AWS A5.5-A5.5M:2014 pdf download.Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding
7. Summary of Tests
The tests required for each classification are specified in Table 5. The purpose of these tests is to determine the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and soundness of the weld metal; the usability of the electrode; and the moisture content of the low-hydrogen electrode covering. The base metal for the weld test assemblies, the welding and testing pro-cedures to be employed, and the results required are given in Clauses 9 through 15. The supplemental tests for absorbed moisture (see Clause 16) and for diffusible hydrogen (see Clause 17) are not required for classification of the low-hydrogen electrodes (see Note i of Table 5).
8. Retest
If the results of any test fail to meet the requirement, that test shall be repeated twice. The results of both retests shall meet the requirement. Specimens for retest may be taken from the original test assembly or from a new test assembly. For chemical analysis, retest need be only for those specific elements that failed to meet the test requirement. If the results of one or both retests fail to meet the requirement, the material under test shall be considered as not meeting the require-ments of this specification for that classification.
In the event that, during preparation or after completion of any test, it is clearly determined that prescribed or proper pro-cedures were not followed in preparing the weld test assembly or in conducting the test, the test shall be considered invalid, without regard to whether the test was actually completed, or whether test results met, or failed to meet, the requirement. That test shall be repeated, following proper prescribed procedures. In this case, the requirement for dou-bling the number of test specimens does not apply.
9.2 Preparation of each weld test assembly shall be as prescribed in 9.3 through 9.5. The base metal for each assembly shall be as required in Table 6 and shall meet the requirements of the ASTM specification shown there or an equivalent specification. Electrodes other than low-hydrogen electrodes shall be tested without conditioning." Low-hydrogen electrodes, if they have not been adequately protected against moisture pickup in storage, shall be held at a temperature within the range 500°F to 800°F [260°C to 430°C] for a minimum of one hour prior to testing. Testing of assemblies shall be as prescribed in Clauses 10 through 14.AWS A5.5-A5.5M pdf download.