An SMAW electrode marked E70xx has a minimum ultimate tensile strength of ______.

• A. 15,000 pounds per square inch (PSI)
• B. 35,000 pounds per square inch (PSI)
• C. 70,000 pounds per square inch (PSI)
• D. 140,000 pounds per square inch (PSI)

Answer: (C)

In SMAW electrode markings, the number after the E indicates the minimum tensile strength of the weld metal, measured in ksi (thousands of psi). For an E70xx electrode, the 70 means 70 ksi, which is 70,000 psi. So the weld metal is rated to have a minimum ultimate tensile strength of 70,000 psi. The remaining digits (the xx) cover other properties, but they don’t change this strength value.