E308L-16 Stainless Steel Rod: Amperage, Settings & 304 Welding Guide
E308L-16 Amperage by Diameter
| Diameter | Amperage Range |
|---|---|
| 3/32" (2.4 mm) | 30 - 60A |
| 1/8" (3.2 mm) | 50 - 90A |
| 5/32" (4 mm) | 75 - 120A |
| 3/16" (4.8 mm) | 100 - 160A |
E308L-16 is the go-to stick electrode for welding 304 and 304L austenitic stainless steel. The L designates low carbon content (0.04% max), which prevents carbide precipitation in the heat-affected zone and maintains corrosion resistance. The -16 suffix means it runs on AC or DCEP with a smooth, quiet arc. Slag is heavy and self-peeling. Bead appearance is excellent with fine ripples. This is the rod you reach for on food service equipment, chemical tanks, pharmaceutical piping, and any 304 stainless fabrication.
What This Means in Practice
E308L-16 means: E (electrode) + 308 (308 stainless filler chemistry) + L (low carbon, 0.04% max) + 16 (rutile coating, AC or DCEP). The 308 chemistry matches 304 base metal because the filler is intentionally slightly over-alloyed.
E308L-16 Suitability Scores
How well this electrode matches common applications. Not a quality rating. all AWS-certified electrodes meet their specification.
When to Use E308L-16
304 and 304L stainless steel fabrication and repair.
Food processing equipment, kitchen equipment, pharmaceutical tanks, dairy piping.
Any application requiring matching stainless filler with corrosion resistance equivalent to the base metal.
E308L-16 Limitations
Only for 304/304L stainless, do not use on 316 (use E316L) or on dissimilar metals (use E309L).
Must run at lower amperages than carbon steel rods to prevent overheating and warping.
Stainless does not dissipate heat quickly, so interpass temperature control matters.
Higher cost per pound than carbon steel consumables.
E308L-16 Storage Requirements
Store in sealed containers. Low-hydrogen handling recommended. Rebake at 500 deg F for 1 hour if exposed to moisture.
E308L-16 Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E308L-16 |
| Process | Stick Welding (SMAW) |
| Polarity | AC, DCEP |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium |
| Coating Type | rutile (titania) |
| Tensile Strength | 75,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 55,000 psi |
| Elongation | 35% |
| Base Metals | 304 stainless steel, 304L stainless steel, 301 stainless steel, 302 stainless steel |
| AWS Specification | A5.4 |
E308L-16 Questions
What base metal does E308L-16 match?
E308L-16 matches 304 and 304L austenitic stainless steel. The L designation means low carbon (0.04% max), which reduces carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone.
Can E308L-16 be used on carbon steel?
No. For joining stainless to carbon steel (dissimilar metals), use E309L-16 instead. E308L-16 is only for stainless-to-stainless joints.
What polarity for E308L-16?
E308L-16 runs on AC or DCEP. DCEP gives better arc stability and penetration. AC works when DC is not available.
Where to Buy E308L-16
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External Resources
Manufacturer data sheets and standards for E308L-16.
Data sourced from AWS A5.4/A5.4M. Amperage ranges are approximate starting points. adjust based on position, fit-up, and material thickness. Always follow manufacturer recommendations and applicable codes.