EN ISO 2560:2020 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 2560:2020 - “Welding consumables - Covered electrodes for manual metal arc welding of non-alloy and fine grain steels - Classification” is a CEN-adopted international standard that defines how covered electrodes (stick electrodes) are classified for MMA/MMAW (manual metal arc) welding. It covers electrodes and the resulting all‑weld metal in both the as‑welded and post‑weld heat‑treated conditions for non‑alloy and fine‑grain steels with yield strength up to 500 MPa or tensile strength up to 570 MPa.

The standard provides a combined specification supporting two classification systems:

• System A (suffix “A”) - based on yield strength and an average impact energy of 47 J (aligned mainly with EN 499 practices).
• System B (suffix “B”) - based on tensile strength and an average impact energy of 27 J (used in some Pacific‑Rim markets). Clauses without an A/B suffix apply to both systems.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Classification rules for covered electrodes and deposited metal (symbols and designation format).
• Mechanical property limits: yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, and specified impact energies for all‑weld metal.
• Impact testing regimes, temperatures and acceptance criteria for the two classification systems.
• Symbols and marking: product/process symbol, strength/elongation, impact properties, chemical composition, covering type, post‑weld heat‑treatment condition, electrode efficiency/current type, welding position, and diffusible hydrogen.
• Mechanical tests and procedures: specimen preparation, preheat/interpass temperatures, pass sequencing and test requirements (including fillet weld test).
• Chemical analysis of deposited metal and acceptance levels.
• Quality controls: rounding procedure, retests and technical delivery conditions.
• Informative annexes with classification descriptions, covering types, and hydrogen/crack avoidance guidance.

Applications and practical value

• Specifying and procuring welding consumables for structural fabrication, pressure vessels, shipbuilding, and general steel construction.
• Selecting electrodes to match mechanical property requirements (yield or tensile strength) of parent metal and service conditions (impact toughness).
• Ensuring consistent product marking and classification for supply chain and quality assurance.
• Supporting welding procedure specification (WPS) selection and conformity assessment when combined with procedure and qualification standards.

Who should use this standard

• Welding engineers and fabricators
• Welding consumable manufacturers and suppliers
• Quality managers, inspectors and purchasing departments
• Standards bodies and regulatory authorities

Related standards

• EN ISO 2560:2020 supersedes earlier editions (e.g., EN ISO 2560:2009) and references other welding standards (e.g., EN 499 is a related classification influence for system A). The document was prepared by ISO/TC 44 and CEN/TC 121.

Keywords: EN ISO 2560:2020, covered electrodes, manual metal arc welding, welding consumables, non‑alloy steels, fine grain steels, yield strength, tensile strength, impact energy, electrode classification.