E7016 Welding Rod: Low-Hydrogen AC Rod Amperage & Settings
Low-hydrogen rod that runs on AC. Runs 55 to 300 amps on AC or DCEP, rated for flat, horizontal, vertical up, overhead. Amperage chart by diameter below.
E7016 is a low-hydrogen electrode with potassium-based flux that runs on AC and DCEP. It produces the same 70,000 psi tensile strength and code-quality welds as E7018 but does not require a DC power source. The arc is smooth and quiet with a medium-penetration profile. Slag removal is clean and easy. For hobbyists and smaller shops running AC-only welders who need structural-grade low-hydrogen deposits, the 7016 is the correct rod. It does not have the iron powder content of E7018, so deposition rates are slightly lower.
What This Means in Practice
E7016 means: E (electrode) + 70 (70,000 psi tensile) + 1 (all positions) + 6 (low hydrogen potassium, AC/DC). The last digit 6 vs 8 is the difference: 6 uses potassium flux (runs on AC), 8 uses iron powder (higher deposition but needs DC or high-OCV AC).
What Amps for E7016?
| Diameter | Amperage Range |
|---|---|
| 3/32" (2.4 mm) | 55 - 90A |
| 1/8" (3.2 mm) | 80 - 130A |
| 5/32" (4 mm) | 110 - 170A |
| 3/16" (4.8 mm) | 140 - 225A |
| 7/32" (5.6 mm) | 200 - 300A |
Amperage by Individual Diameter
3/32 E7016 Amperage
Set 3/32 E7016 to 55 - 90 amps. Run AC or DCEP. This is the smallest available size. Best for vertical-up and overhead where you need a small, controllable puddle. Start around 73A.
1/8 E7016 Amperage
Set 1/8 E7016 to 80 - 130 amps. Run AC or DCEP. This is the most commonly used E7016 size. Start at 105A for flat work, drop to 80-95A for vertical-up.
5/32 E7016 Amperage
Set 5/32 E7016 to 110 - 170 amps. Run AC or DCEP. Works well out of position. 110-140A for vertical and overhead, up to 170A flat.
3/16 E7016 Amperage
Set 3/16 E7016 to 140 - 225 amps. Run AC or DCEP. High fill rate in flat position. Drop 10-15A if you see undercut at the toes.
7/32 E7016 Amperage
Set 7/32 E7016 to 200 - 300 amps. Run AC or DCEP. Largest available diameter. High deposition for flat and horizontal fillet welds on thick plate. Requires 200A minimum to run properly.
E7016 Suitability Scores
How well this electrode matches common applications. Not a quality rating. all AWS-certified electrodes meet their specification.
What Is E7016 Good For?
AC welders needing code-quality welds. Structural work, pressure vessel repair, or any D1.1 application where only an AC machine is available.
General-purpose all-position welding on carbon steel where low-hydrogen properties matter.
Where E7016 Falls Short
Lower deposition rate than E7018 due to less iron powder in the flux.
Same low-hydrogen storage requirements as E7018: must be kept dry and rebaked if exposed to moisture.
Slightly more arc wander than E7018 on DC.
Less commonly stocked than E7018.
E7016 Under the Hood
Arc Behavior
Smooth, quiet arc almost identical to E7018. Slightly less iron powder in the coating gives a marginally thinner bead. The difference from E7018 is subtle.
How to Move
Drag technique, same as E7018. Tight arc, consistent travel speed, 5-15 degrees from vertical. E7016 runs on AC and DCEP, same as E7018. The potassium-based flux was designed for clean AC arc restrike.
What the Puddle Does
Clean puddle with smooth slag coverage. The slag is lighter than E7018 and peels off easily. The bead is slightly more convex than E7018. Good tie-in at the toes.
Troubleshooting
If you have been running E7018, E7016 feels almost identical. The main reason to use E7016 is when a European or Asian specification calls for it. For most domestic work, E7018 is the standard choice.
Which Size E7016 to Use
| Rod Diameter | Material Thickness | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 3/32" | 1/8" to 3/16" | Thin plate and out-of-position |
| 1/8" | 3/16" to 3/8" | Standard structural work |
| 5/32" | 3/8" to 3/4" | Heavier structural joints |
Real-World Notes
E7016 is the potassium-flux version of E7018. Both run on AC and DCEP. Both deliver 70,000 psi low-hydrogen deposits. The practical difference is that E7016 has slightly less iron powder in the coating, which means marginally lower deposition rate. In North America, E7018 dominates because suppliers stock it deeper. In other markets, specifications sometimes call for E7016 specifically. If your WPS says E7016, use it. If it says E7018, E7018 is the better choice because availability makes it easier to source in the field.
Bottom Line
E7016 earns its keep on structural jobs. The closest alternative is E7018.
Setup & Safety Reference
How to Store E7016
Low-hydrogen electrode. Moisture control is critical.
Oven Holding Temperature: 250-300°F
Max Atmosphere Exposure: 4 hours before rebaking required
Rebake Temperature: 500-800°F for 1-2 hours
Low-hydrogen electrode. Same oven storage and rebaking requirements as E7018.
Preheat & Interpass Temperature for E7016
Preheat varies by base metal thickness. Low-hydrogen processes require less preheat than non-low-hydrogen.
| Base Metal Thickness | Minimum Preheat (°F) |
|---|---|
| up to 3/4" | Not required |
| 3/4" to 1-1/2" | 50°F |
| 1-1/2" to 2-1/2" | 150°F |
| over 2-1/2" | 225°F |
Maximum interpass temperature: 600°F
Source: AWS D1.1 Table 3.2, Category B (low-hydrogen)
Fume Generation
Rating: Medium-Low
Typical fume rate: 0.3-0.6 g/min
Low-hydrogen coating. Similar fume profile to E7018 but slightly less due to no iron powder.
Common Brand Names for E7016
Look for Lincoln Electric Jetweld LH-75 at your supplier. 2 companies produce E7016-classified rods.
| Manufacturer | Product Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Electric | Jetweld LH-75 | |
| ESAB | Atom Arc 7016 |
Full Specs
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E7016 |
| Process | Stick Welding (SMAW) |
| Polarity | AC, DCEP |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium |
| Coating Type | low hydrogen potassium |
| Tensile Strength | 70,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 58,000 psi |
| Elongation | 22% |
| Impact Toughness | 20 ft-lbs at -20°F |
| Base Metals | carbon steel, low-alloy steel |
| Shielding Gas | Flux-shielded (no external gas) |
| Max Interpass Temp | 600°F |
| AWS Specification | AWS A5.1/A5.1M:2012 |
E7016 Questions
What is the difference between E7016 and E7018?
Both are low-hydrogen rods with 70k psi tensile strength. E7016 runs on AC and DCEP, while E7018 is optimized for DCEP. E7016 does not have the iron powder content of E7018, so deposition is slightly lower. Choose E7016 when you only have an AC welder.
Is E7016 a low hydrogen rod?
Yes. E7016 has a low-hydrogen potassium coating (the 6 in the designation). It requires the same dry storage and oven reconditioning as E7018.
Can E7016 replace E7018?
In many cases yes, since both meet the same tensile and low-hydrogen requirements. However, E7018 has higher iron powder content for faster deposition. Check the welding procedure specification (WPS) before substituting.
Where to Buy E7016
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Manufacturer Data Sheets
External links to standards bodies and manufacturers. These leave GageRef.
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. Amperage ranges are approximate starting points. adjust based on position, fit-up, and material thickness. Always follow manufacturer recommendations and applicable codes.