This specification prescribes the requirements for classification of low-alloy steel covered electrodes used for shielded metal arc welding. The requirements include chemical composition and mechanical properties of weld metal, weld metal soundness, usability tests of electrodes, and moisture tests of the low-hydrogen electrode covering. Requirements for standard sizes and lengths, marking, manufacturing, and packaging are also included. Optional supplemental requirements include tests for absorbed moisture in the electrode covering and for diffusible hydrogen in the weld metal. This specification makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units (SI). Since these are not equivalent, each system must be used independently of the other. Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard and, therefore, are not fully addressed herein.