There is an erroneous opinion that the quality of the weld depends only on the performer, but this is far from the case, and any good welder understands this - electrodes for welding heating and plumbing pipes play far from the last violin in such work.

First of all, it should be noted that such conductive rods can be both metallic and non-metallic, that is, carbon or graphite, but in this case, the second type does not interest us.

Let's look at what signs you can distinguish between consumables of this type, how best to choose them, and the video in this article will demonstrate visual information on our topic.

How they are distinguished

Electrodes made of metal can be consumable or non-consumable. The first type can be coated, with a steel, cast iron, bronze, copper or aluminum rod, but the uncoated ones are currently used only in the form of a wire (see photo above) when welding is carried out in a gas protective environment.

The non-consumable type includes intriated, thoriated, lanthanated, and tungsten, so it is only natural that their price is much higher.

In addition, the electrodes are classified according to their purpose, that is, according to the type of material to be processed. For high-carbon steel according to GOST 9467-75, the material is marked with the letter U, for alloyed and heat-resistant steels - with the letter T, but for the deposition of the surface layer - with the letter T.

Tungsten – TIGWIG

In most cases, there is a coating on the rods, but it also differs and has its own marking in accordance with GOST 9466-75.

For example:

• thin coating is marked with the letter A (international format - A);
• middle - the letter C (international format - B);
• thick - letter D (international format - R);
• and especially thick - with the letter G (international format - C).

In addition to the thickness of the coating layer, it is classified according to its type:

• A - sour;
• B - main;
• C - cellulose;
• R - rutile;
• P - mixed.

In addition, the mixed layer can be:

• AR - acid-rutile;
• RB - rutile-basic;
• RP - rutile-cellulose;
• RJ - rutile, with an admixture of iron powder.

Note. Due to the fact that welding work can be carried out in different positions, electrodes are also classified into different types here.
So, they can be for the lower position vertical from the bottom up, horizontal and lower into the boat.
The instruction also implies rods for any position.

By appointment. Types of materials

• Carbon and low alloy structural steels. In this case, the tensile strength can be up to 60 kgf/mm or 600 MPa.
• High alloy steel types which have special properties.
• Structural steels where arc welding is used. Here, the tensile strength will already be more than 60 kgf / mm or 600 MPa.
• Surfacing of the surface layer of metal, which has special properties.
• Cast iron.
• Non-ferrous metals. (See also the article.)

More about coverage

• A - acid or acid coating. It consists of oxides of iron, manganese and silicon.
• B is basic. It contains calcium fluoride and calcium carbonate. Welding work with the help of such electrodes is carried out with direct current of variable polarity.
• C - cellulose. It contains flour and other organic components that are intended to create a gas protective shell in the production of welding work.
• R - rutile. It contains rutile as the main component, as well as other mineral and organic components. In addition to gas protection, such components can significantly reduce spatter during the production of the seam.

Note. In domestic use (heating, frames), everything is somewhat simpler, since there, usually for all cases, electrodes with a basic (B) coating are used, the diameter of which depends on the thickness of the metal.
For example, if you are interested in which electrodes to weld a profile pipe, then given the thin wall of the profile (1.0-1.5 mm), it is better for you to use a rod with a cross section of 2 mm.
Depending on welding (transformer or inverter), you will also select the consumable itself (for AC or DC).

Consumption rates

For heating installation, the consumption rates of electrodes when welding pipes can be different, depending on the type of seam, but we will consider only a vertical connection without beveled edges, as the most commonly used.

Consumption of electrodes when welding pipes per meter of seam

Consumption of electrodes when welding pipes for 1 joint

Note. By and large, electrodes of any type are classified as one of the groups of welding consumables.
In addition to them, this includes filler rods, wire, shielding gases and filler fluxes.

Conclusion

As you noticed, there are a lot of brands of electrodes, but if you want to cook heating in the house with your own hands, then you immediately need to discard the materials for high-alloy and non-ferrous steels, as well as cast iron.

In addition, the thickness of the walls of heating pipes, as a rule, is not less than 2 mm, then a 3 mm rod is needed. In addition, you will find an electrode for all positions, with a medium crack (C) type, acid (A) or basic (B), for carbon and low carbon steels.

Metal pipeline and electric welding are inseparable concepts. When arranging water supply, heating, sewerage of high or low pressure at home or at work, pipes are joined by welding.

This is due to the fact that the welding seam does not differ in strength and structure from the material of the pipeline elements. It provides a solid CIP design with the guarantee of absolute sealing and durability.

Article content

Pros and cons of pipe welding

Like any method in construction, electric welding of steel pipes has its advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages of this method include:

• the ability to connect pipes of any diameter, regardless of wall thickness;
• thanks to the welded seam, the initial outer and inner diameters of the pipe are preserved. In the case, for example, with couplings, the diameter of the joint increases significantly in comparison with the joined elements;
• the same material is used for welding as for the pipeline itself. This makes it possible to ensure complete solidity of the structure without changing the properties of the material used;
• welding does not require the purchase of additional fittings, which are often quite expensive;
• this method is quite cheap and simple, provided that specialists take up the matter.

In fact, there is only one drawback: only a specialist can weld pipes correctly.

If you take up such work on your own, you can get a poor-quality seam with significant cracks, slag accumulations, etc. In the future, this will lead to leakage and rotting of the pipe near the joint.

Briefly about the welding process

The process of joining metal pipes by electric welding is to create an electric arc between the electrode and the welded elements.

Under the influence of an electric arc, two similar materials are melted, mixed and create a monolithic seam as the electrode is removed.

Due to the special coating of the electrode, special conditions are created in the arc that do not allow oxygen to enter the melting point of metals and create a protective film.

The width and thickness of the seam depend on the thickness of the electrode, the materials of the elements to be welded, the welding mode, the arc speed, and the mains voltage. The formation of slags on the surface depends on these same parameters, especially on the latter. The slag formed during the welding process must be removed.

Before starting to weld the system, it is necessary to understand many nuances, prepare tools and equipment, purchase electrodes, and prepare the welded edges of the pipes.

The process of electric arc welding of steel pipes (video)

Welding tools

For welding, first of all, electric welding is required. There are two types of welding machines:

• the basis of the first type is a step-down transformer. The regulation of the current of such welding is carried out by changing the magnetic gap or the position of the rheostat. To date, such a device is considered obsolete. It has a significantly large weight and requires special skills;
• the second type is inverter welding. Thanks to the use of a much smaller transformer, the apparatus has become compact and fairly light. It can be easily moved around the room or even hung on the shoulder. Adjustment of current of inverter welding is carried out by regulators with high accuracy.

In addition to the welding machine we will need:

• electrodes. We will talk about the choice of electrodes later;
• mask. It is needed in order to protect the face and eyes from welding burns. It was quite inconvenient to use the old versions of masks. It was necessary to tune in, attach an electrode, and only then put on a mask, since they did not let light through at all. Today the market offers so-called chameleon masks. They are able to automatically adjust the degree of darkening of the glass;
• overalls. In the process of welding, splashes of hot metal fly from the joint. Therefore, it is better to protect yourself from burns with the help of welding overalls;
• metal brush or other abrasive tool for cleaning the edges of the joined elements;
• hammer for upholstering slag.

Choice of electrodes

Weld quality directly depends on the correct choice of electrodes. They are selected based on the material, diameter and wall thickness of the pipe. Welding of thin-walled pipes is carried out with an electrode of 2-3 mm, a thick-walled heating pipe must be welded with an electrode of 4-5 mm.

In addition to the thickness of the metal rod, the electrodes also differ in the thickness of the coating and its material. The coating can be from 3 to 20% of the total mass.

Recall that the coating in the electrode is needed to create a special environment in which welding is carried out without access to oxygen. But, the larger the coating layer, the more slags are created, which negatively affect the quality of the seam and the solidity of the structure.

Therefore, when choosing electrodes, it is important to find a compromise between the thickness of the rod and the coating layer, taking into account the characteristics of the pipe.

Understanding which electrodes and at what amperage is it correct to cook this or that pipe comes with experience. Such experience is usually obtained by the method of "scientific poke". However, in order to avoid a large number of errors, you should first refer to the tables of correspondences between electrode types, types of pipes and electric welding current.

Joint preparation

You can start cooking heating pipes only after their joints are completely cleaned of debris and raids. If you are a beginner, do not try to weld wet pipes, as the water will boil, evaporate and make the process much more difficult.

Before starting work, you need to properly clean the edges of the joined elements. To do this, use different abrasive tools, ranging from sandpaper and ending with a grinder, depending on the thickness and quality of the pipe. You can start welding joints only after as they will not remain burrs and sharp edges.

• before starting welding work, you need to make sure that there are no combustible or explosive objects near the junction of the heating pipes. If they are, and it is not possible to remove them, it is necessary to enclose the place of work with non-combustible material, for example, asbestos;
• next to the place of welding, you need to put a container with water, in case of an unexpected fire;
• make sure that the grounding and the integrity of the wire of the welding machine are securely fixed;
• check the mains voltage. If the voltage is weak or its drops are observed, increased slagging may occur during the welding process. To avoid this, it is better to use a rectifier;
• clean and dry pipe joints. An experienced craftsman can weld heating pipes with a wet joint, but this will seriously interfere with a beginner;
• put on a welding suit and mask;
• set the desired current on the transformer of the welding machine. As a rule, welding of heating pipes up to 5 mm, with an electrode thickness of 3 mm, is carried out at rotary joints with a current of 100 - 250 A, at fixed joints - 80 - 120 A;
• check if the voltage is correct. To do this, we ignite the arc by moving the electrode at a distance of 5 mm until sparks appear. If there are no sparks, adjust the current;
• after completing all of the above steps, you can start welding heating pipes.

Welding steps

After setting up the welding machine and achieving a stable arc, we begin to connect the elements of the pipeline.

There are three options for moving the welding arc:

1. The translational movement of the electrode along the weld, ensuring the stability of the arc.
2. Along the junction. Provides a continuous seam, the height of which depends on the speed of movement of the electrode.
3. Across the joint with oscillatory movements. This method provides not only the required height, but also the width of the seam.

Welding of pipes of small diameter with a wall thickness of up to 5 mm made with a continuous seam. Similar products of larger diameter are cooked intermittently.

It is necessary to weld pipeline elements with a wall thickness of up to 6 mm in two layers, from 6 to 7 mm - in three, over 7 mm 4 welds are laid.

It is necessary to brew the joints until the connection is complete without interruptions in the seam.

The first layers are best welded in steps to connect the joints. All subsequent layers are carried out with a continuous seam. After welding the first continuous layer, it is necessary to knock off all the slag and carefully inspect the junction for cracks and burns. If there are any, they need to be melted and boiled again.

This page shows information on the topic "Electrodes for pipe welding" and everything related to it. See below for information on this issue, and at the bottom of the page are selected brands of electrodes with this label on the site.

Pipe welding electrodes

In practice, the need to weld metal pipes is encountered quite often. Such work must always be treated with a great deal of responsibility, especially if it is pipes for a heating system, plumbing or high pressure systems. Suitable welding consumables are required for welding VGP (water and gas) pipes

When welding such pipes, the seams must withstand maximum loads and skill alone, of course, will not be enough here. To obtain a high-quality, durable and strong seam, it is also necessary to use suitable welding consumables that are able to provide the necessary seam due to their special composition. On this page we will try to describe in detail which electrodes are best for pipe welding.

Electrodes for welding high pressure pipelines

Experts recommend electrodes for welding high-pressure pipelines of such brands as: and, companies,. If the pipes are made of steel 20, then the type is used, and if ZOHMA metal was used in their manufacture, 20KhZMVF is suitable EP-60, TsL-19XM and VSN-2. MP-3s electrodes can be coated with blue or green. They are easy to use, make it possible to work at low current, from a device connected to a conventional network.

OK 53.70 electrodes make it possible to perform one-sided welding of high-pressure main networks and many other similar very important structures, in the construction of which low-carbon steels were used. They are coated with a special flux. Thanks to him, a small amount of gases is released. The low content of non-metallic impurities makes it possible to create a weld with high ductility and good impact strength.

Electrodes for oil pipelines

Today, pipe electrodes for oil pipelines of foreign production are widely used, for example, (Japan) and OK 53.70 Sweden. There are many similar to them, designed and manufactured in local factories. These can be attributed LEZ LBgp, this brand has been tested at VNIIIST and received a NAKS certificate. They are coated with sulfur, carbon, silicon and manganese. They are produced with a diameter of 2.5, 3 and 4 mm. They cook pipes made of low-alloy metal.

For a household inverter and welding of black pipes, you can buy MP-3s electrodes. They allow you to work at low current. They are good for welding pipes made of carbon and low-alloy metals.

The main water supply, which is usually laid underground and consumers are connected to it in hatches, is made of cast iron.

To create a seam in the lower, floor, ceiling, vertical positions, it is best to use the MNCH-2 brand. Used for welding gray and malleable cast iron. Using the brand, you can cook with a cold and hot method. This electrode is only suitable for the down position. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it is possible to weld a valve to cast iron, any product made from other types of metal.

On a note! It is necessary to choose an electrode for welding water pipes coated with a coating that will protect the melting bath from nitrogen. This is an important condition. If the seam contains oxygen or nitrogen in large quantities, then its plastic properties will be characterized as weak, the strength will not correspond to the norm. Thick-coated electrodes allow you to get a high-quality water connection.

To choose the most suitable electrode for a particular type of work, you can be guided by the data indicated on the package. In most cases, the brand is suitable, ESAB. Stainless water pipes are welded with an electrode, an analogue of ESAB OK 61.30. Well proved, manufacturers of electrodes.

Useful video

Electrodes for welding galvanized pipes

So that pores do not form during the welding of galvanizing, it is better to increase the current by 10-50 amperes more than usual. Between the pipes and sheets to be connected, the gap must be doubled.

The speed of the process needs to be slowed down by 20%. The technique for creating a seam should be reciprocating.

Attention! So that harmful zinc fumes do not lead to tragedy, suffocation, it is important for welders to remember to use protective equipment.

Suitable brands

For welding galvanized pipes, electrodes with a diameter of up to 3 mm are used. They must be calcium fluoride or coated.

Making the right choice is very important, the quality depends on it. A special flux protects the zinc coating from evaporation.

Suitable electrodes MP-3, ANO-4, OES-4, made of low-carbon steel. They are covered with rutile. If the galvanized metal is made from low-alloy steel, then it is recommended to buy UONI-13/55, UONI-13/45, DSK-50.

Video from the manufacturer

See how UONI 13/55 is brewed without interruption:

Electrodes for welding water pipes

For the production of hot-rolled pipes without seams, metal st20-10 is taken. Steel st3, st10-20, st17g1s-y carbonaceous, used in the manufacture of electric welded products. Cold deformation pipe is made of grade 20. Corrosion-resistant with thick walls are made of metal 08X18H10T, 12X18H10T, 08X18H12T. The usual accuracy is made from metal that meets the requirements of GOST 380, increased - GOST 1050.

Most suitable brands

Depending on the thickness of the pipe metal, an electrode is selected. Its diameter can be 2-6 mm.

• The brand allows you to cook pipes with thick walls.
• The brand is necessary for welding products of large diameter.
• The electrodes will allow you to sew in any direction.

For welding water pipes, UONI 13/45, OK 74.70, ANO-T, OK 46 are used. These brands ignite easily, burn well, and are able to fill large gaps.

Welding electrodes for heating pipes

For piping heating, a St.3 brand pipe is suitable - this is low-alloy carbon steel. The best option is a conventional seam pipe St.3 with a passage of up to 20 mm and a wall of up to 2.8 mm. The choice of electrodes depends on the choice of pipes.

Carefully! Galvanized pipe will cause a lot of trouble during welding (see above).

For a high-quality and reliable connecting welding seam of steel pipes, you can use electrodes of brands:

• ANO-4;
• MP-3;
• UONI-13/45;
• ANO-27;
• ANO-21;
• OK-46.

To choose the right electrodes for the installation of the heating system, you need to know them. For example, E50A-UONI-13 / 45-3.0-UD. E - electrode for manual welding, 50 - tensile strength in kgf / mm², 3.0 - electrode thickness in mm, penultimate letter U - for carbon steels, D - coating thickness coefficient.

The electrodes have different coating composition. The quality of welding depends on the thickness of the coating, but grades M - thin and C - medium coating are suitable for household work. Diameter of electrodes up to 3 mm. The quality of welding also depends on the experience of the welder.

Electrodes for profile pipes

The properties of a profile pipe are associated with the brand of material from which it is made. Usually it is steel 09g2s, 3SP, 1PS, 2PS with high tensile strength (45 kgf / mm) and an elongation factor of 18%.

Decide on the thickness of the electrode. Its diameter:

• 1.6 mm if the metal thickness is 1 mm;
• 2 or 2.5 mm (thickness of parts 2-3 mm);
• 3 or 4 mm when welding elements with a thickness of 3-6 mm.

Consider the coverage determined by the marking:

A - sour (manganese and iron oxides);
B - main;
T - cellulose (creates a gas shell);
R - rutile (reduces spatter).

Welding of a profile pipe is carried out with electrodes with a basic (B) coating:

ANO: suitable for both experienced craftsmen and beginners;
MP-3C: to obtain a high-quality seam;
(universal): metal;
OZS: allow you to get a high-quality seam, cost little, but are afraid of moisture;
UONI 13/35: used by professionals for welding thick-walled pipes.

There is an opinion that pipe welding is a fairly simple technological operation that even a beginner can handle.

Indeed, it would seem that this is complicated. The parts are quite large, the surfaces to be joined are well adjusted to each other and processed, the material is of high quality. At first glance, there is everything you need to form an aesthetic and durable seam!

In practice, however, it turns out quite differently. This process is quite difficult, especially when it comes to the formation of a full-fledged pipeline operating under pressure. The best specialists are attracted to work with its segments.

Why is this happening? How to weld with high quality without having significant experience? What tips and tricks should you follow?

The most common and popular technique is electric arc welding.

Yes, it has alternatives in the form of gas welding, but its undeniable advantages are simplicity, a minimum set of equipment and a result that meets the most stringent standards.

Even when designing main pipelines, this method is used. To achieve high quality, it is necessary to take the work with all responsibility.

Choice of electrodes

The connection of segments of steel pipelines must be carried out using high-quality consumables, otherwise it is unlikely that a good result will be achieved.

For example, when it comes to choosing electrodes, the following models are considered the best:

• , ANO-24 and. They operate on alternating currents. Work is allowed even with wet coating. The cost of products is low, which explains their demand in everyday life, they are ideal for connecting structural elements of gates, greenhouses and other structures of small mass that do not experience high loads. Work with pipelines, transportation of the medium in which is carried out under significant pressure, is not allowed.
• . The quality of the cores deserves flattering reviews even from professional welders, but they have a minus - work cannot be done at high speed. It is necessary to constantly monitor the stability of the arc, the seam is built up gradually, so the worker must have some experience in interacting with classic ANO and MR electrodes.
• Great for metal pipes. This is a Japanese design. It is she who is preferred in the implementation of large projects. They form a smooth and stable arc, the resulting seam combines strength and aesthetics. The downside is the rather high cost, but they are suitable for both specialists and beginners.

Watch a video on the topic of which electrodes to use for pipe welding:

Basic Methods

The connection can be made in one of the following ways:

1. End-to-end, when the connected pipes are placed opposite each other. The most common option, characterized by relative ease of implementation. However, it is also characterized by certain difficulties. The first point is that it is better to work from below. The second point is that it is necessary to carefully weld the metal so that the penetration depth corresponds to the wall thickness.
2. Overlap. This method is focused on connecting elements that initially differ in diameter, or segments, one of which is flared, that is, its diameter is increased intentionally, by mechanical action.
3. The tee joint is made at a 90 degree angle.
4. Corner connection assumes that the angle between the connected segments is less than 90 degrees.

Before welding pipes by electric welding, it is worth remembering a number of tips, following which will simplify the process, as well as improve the quality of the final result:

• If the connection is carried out by the butt or tee method, then electrodes with a diameter of 2 to 3 millimeters show themselves best.
• The recommended current is from 80 to 100 amperes, the only exception is overlap welding, when it is recommended to increase it to 120 amperes.
• When filling the weld, you need to focus on the fact that the rise of the metal above the plane of the element reaches 2-3 millimeters.
• If the pipe has in cross section not the usual ovals or circles, but profiles, that is, rectangles and squares, then the point method of connecting it is used.

Its essence lies in the fact that initially you need to weld a small area on one side. Further - a similar section on the opposite side, after - on the remaining two planes. Only after that the pipe is finally welded.

This approach makes it possible to exclude the possibility of warping of the product with increasing temperature, its geometry remains stable.

Preparatory operations

The final quality of the joint depends not only on the professionalism of the welder and the use of the “correct” electrodes, but also on how competently the preliminary preparation is performed.

It consists of the following operations:

• Checking the conformity of the geometry of the connected elements of the selected technology. It must be remembered that the wall thickness must be identical, otherwise it will not be possible to fully weld a thick-walled pipe, and in the case of working with a thin-walled product, on the contrary, the risk of through burnout increases.
• The presence of defects on the welded products, whether cracks, creases or deformations, is not allowed. In the process of thermal expansion, they can turn into areas of complete destruction of the structure.
• Geometric deviations of the cut are not allowed. Its angle should be 90 degrees, otherwise the weld will not be strong enough, there will be problems with its formation, which will pose a threat of destruction of the entire structure.
• The edges of the pipes to be joined must be cleaned until a shiny metal surface appears, for which coarse sandpaper or a special brush is used. The minimum length of the stripped area is a centimeter from the edge.
• Grease and other contaminants, traces of paint and corrosion are removed. The most effective means of removal is a chemical solvent.

This video shows how to prepare the pipe edges for clearance using a grinder:

Process Features

Pipe welding technology involves following the following rules:

• The seam must be continuous, that is, end at the point of its beginning. Detachment of the electrode from the surface is not allowed. The rule cannot be fulfilled if the pipe diameter is too large. In such a situation, multilayer welding is used. The number of layers must be related to the wall thickness.

2 layers correspond to a thickness of less than 6 millimeters, 3 - from 6 to 12, 4 - more than 12. Before applying subsequent layers, you need to make sure that the first one has completely cooled down.

• Before welding two pipes, they must be fixed. The tack will simplify the work, eliminate transverse and longitudinal movements, and allow you to form an even and strong seam without any extra effort.
• With a pipe wall thickness of more than 4 millimeters, the formation of a root weld is allowed, the main feature of which is the filling of the area between adjacent edges to the full depth. An alternative to the root weld is the roll equivalent, which is identified by the 3mm bead on top of the weld.
• Seam quality check. It is tapped with a hammer, which allows you to remove slag inclusions. After that, a visual inspection is carried out, cracks, areas with insufficient penetration, chips, recesses, burns are not allowed.

If a liquid or other medium under pressure is transported through the pipes, a test run is carried out to determine the tightness.

Useful video

Watch a video where an experienced welder shows how easy and fast it is to weld pipes for beginners:

Video for beginner welders, crescent pipe welding:

Conclusion

So, the welded connection of pipes is a responsible matter, but with the proper approach, a careful attitude, even beginners can handle it. The main thing is to do everything according to the instructions, not to deviate from the technology, to remember all the little things.

Most professional and home welders face the need sooner or later. Not surprising! This is one of the most common types of welding. But pipe welding is characterized by increased requirements for the quality and tightness of the seams, especially for gas and water supply units. For these purposes, special electrodes are used.

Electrodes for welding pipelines are designed taking into account all the features of the future operation of pipes. are strong and durable, they withstand the maximum temperature load. Such electrodes have a special composition, due to which they provide good quality welded joints. Novice welders usually have a lot of questions on this topic. How to choose the right electrodes? What kind of rods to weld tubing pipe? What are the best electrodes for pipe welding? We will try to answer these and many other questions in this article.

How to cook a pipe if it is planned to introduce main gas supply through it? We recommend OK-46, LB-52 or UONI-13/55 brand electrodes (the same electrodes can be used to weld tubing pipe). All of the listed grades have a suitable composition, they can be made using manganese, phosphorus, sulfur or silicon. And OK-46 s electrodes are generally considered universal. In our experience, they are especially suitable for welding parts with a wide gap.

Also on the market there is a brand LB 52U with a basic coating. Let's dwell on it in more detail. Such electrodes contain a small amount of hydrogen, so the seam is very high quality. At the same time, it is stable, easily ignites, and completely boils the metal.

If it is necessary to weld especially critical assemblies (for example, rotary ones), while the pipe is made of carbon or low-alloy steel, then we recommend electrodes for welding pipes of the MTG-01K brand. The arc burns stably, the slag is removed easily and quickly, while the spatter of the metal is negligible.

Electrodes for heating pipes

If you need to weld heating pipes with high quality, then we recommend the following brands of electrodes: E42A, UONI 13/45 (diameter 3 mm). These rods have a thick coating, which makes it easy to weld carbon steel. Also, for welding heating pipes, grades E-09X1MF and TsL-20 are suitable. They are designed to form a strong seam when welding heat-resistant steel. These rods also have a fairly thick coating. If you need to weld stainless, carbon or alloy steel, then use TsL-9 with a basic coating. There is little hydrogen in such rods, and we already know that this guarantees excellent weld quality.

If you plan to weld pipes in which there will be a continuous supply of hot water and there may be increased pressure, then use electrodes for pipes of the MP-3 brand. The same rods can be used to weld tubing pipe. Electrodes of this brand have and are made of special wire. Manufacturers offer a diameter of 3 to 5 mm. When working with this grade, tilt the electrode towards the deposit and use a short arc. Then it will be as tight as possible.

It is very important to set the current correctly. The smaller the thickness of the metal and the diameter of the electrode, the lower the voltage value. If the voltage is set too low, the metal may not boil. And vice versa: if you set the current value too high, then the part may be deformed. Therefore, pay attention to the thickness of the metal and the dimensions of the electrode.

Plumbing electrodes

We recommend the following brands for welding water pipes: MN-5, MNZH5 (for), NZH-13 (for pipes from) and MNCH-2 (for pipe welding). If you have to do home welding with an inverter, and the pipes are made of ferrous metal, then you can use the brand MP-3s. They can qualitatively weld even a pipe with a diameter of 32 by 2.8 mm at low current.

If you need to do it, then use the MNC-2 electrodes. TsCh-4 is suitable for cold and hot welding, but note that it can only be used in the lower position. By the way, when choosing electrodes, pay attention to the presence of a coating. Be sure to buy coated rods, as it will protect the welding area from the negative effects of oxygen. We recommend electrodes for welding pipes with a thick coating.

If you have any specific type of work, then consult with the seller in the store. Read the information on the packages carefully. For most work, tube electrodes from manufacturers such as UONI, OZS, ANO, KOBELKO, ESAB are suitable. Among domestic manufacturers, we also recommend the electrodes of the Ural and Kamensky plants.