Which statement correctly describes the SMAW stainless electrode suffix 16?

Which statement correctly describes the SMAW stainless electrode suffix 16?

• A. Titania coated; potassium added to stabilize arc; usable with AC or DCRP
• B. Rutile coated; DC only
• C. Cellulose coated; AC only
• D. Basic coating; DC+AC compatible

Answer: (A)

In SMAW stainless electrodes, the suffix part of the designation conveys coating type and current compatibility. A suffix of 16 points to a titanized (titania) coating that includes arc-stabilizing components such as potassium, and it indicates the electrode is usable with both alternating current and direct current reverse polarity. This combination—titania coating, arc stabilizers, and dual polarity capability—is what makes that description the best match for the suffix 16. Other coating descriptions (rutile, cellulose, basic) imply different coating chemistries and polarity limits, which don’t align with the 16 suffix.