I125 a.c. + d.c.
> 105 I125 d.c.
> 125 I160 a.c. + d.c.
> 125 I 160 d.c.
> 160 a.c. + d.c.
> 160 d.c.
')In order to demonstrate operability on a.c., tests shall be
carried out with no-load voltage not higher than 65 V.
')a.c. = alternating current; d.c. = direct current.

:.7 Symbol for welding position

The symbol below for welding positions indicates
the positions for which the electrode is tested
according to EN 1597-3:
1) all positions;
2) all positions, except vertical down;
3) flat butt weld, flat fillet weld, horizontal
vertical fillet weld;
4) flat butt weld, flat fillet weld;
5) vertical down and positions according to
symbol 3.
4.8 Symbol for hydrogen content of all-weld
metal
The symbol in table 5 indicates the hydrogen
content determined in all-weld metal from
electrode size 4 mm in accordance with the method
given in IS0 3690. The current used shall be 90 %
of the maximum value recommended by the
manufacturer. Electrodes recommended for use
with a.c. shall be tested using a.c.. Electrodes
recommended for d.c. only shall be tested using
d.c. with electrode positive.
The manufacturer shall provide information on the
recommended type of current and drying
conditions for achieving the hydrogen levels.
5 Mechanical tests
Tensile and impact tests and any required retests
shall be carried out in the as-welded condition
using an all-weld metal test assembly type 3
according to EN 1597-1 using 4 mm electrodes and
welding conditions as described below in 5.1
and 5.2.
5.1 Preheating and interpass temperatures
Preheating is not required; welding may start from
room temperature.
The interpass temperature shall be measured using
temperature indicator crayons, surface
thermometers or thermocouples.
The interpass temperature shall not exceed 250 O C .
If, after any pass, the interpass temperature is
exceeded, the test assembly shall be cooled in air
to a temperature below that limit.

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page 6
EN 499: 1994

5.2 Pass sequence 8 Example of designation

The pass sequence shall be as indicated in table 6. A covered electrode for manual metal arc welding
The direction of welding to complete a layer deposits a weld metal with a minimum yield
consisting of two passes shall not vary, but the strength of 460 N/mm2 (46) and a minimum
direction of welding of layers shall be alternated. average impact energy of 47 J at - 30 O C (3) and a
Each pass shall be welded with a welding current chemical composition of 1,l % Mn and
of 90 % of the maximum current recommended by 0,7 % Ni (1Ni). The electrode with basic covering
the manufacturer. Regardless of the type of (B) and a metal recovery of 140 % may be used
covering, welding shall be performed with a.c. with a.c. and d.c. (5) in flat butt and flat fillet
when both a.c. and d.c. are recommended and welds (4).
with d.c. using the recommended polarity when Hydrogen is determined according to IS0 3690 and
only d.c. is claimed. does not exceed 5 mV100 g deposited weld metal
035).
a b l e 6. Pass sequence
The designation will be:
EN 499 - E 46 3 1Ni B 54 H5
ìayers Compulsory section:
mm EN 499 - E 46 3 1Ni B
490 Il to top 12') 17-9
')The top two layers may be completed with 3 passes per standard number;
layer.
covered electrodeímanual metal
arc welding (see 4.1);
6 Chemical analysis strength and elongation (see
Chemical analysis shaii be performed on any table 1);
suitable test piece. In case of dispute specimens in impact properties (see table 2);
accordance with EN 26847 shall be used. Any
analytical technique may be used, but in case of chemical composition of all-weld
dispute reference shall be made to established metal (see table 3);
published methods. type of electrode covering
NOTE. See B . l and B.2. (see 4.5);
recovery and type of current (see
7 '&chnical delivery conditions table 4);
Bchnical delivery conditions shall meet the welding position (see 4.7');
requirements in EN 759. hydrogen content (see table 5).

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Annex A (informative)
Description of types of electrode
covering
A.l General
The properties of a covered electrode, that is, both substantial proportion of iron oxide has been
its welding characteristics and mechanical
properties of the weld metal are decisively
influenced by the covering. This homogeneous
mixture of substances generally contains the
following five main components:
- slag-forming materiais;
- deoxidants;
- shielding gas-forming materials;
- ionizing agents;
- binders and, if necessary;
- alloying elements.
In addition iron powder may be added to increase
the weld metal recovery (see 4.6), which may
affect the positional welding properties.
In the following, thick covering means a diameter
ratio of covering to core wire greater than or equal of the alkaline earth metals, e.g. calcium carbonate
to 1,6.
A.2 Acid-covered electrodes
The covering of this type is characterized by large
proportions of iron oxides and, as a result of the
high oxygen potential, of deoxidants
(ferro-manganese). With a thick covering, the acid
slag causes a very fine droplet transfer and
produces flat and smooth welds. Electrodes with
acid covering only have a limited application for
positional welding and are more susceptible to
solidification cracking than other types.
A. 3 Cellulosic-covered electrode
Electrodes of this type contain a large quantity of
combustible organic substances, particularly
cellulose, in the covering. Owing to the intensive
arc, such electrodes are especially suitable for
welding in the vertical downward position.
A.4 Rutile-covered electrodes
Electrodes of this type will give a coarse droplet
transfer which ensures that these electrodes are
suitable for welding sheet metal. Rutile type
electrodes are suitable for all welding positions,
except the vertical downward position.
A. 5 Rutile-thick-covered electrodes
Electrodes of this type have a diameter ratio of
covering to core wire greater than or equal to 1,6.
Characteristic features are the high rutile content
of their covering, their good restriking
characteristics and their finely rippled regular
welds.
A. 6 Rutile-cellulosic-covered electrodes
The composition of the covering of these electrodes
is similar to that of rutile-type electrodes,
containing, however, larger quantities of cellulose.
Electrodes of this type are therefore suitable for
welding in the vertical downward position.
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EN 499 : 1994
A. 7 Rutile-acid-coveredelectrodes
Concerning welding characteristics, electrodes of
this mixed type are comparable to electrodes
having an acid covering.
However, in the covering of these electrodes a
replaced by rutile. Therefore, these electrodes,
having mostly a thick covering, are suitable for all
positions, except the vertical downward position.
A.8 Rutile-basic-covered electrodes
Characteristic features of this type of covering are
a large quantity of rutile and an increased
proportion of basic components. These electrodes,
having mostly a thick covering, are characterized
by good mechanical properties. They possess
uniformly good welding properties in all positions
except the vertical downward position.
A.9 Basic-covered electrodes
A characteristic feature of the thick covering of
these electrodes is the large quantity of carbonates
(lime) and fluorspar. To improve the welding
properties, particularly with a.c. welding, higher
concentrations of non-basic components (e.g. rutile
andior quartz) maybe required.
Basic-covered electrodes have two outstanding
properties: the impact energy of the weld metal is
higher, particularly at low temperatures, and they
are more resistant to cracking than all other types.
Their resistance to solidification cracking results
from the high metallurgical purity of the weld
metal, whilst the low risk of cold cracking,
provided dry electrodes are used, is attributable to
the low hydrogen content. It is lower than with all
other types: it should not exceed an upper
permissible limit of H = 15 mU100 g of deposited
metal.
Generally, electrodes of the basic type are suitable
for all welding positions, except the vertical
downward position. Basic-type electrodes especially
suited for the vertical downward position, have a
particular composition.
Annex B (informative)
Bibliography
B. 1 Handbuch für
Eisenhüttenla boratorium
B.2 BS 6200-3 Sampling and analysis of iron,
steel and other ferrous metals
Part 3 : Methods of analysis
 ~

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BS EN 499 : 1995

List of references

See national foreword.

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BS EN
499 : 1995

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