AWS Class E308L/308H-16 Welding Electrodes
- Home
- Welding Consumables
- Stainless Steel Coated Electrodes
- AWS E308L-16 / E308H-16
AWS A5.4 E308L-16 / E308H-16 SS Welding Electrode Supplier in Mumbai, India
Nicorex Alloys is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified importer, stockist, and supplier of E308L-16 and E308H-16 stainless steel coated electrodes in Mumbai, India. We provide these welding electrodes as classified under AWS A5.4 / ASME SFA 5.4.
E308L-16 (UNS W30813) and E308H-16 (UNS W30810) are matching-composition SMAW electrodes for the 304/304L/304H austenitic stainless steel family. Commercial equivalents include Lincoln Excalibur 308/308L-16, ESAB OK 61.30, and Bohler FOX EAS 2-A. Both grades deposit a nominal 19.5Cr-10Ni weld metal that directly matches 304 base metal chemistry. Carbon content is the only difference. E308L-16 restricts carbon to 0.04% max to prevent intergranular corrosion from chromium carbide precipitation in the 425–850°C sensitisation range. E308H-16 controls carbon at 0.04–0.08% to deliver higher tensile and creep rupture strength above 500°C. Both use a titania (rutile) “-16” coating for AC/DCEP operation in all positions, with available diameters of 2.5, 3.15, 4.0, and 5.0 mm (3/32 to 3/16 inch).
E308L-16 is the highest-volume stainless steel electrode consumed globally because 304/304L is the highest-volume stainless steel produced. It serves chemical processing, food and pharmaceutical, cryogenic/LNG, and architectural fabrication. E308H-16 covers power generation, furnace internals, and refinery components, where 304H requires carbon-matched deposits for ASME creep qualification. E308L-16 typically deposits FN 3–9 (typical FN 6), balancing hot cracking resistance with cryogenic toughness down to -196°C (-320°F). ASME Section IX classifies both as F-Number F-4 and A-Number A-8 for P-Number P-8 Group 1 base metals. Every shipment carries MTC 3.1 per EN 10204.
E308L-16 and E308H-16 Coated Electrode Specifications
The dual-grade specification table below compares E308L-16 and E308H-16 across classification, base metal match, and service temperature limits.
| AWS Classification | E308L-16 / E308H-16 |
|---|---|
| ASME SFA | SFA 5.4 |
| UNS Number | W30813 / W30810 |
| Base Metal Match | E308L-16 : 304L, 304, 301, 302, 305, 308, 321, 347 E308H-16 : 304H, 304 |
| Process | SMAW (Stick Welding) |
| Coating | Titania (Rutile) “-16” |
| Current / Polarity | AC or DCEP |
| Positions | All (F, V, OH, H) |
| Diameters | 2.5, 3.15, 4.0, 5.0 mm |
Weld Deposit Chemical Composition – E308L-16 vs E308H-16
All-weld-metal chemistry as per AWS A5.4 is identical across every element except carbon. The key alloying elements are covered in the table below:
| Specification | C | Cr | Ni | Mo | Mn | Si | P | S | Cu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E308L-16 (wt.%) | 0.04 max | 18.0–21.0 | 9.0–11.0 | 0.75 max | 0.5–2.5 | 0.90 max | 0.04 max | 0.03 max | 0.75 max |
| E308H-16 (wt.%) | 0.04–0.08 | 18.0–21.0 | 9.0–11.0 | 0.75 max | 0.5–2.5 | 0.90 max | 0.04 max | 0.03 max | 0.75 max |
All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties – E308L-16 vs E308H-16
Mechanical properties as per AWS A5.4 are compared below. E308H carries a higher tensile minimum (80 ksi / 550 MPa) than E308L (75 ksi / 520 MPa) due to carbon solid-solution strengthening.
| Property | E308L-16 AWS Min | E308L-16 Typical | E308H-16 AWS Min | E308H-16 Typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 75 ksi (520 MPa) | 80–88 ksi (550–607 MPa) | 80 ksi (550 MPa) | 86–89 ksi (593–614 MPa) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | Not specified | 54–58 ksi (372–400 MPa) | Not specified | 57–68 ksi (393–469 MPa) |
| Elongation | 30% min | 38–46% | 30% min | 39–44% |
| Side Bend | Required | Pass | Required | Pass |
| Charpy V-Notch | Not specified | 23 ft-lb at -320°F | Not specified | Not typically tested |
| Ferrite Number | Not specified | FN 3–9 (typical FN 6) | Not specified | FN 3–7 |
| Hardness | Not specified | ~160–180 HV | Not specified | ~170–195 HV |
E308L’s advantage lies in cryogenic toughness. Low carbon with controlled ferrite delivers CVN 23 ft-lb at -320°F (-196°C). E308H’s advantage appears in creep rupture testing above 500°C, where M₂₃C₆ carbides resist deformation. AWS A5.4 does not specify yield strength or toughness requirements for either grade.
Available Sizes of E308L-16 / E308H-16 Stick Electrode
The table below lists standard diameters available of E308L-16 / E308H-16 stick electrode with amperage ranges:
| Diameter (in) | Diameter (mm) | Length (mm) | Current (A) AC/DCEP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/32 | 2.50 | 300 | 55–85 |
| 1/8 | 3.15 | 350 | 75–110 |
| 5/32 | 4.00 | 350 | 90–140 |
| 3/16 | 5.00 | 350 | 120–160 |
Use stringer beads with a short-to-medium arc. Avoid excessive weaving. The titania slag is self-releasing; clean between passes with a dedicated stainless steel brush. Back-purge root passes on pipe with argon.
Base Metal Compatibility and P-Number Matrix for E308L-16 and E308H-16
E308L-16 covers similar joints in 304L, 304, 301, 302, 305, and 308, and is acceptable for 321 and 347, where stabiliser matching is not critical. E308H-16 is reserved for 304H in high-temperature creep service. Both carry F-4, A-8 classification for P-8 Group 1 base metals.
| Base Metal | Spec / UNS | P-No. | Electrode Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304L | S30403 | P-8 Gr.1 | E308L-16 | Primary application; highest-volume joint globally |
| 304 | S30400 | P-8 Gr.1 | E308L-16 or E308H-16 | E308H if creep service above 500°C |
| 304H | S30409 | P-8 Gr.1 | E308H-16 | Carbon-matched for ASME creep qualification |
| 301 / 302 / 305 | S30100 / S30200 / S30500 | P-8 Gr.1 | E308L-16 | Similar-composition welding |
| 321 | S32100 | P-8 Gr.1 | E308L-16 | Acceptable; E347-16 preferred if stabilisation critical |
| 347 | S34700 | P-8 Gr.1 | E308L-16 | Acceptable; E347-16 preferred if Nb stabilisation matters |
Do not use E308L/H for 304-to-carbon steel dissimilar joints, 316/316L (use E316L-16), 310/310S (use E310-16), duplex 2205 (use E2209-16), or 321/347 where stabiliser matching is critical (use E347-16).
Recommended Welding Parameters for E308L-16 and E308H-16 Electrodes
The following technique parameters apply to both E308L-16 and E308H-16 during SMAW fabrication.
| Diameter (mm) | Diameter (in) | Length (mm) | Current Range (A) | Polarity | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 3/32 | 300 | 55-85 A | AC/DCEP | All |
| 3.15 | 1/8 | 350 | 75-110 A | AC/DCEP | All |
| 4.0 | 5/32 | 350 | 90-140 A | AC/DCEP | All |
| 5.0 | 3/16 | 350 | 120-160 A | AC/DCEP | F, H |
Interpass temperature must not exceed 150°C (300°F). Preheat is not required for austenitic SS-to-SS joints. PWHT is not recommended; if essential, solution anneal at 1040–1065°C with rapid water quench. Never hold E308L deposits in the 425–850°C range. AC polarity requires a minimum 70 V OCV. Use dedicated stainless steel tools. Carbon steel contamination introduces free iron. Avoid carbon-arc gouging on E308L zones; use plasma or mechanical methods instead.
Premium Industrial Materials
Get E308L-16 and E308H-16 Electrodes at Competitive Prices
ISO Certified
Custom Sizes
Fast Delivery
Industries & Welding Applications of E308L-16 and E308H-16 Electrodes
E308L-16 is the preferred choice wherever 304/304L austenitic stainless steel is fabricated or repaired. E308H-16 serves the high-temperature subset where 304H requires carbon-matched deposits for ASME creep qualification.
- 304L is the standard material for chemical processing vessels, reactors, and piping. E308L-16 is the default electrode for all similar joints, covering pressure vessel seam welds, heat exchanger tube-to-tubesheet joints, process piping, and stainless storage tanks per API 650 Appendix S.
- 304L is widely used in hygienic equipment compliant with FDA, EHEDG, and 3-A Sanitary Standards. E308L-16 is the mandated filler for brewery tanks, dairy pasteurisers, pharmaceutical reactors, and WFI systems.
- 304L is approved for cryogenic service down to -196°C (-320°F) as per ASME Section VIII. E308L-16 provides the matching deposit: CVN 23 ft-lb at -320°F. Applications include LNG inner tanks at -162°C, liquid nitrogen vessels, and air separation unit cold boxes.
- E308H-16 is specified for welding 304H (UNS S30409) in elevated-temperature components. Superheater tubes at 550–700°C, catalyst support grids, furnace internals, and heat treatment fixtures cycling to 800°C all require 0.04–0.08% carbon for creep resistance through M₂₃C₆ carbide retention.
- 304/304L is the dominant grade for architectural stainless from building facades, handrails, elevator panels, to structural columns. Water treatment components, commercial kitchen equipment, and swimming pool fittings also use E308L-16 joints.
Storage, Handling and Re-Drying Procedures for E308L-16 / E308H-16 Electrodes
Unopened vacuum-sealed packets require no re-drying. After opening, store in a holding oven at 100–150°C (212–300°F). If exposed to humidity, re-bake at 200–250°C (392–480°F) for 1–2 hours, with a maximum of 3 cycles. The “-16” titania coating tolerates moisture better than “-15” basic coatings, but absorbed moisture still causes porosity. Use dedicated stainless steel tools. Carbon steel contamination creates rust and violates food/pharmaceutical GMP. Nicorex Alloys supplies both grades in vacuum-sealed packets with MTC 3.1 per EN 10204.
How to Order E308L-16 / E308H-16 Welding Electrodes from Nicorex Alloys
To place an order for E308L-16 / E308H-16 welding electrodes from Nicorex Alloys, provide the following details:
- AWS Classification: E308L-16 / E308H-16 per AWS A5.4 / ASME SFA-5.4
- Diameter: 2.4 mm / 3.2 mm / 4.0 mm / 4.8 mm
- Quantity: Specify kg or number of canisters
- Testing / Certification: MTC 3.1/3.2; FN Report; PMI; IGC per ASTM A262
- Base Metal: UNS S30403 / S30409 or dissimilar joint
- Material Grade: UNS S30403 / S30409; W.Nr. 1.4316 / 1.4948; EN ISO 3581-A
- Third-Party Approvals: DNV / ABS / BV / LR / TÜV
- Applicable Code: ASME VIII, IX, B31.3
- Delivery: Domestic / International — specify port or address
- Remarks: Confirm L grade (low carbon) or H grade (high carbon) — specify
Pair E308L-16 with ER308L TIG wire for a complete 304L package, or E308H-16 with ER308H for 304H service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Price of E308L-16 and E308H-16 Welding Electrodes per Kg in India?
E308L-16 is at the base of the stainless electrode price range as the highest-volume austenitic grade in India. E308H-16 costs 5–15% more due to tighter carbon control and lower production volume. Pricing varies by diameter, quantity, and certification. Contact Nicorex Alloys for current per-kg rates from our Mumbai warehouse.
Why is the Electrode Called E308L and not E304L When it Welds 304L Stainless Steel?
No “E304L” classification exists in AWS A5.4. The “308” filler runs richer than 304 base metal (roughly 19.5% Cr and 10% Ni versus 18% Cr and 8% Ni). This over-matching compensates for dilution, micro-segregation, and the need for delta ferrite to prevent hot cracking. An “E304L” composition would solidify with near-zero ferrite and crack.
Can E308L-16 be Used for Welding 321 and 347 Stainless Steels?
Yes, with a qualification. E308L-16 is suitable for 321 and 347 joints where the weld zone does not require Nb or Ti stabilisation. The deposit relies on 0.04% max carbon to resist sensitisation. For prolonged service at 425–850°C in corrosive conditions, E347-16 is preferred. At ambient or mildly elevated temperatures, E308L-16 performs well on both grades.
What Ferrite Number does E308L-16 Typically Produce in the Weld Deposit?
E308L-16 typically produces FN 3–9, with a mid-range around FN 6. Minimum ~3 FN prevents solidification hot cracking; maximum ~10 FN avoids low-temperature embrittlement below -50°C. E308H deposits slightly lower ferrite (FN 3–7) because higher carbon stabilises austenite on the WRC-1992 diagram.
What are the ASME F-Number and A-Number for E308L-16 and E308H-16?
Both grades carry F-Number F-4 as per ASME Section IX QW-432 and A-Number A-8 as per QW-442. A welder qualified with any F-4 electrode (E308L, E316L, E347) can use E308L-16 and E308H-16 without requalification as per QW-433.
When should you NOT use E308L-16 or E308H-16 Welding Electrodes?
Do not use E308L-16 for 304-to-carbon steel dissimilar joints, 316/316L joints (use E316L-16), or creep service above 500°C (use E308H-16). Do not use E308H-16 in wet corrosive service below 500°C (sensitisation risk), cryogenic service (insufficient toughness data), or food/pharmaceutical work (GMP requires low carbon). Neither grade suits duplex 2205, 310/310S, or stainless-to-carbon steel dissimilar joints.