ISO 3580:2017 specifies requirements for classification of covered electrodes, based on the all-weld metal in the heat-treated condition, for manual metal arc welding of ferritic and martensitic creep-resisting and low alloy elevated temperature steels.

This document is a combined specification for classification utilizing a system based upon the chemical composition of the all-weld metal, with requirements for the yield strength and impact energy of the all-weld metal, or utilizing a system based upon the tensile strength and the chemical composition of the all-weld metal.

a) Paragraphs and tables which carry the suffix letter "A" are applicable only to electrodes classified to the system based upon chemical composition, with requirements for the yield strength and impact energy of the all-weld metal under this document.

b) Paragraphs and tables which carry the suffix letter "B" are applicable only to electrodes classified to the system based upon the tensile strength and the chemical composition of all-weld metal under this document.

c) Paragraphs and tables which do not have either the suffix letter "A" or the suffix letter "B" are applicable to all covered electrodes classified under this document.

For comparison purposes, some tables include requirements for electrodes classified according to both systems, placing individual electrodes from the two systems, which are similar in composition and properties, on adjacent lines in the particular table. In a particular line of the table that is mandatory in one system, the symbol for the similar electrode from the other system is indicated in parentheses. By appropriate restriction of the formulation of a particular electrode, it is often, but not always, possible to produce an electrode that can be classified in both systems, in which case the electrode, and/or its packaging, can be marked with the classification in either or both systems.