E7016 Welding Rod: Low-Hydrogen AC Rod Amperage & Settings
E7016 Amperage by Diameter
| 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 |
E7016 is a low-hydrogen electrode with potassium-based flux that runs on AC, DCEP, or DCEN. 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).
E7016 Suitability Scores
How well this electrode matches common applications. Not a quality rating. all AWS-certified electrodes meet their specification.
When to Use E7016
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.
E7016 Limitations
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 Storage Requirements
Store in sealed containers or heated rod oven at 250-300 deg F. Rebake at 500-800 deg F for 1-2 hours if exposed to moisture. Same low-hydrogen handling as E7018.
E7016 Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E7016 |
| Process | Stick Welding (SMAW) |
| Polarity | AC, DCEP, DCEN |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium |
| Coating Type | low hydrogen potassium |
| Tensile Strength | 70,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 57,000 psi |
| Elongation | 22% |
| Impact Toughness | 20 ft-lbs at -20°F |
| Base Metals | carbon steel, low-alloy steel |
| AWS Specification | A5.1 |
E7016 Questions
What is the difference between E7016 and E7018?
Both are low-hydrogen rods with 70k psi tensile strength. E7016 runs well on AC, while E7018 is optimized for DCEP. E7016 also runs on all three polarities (AC, DCEP, DCEN). 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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External Resources
Manufacturer data sheets and standards for E7016.
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.