Electrode Efficiency
(Deposition Efficiency)

Electrode efficiency is the difference between the weight of the weld metal deposited and the weight of the filler metal consumed (not including flux and stub ends) in making the weld. The efficiency of an electrode is calculated using the following formula by running five electrodes in a 1G position:

Where:

m₁ = mass of test plate before welding

m₂ = combined mass of test plate and the weld

m₃ = mass of the core of the wire of the five electrodes

m₄ = mass of the core of the wire in the five stubs after welding

For example, an E6013-type electrode has an approximate efficiency of 91% while an E7024 will have around 150% efficiency.