AC Low-Hydrogen vs DC Deep Penetration Rod
E7016 low-hydrogen AC rod vs E6010 cellulose DC rod. Different coating systems for different machines and applications.
Which One Should You Use?
Pick E7016 if:
Runs on AC, DCEP, 55-300A range. E7016 full amperage chart
Key Differences
| Attribute | E7016 | E6010 |
|---|---|---|
| Polarity | AC, DCEP | DCEP only |
| Hydrogen Level | Low hydrogen | High hydrogen (cellulose) |
| Penetration | Medium | Very deep |
| Tensile Strength | 70,000 psi | 60,000 psi |
| Arc Character | Smooth, quiet | Aggressive, digging |
| Dirty Metal | Poor - needs clean surface | Excellent - burns through rust |
| Storage | Rod oven required | No special storage |
| Best Application | Structural with AC machine | Pipe roots, field repair with DC |
Settings at a Glance
Machine settings and operating characteristics side by side. For full amperage charts, see the individual electrode pages.
| Setting | E7016 | E6010 |
|---|---|---|
| Polarity | AC, DCEP | DCEP |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, vertical-down, overhead |
| Penetration | medium | deep |
| Coating | low hydrogen potassium | high cellulose sodium |
| Amps at 3/32" | 55-90A | 40-80A |
| Amps at 1/8" | 80-130A | 75-130A |
| Amps at 5/32" | 110-170A | 100-180A |
How E7016 and E6010 Work Together
E7016 is the low-hydrogen rod for AC-only welding machines. If you have a buzz box (AC transformer welder) and need low-hydrogen properties for structural work, E7016 is the only option since E7018 often requires DC for best performance. E6010 is the opposite: deep penetration, high hydrogen, DC only. These rods have nothing in common except the E prefix. Choose based on your machine and whether you need low-hydrogen properties or deep penetration.
Common Mistake With AC Low-Hydrogen
Running E6010 on an AC-only welder. E6010 requires DC (DCEP). It will not maintain a stable arc on AC. If you have an AC-only machine and need penetration, use E6011 instead.
Practical Differences
| Factor | E7016 | E6010 |
|---|---|---|
| Fume Level | Medium-Low (0.3-0.6 g/min) | High (0.8-1.5 g/min) |
| Storage | Rod oven required | Standard dry storage |
| Common Brands | Jetweld LH-75, Atom Arc 7016 | Fleetweld 5P+, Hobart 610 |
Where to Buy
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E7016 vs E6010: Common Questions
Which is better, E7016 or E6010?
Different rods for different jobs. Key differences: Polarity: E7016 has ac, dcep, while E6010 has dcep only. Hydrogen Level: E7016 has low hydrogen, while E6010 has high hydrogen (cellulose). Penetration: E7016 has medium, while E6010 has very deep. Match the rod to the work, not the other way around.
Can I substitute E7016 for E6010?
Not a straight swap. E7016 runs on AC/DCEP, E6010 on DCEP. Your machine decides. Penetration differs: E7016 is medium, E6010 is deep. Coating chemistry is different (low hydrogen potassium vs high cellulose sodium), so the arc and slag behave differently.
Can I use both E7016 and E6010 on the same joint?
E7016 is the low-hydrogen rod for AC-only welding machines. If you have a buzz box (AC transformer welder) and need low-hydrogen properties for structural work, E7016 is the only option since E7018 often requires DC for best performance. E6010 is the opposite: deep penetration, high hydrogen, DC only. These rods have nothing in common except the E prefix. Choose based on your machine and whether you need low-hydrogen properties or deep penetration.
Reference data only. Verify all settings against manufacturer documentation and the applicable welding code before use. Amperage ranges are starting points that vary by position, fit-up, and material. Welding involves serious injury risks including burns, electric shock, fume exposure, and fire. This site does not replace proper training, certification, or employer safety procedures. See full terms of use.
Data sourced from AWS A5.1/A5.1M.