In an SMAW electrode code such as Exx1x, what does the third digit indicate?

• A. Recommend position(s) for electrode use
• B. Flux coating type and type of welding current to be used
• C. Minimum tensile strength of deposited metal in the as-welded condition
• D. Minimum tensile strength of deposited metal in the stress-relieved condition

Answer: (A)

In SMAW electrode designations, the digits after the E show three things: the first two digits are the minimum tensile strength of the deposited metal, the third digit is about the welding positions the electrode can be used in, and the last digit indicates flux coating and current type. The value in the third position tells you which positions the electrode supports; a 1 means all-position use. So in Exx1x, the third digit being 1 shows the electrode is suitable for welding in all positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead). That’s why this option is the best answer. The other two digits describe strength, and the final digit describes coating/current, not the position.