COPIED FROM FILLER METAL HANDBOOK 6010 DC REVERSE ONLY
If there is an “E” in front of the electrode numbers, it simply means “electrode for arc welding.”
The first two numbers (i.e. 60 in 6010) represent 60,000 pounds of tensile strength per square inch.
The third number (i.e. 1 in 6010) represent position, 6010 is an ALL POSITION rod.
The third and fourth numbers (i.e. 10 in 6010) represent the flux coating.
Stabilizers in the flux is what maintains the arc current.
The last number on the electrode (i.e. 8 in 7018) allows the weldor to know what type of electrical current the electrode utilizes, such as AC, DC+, and/or DC-. See chart next page.
DIRECTIONS FOR USING THE ELECTRODE CURRENT CHART
The following chart will tell the weldor what type of electricity each electrode requires. The last number of the electrode (i.e. 8 in 7018) is what we are looking at. The 7018 electrode, for example, means that the electrode is a DC+ electrode.
What this means is that the electrode can weld with the welder leads connected to either the Alternating Current (AC) connection points, or Direct Current (DC) connections point.
When connecting the electrode leads AC, it doesn’t matter which lead goes to which connection point. When connecting to the leads to DC it is very important which lead goes to which connector. The connection points are labeled + (positive) and – (negative).
If the lead which has the electrode holder on it is connected to the + (positive) connection point on the welder, then you will be welding Electrode Positive, which is called Reverse Polarity ( DC+ = Reverse Polarity). If the electrode holder lead is connected to the – (negative) connection point on the welder, you will be welding Electrode Negative, which is called Straight Polarity ( DC- = Straight Polarity).
The “E” on the chart means Either RP (Reverse Polarity) or SP (Straight Polarity).
0 – DC+ only – Reverse Polarity
1 – AC or DC+ (Reverse Polarity – the electrode holder lead connects to the DC + terminal)
2 – AC or DC- (Straight Polarity - the electrode holder lead connects to the DC - terminal)
3 – AC or DC+ or DC- the electrode holder lead can connects to the DC + or – terminal)
4 – AC or DC+ or DC- the electrode holder lead can connects to the DC + or – terminal)
5 - 0 – DC+ only – Reverse Polarity
6 – AC or DC+ (Reverse Polarity – the electrode holder lead connects to the DC + terminal)
7 - AC or DC+ (Reverse Polarity – the electrode holder lead connects to the DC + terminal)
Use this chart for quicker reference:
Electrode Current Chart (note: there is not a 7)
0 DC RP
1 AC/DC RP
2 AC/DC SP
3 AC/DC E (Either RP or SP)
4 AC/DC E (Either RP or SP)
5 DC RP
6 AC/DC RP
8 AC/DC RP
NOTE
Seems that it would be tough sell to anyone to try to qualify a 6010 on DCEN if it is against the manufacturers specifications.
I'll bet Hartford,or Lloyd's of London would never accept it.
Pipe liner's are famous for swapping the + and - around. That's why they use the same uninsulated clamps for ground and stinger.
And yes, I have used 6010 straight polarity on sheet metal projects around the ranch. I wasn't about to drive 40 miles into town just to buy a handfull of 6011s!