Which electrodes to choose for welding with an inverter: rating of the best, recommendations for selection

For a novice welder, choosing an electrode can be a problem: there are more than two hundred brands with different properties, purposes and characteristics. Moreover, about 100 brands are suitable for manual arc welding with inverter machines. It’s impossible to talk about everyone, and to begin with, it’s not necessary. Let’s just briefly describe the main types and which electrodes for inverter welding are most suitable for beginners. We will also talk about what diameter to take and what current to set for welding metal of different thicknesses.

Electrodes for inverter welding - choosing the best

Which welding electrodes would you choose or recommend?

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Our small rating of welding electrodes will help you make the right choice. Let us remind you that the opinion of the site’s editors does not necessarily coincide with the opinion of readers. You can buy completely different electrodes without being guided by our choice.

For ease of reading the material, we have divided the list of electrode models into two parts. One presents options with a basic coating, and the other with rutile. These are the most common coating options and are in greatest demand. We'll talk more about the types of coating below, and now for you - the TOP 10 electrodes used for welding with an inverter.

Popular and best domestic electrodes for welding

ATTENTION! The following information is based on publicly available data at the time of this writing. For greater objectivity, we will make our own rating of welding electrodes, which is given below. We invite you to add your voice.

As a result of marketing research of the welding materials market, the most popular brands in recent years are:

• Resanta.
• SpetsElektrod (Moscow).
• “LEZ”.

The expert rating is as follows:

• KOMZ.
• ESAB-Tyumen.
• “Penzaelectrode”.
• “LEZ”.
• "SEZ".

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The best welding electrodes with basic coating

No. 5 - Wester UONII-13/55

Wester UONII-13/55
This option is recommended for welding work carried out with products made of low-alloy or carbon steel, and requiring the creation of a very strong and high-quality seam.

This is a universal type electrode, designed for manual arc welding. You can work with it in all spatial directions, with the exception of the vertical position when moving from top to bottom. Approximate consumption - 1.6 kg per 1 kg of metal.

Users note that these electrodes are very cheap, and this is their main advantage. But, unfortunately, not in all conditions they allow you to get an excellent, durable seam. Yes, and they need to be heated very well before work. In general, they are well suited for domestic use - in the garage, at the dacha.

pros

• low price
• relatively low consumption
• optimal for home use
• allows you to get a strong seam
• convenient packaging

Minuses

• do not always allow you to create a good seam
• You should always bake it well before work.

Prices for Wester UONII-13/55 electrodes

Wester UONII-13/55

No. 4 - Lincoln Electric SSSI 13/55

Lincoln Electric UONI 13/55
Such electrodes are used mainly for welding low-alloy and carbon steel. Previously they were called Oryol. Now they are produced at the Mezhgosmetiz-Mtsensk enterprise, but the technologies of the Lincoln Electric company are taken as the basis. Thus, it was possible to improve the quality of these elements, but did not increase their cost.

This universal electrode is used for manual arc welding. It is designed specifically for welding using direct current. The model has the main type of coating, gray color. The electrodes are not afraid of environmental factors, are suitable for working with thick metal (the main thing is to choose the correct thickness of the electrode), and allow you to achieve a durable and at the same time sufficiently plastic seam. Consumption - 1.7 kg per 1 kg of metal. It is noted that the electrodes can be used for welding work on objects located in low temperature conditions.

pros

• inexpensive
• Russian production
• immune to environmental factors
• Allows you to work with thick metal
• provide a plastic seam
• can be used at low temperatures

Minuses

• not detected

Prices for Lincoln Electric electrodes UONI 13/55

Lincoln Electric SSSI 13/55

No. 3 – Kedr OZL-8

Cedar OZL-8
This option is designed specifically for welding stainless steel. It has a basic coating type and requires pre-calcination for 60 minutes. Suitable for working in all directions of space, except vertically from top to bottom.

Easy ignition, both primary and secondary, good uniform combustion are the main advantages of this Russian-made electrode. But during the work, quite a lot of slag is formed, which often shoots off, especially when working with thin metal. The electrodes are very carefully packaged and, taken straight from the package, allow you to start working even without calcination.

pros

• low cost
• Russian production
• excellent ignition
• uniform combustion
• form a stable arc

Minuses

• form a lot of slag

Prices for electrodes Kedr OZL-8

Cedar OZL-8

No. 2 - ESAB UONI 13/55

ESAB UONI 13/55
Inexpensive, but one of the most popular electrodes that have a basic coating and are designed to work with direct current. They are recommended for work where great responsibility is required, and the final seam should be strong and neat. Consumption is low - 1.7 kg. Before starting work, preliminary calcination lasting about 60 minutes is required. But you can cook with such an electrode in absolutely any spatial position.

The main disadvantage is the difficult ignition. And therefore, this option of electrodes is not the best for a novice welder. Re-igniting is also not an easy task. But, we repeat, it is with such electrodes that it is possible to obtain a beautiful and durable seam. And slag ulcers practically do not form. The electrode is optimal for working with carbon steel.

pros

• Can be cooked in any position
• It turns out a beautiful and very durable seam
• no slag ulcers are formed
• inexpensive
• very popular

Minuses

• complex arson
• not suitable for a beginner

Prices for ESAB UONI 13/55 electrodes

ESAB SSSI 13/55

No. 1 - Kobelco LB-52U

Kobelco LB-52U
Electrode designed to work with carbon steel, having a basic coating type. This option does not require long-term calcination before starting work - it only takes 30 minutes.

A rather expensive option for the Russian consumer, since it is produced in Japan, which means that transport costs for delivery to the Russian Federation are high. But this is a really worthwhile product: the electrode is ideal for working with low-carbon steel and does an excellent job of welding all kinds of pipes. The seam is as strong and reliable as possible, which is why such electrodes are valued by experienced welders.

pros

• Japanese quality
• give the strongest seam
• short annealing time
• neatness of work
• suitable for pipe welding
• you can work in any direction

Minuses

• high price

Prices for Kobelco LB-52U electrodes

Kobelco LB-52U

Reviews of Kobelco LB-52U electrodes

Which welding electrodes are best to buy?

The correct choice of rod depends on the technical characteristics of the tool, the physical characteristics of the metal and the type of welding.

Electrodes are divided into two groups:

• Melting;
• Non-melting.

The former are made from welding wire and are suitable for processing non-ferrous metals of small and medium thickness, as well as steels and alloys.

The basis for non-consumable electrodes is tungsten, graphite or carbon. Such rods are used in argon arc welding and processing of aluminum, copper, magnesium, bronze, and titanium. Often, when working with non-consumable electrodes, not only argon or helium, but also nitrogen or hydrogen are used.

An important selection criterion is also the diameter of the electrode. The permissible thickness of the metal being processed depends on it.

For small household needs, rods with a diameter of up to 2.5 mm will be sufficient, allowing welding of elements with a thickness of about 4 millimeters.

In turn, the required electrode diameter and maximum metal thickness are affected by the current strength of the welding tool.

Devices for professional use have a value of this characteristic of at least 200 A. This is enough for high-quality welding of metal with a thickness of more than 15 mm with an electrode with a diameter of 5 mm.

Advice! Despite their unlimited shelf life, welding electrodes are extremely demanding on storage conditions. It is important to prevent mechanical damage, contamination and high levels of humidity in the areas where the rods are kept. GOST 9466-75 provides for a storage temperature of electrodes not lower than +15°C.

Recommendations: 11 best semi-automatic welding machines

15 best welding inverters

8 best welding transformers

The best rutile coated welding electrodes

No. 5 - Quattro Elementi 770-421

Quattro Elementi 770-421
A universal, very cheap electrode with rutile coating, packaged conscientiously by the manufacturer and therefore does not lose its properties when properly stored. Can be used in any direction except vertical from top to bottom. Consumption is 1.7 kg per 1 kg of metal.

The electrode is designed for welding low-carbon and low-alloy metals and is often used in mechanical engineering and construction. The arc during operation is powerful and stable. No pores are formed in the seams during welding. Cons: There are very few pieces in the package.

pros

• hold the arc perfectly
• low price
• easy ignition
• make a beautiful seam
• good packing

Minuses

• small number of electrodes per package

Prices for electrodes Quattro Elementi 770-421

Quattro Elementi 770-421

No. 4 - Sibrtech MP-3C

Sibrtech MP-3C
Rutile electrode for manual welding, which is suitable for various operating modes. It can be used for products that have completely different orientations in space - there are no restrictions.

Many users consider these electrodes to be one of the best, with virtually no drawbacks. They are inexpensive, allow you to obtain high-quality welding results, and are suitable for working with critical structures. They burn softly, but it’s not easy to light them - and this is the main disadvantage.

pros

• inexpensive
• hold the arc perfectly
• you can work in all directions
• Excellent value for money and quality
• allows you to get a beautiful seam

Minuses

• difficult to light

Prices for Sibrtech MP-3C electrodes

Sibrtech MP-3C

No. 3 - Fubag FB3

Fubag FB3
An inexpensive rutile-coated electrode used for manual arc welding, which many consider to be quite good for its price. Well packaged, which is why it is virtually unaffected by the environment during long-term storage. Suitable for welding in various spatial positions.

The electrode ensures ease of welding and can be ignited both initially and re-ignited without much difficulty. The arc burns steadily throughout the entire working process. Overall, the electrode produces little slag.

pros

• low price
• can be used in various spatial positions
• form little slag
• easy to light
• good packing

Minuses

• not detected

Prices for Fubag FB3 electrodes

Fubag FB3

No. 2 - Resanta MR-3

Resanta MP-3
These are one of the most common rutile-coated electrodes in Russia, receiving virtually no complaints from welders. They are sold at a reasonable price, practically do not become damp during storage, and allow you to obtain a strong and reliable seam.

The electrode requires calcination before starting work; the duration of calcination is about 60 minutes, but at a relatively low temperature of up to 170 degrees. The product is very easy to ignite and allows you to conduct an arc in any direction. It behaves equally well when working with a wide variety of steel types.

pros

• reasonable price
• easy to light
• Can work with different types of steel
• provide a strong seam
• very popular option
• slag is easily separated

Minuses

• require long-term calcination

Prices for Resanta MP-3 electrodes

Resanta MP-3

No. 1 - ESAB-SVEL OK 46.00

ESAB-SVEL OK 46.00
Electrodes that are produced in Russia, but under the control of a company from Sweden. Moderate cost and high quality results make these products one of the most popular and among the best on the market according to many.

These electrodes provide a good stable arc, burn well even with slight dampness, and ignite excellently. They can be used for different types of welding, in any spatial direction. The seam resulting from working with such electrodes turns out beautiful. Calcination occurs at very low temperatures - around 90 degrees.

pros

• nice price
• produced under Swedish control
• Can work with dirty or rusty metal
• easy to light
• provide excellent arc

Minuses

• not suitable for pipe welding

Prices for electrodes ESAB-SVEL OK 46.00

ESAB-SVEL OK 46.00

Reviews of electrodes ESAB-SVEL OK 46.00

Ratings

The best (popular) brands of electrodes

Materials for cast iron and stainless steel are not included due to their specificity.

The best (popular) electrode manufacturers

If you see that the ratings are missing a well-deserved brand or manufacturer, write in the comments, they will be added to the survey.

We also recommend that you read the material “How to choose electrodes for welding”, it gives advice based on what exactly you are going to weld.

What is a welding inverter?

Welding is a difficult and responsible process. Anyone can master this craft if they wish, but if previously they had to use complex and bulky equipment for work, now it is enough to purchase a welding inverter, which greatly simplifies the task. This is a relatively small device that weighs much less than any other welding machine. This made it possible to simplify and facilitate the welding process. Nowadays, the welding inverter has practically replaced standard welding machines from the market.

How does a welding inverter work? The voltage coming from the mains is supplied to the so-called rectifier, then the direct current is converted into alternating current due to a special power module. But alternating current has a higher frequency. This, in turn, is fed to a welding transformer, and the voltage from it, after rectification, is supplied to a very stable welding arc.

Welding inverter CALIBR SVI-250 4600 W

The main advantages of a welding inverter:

• relatively light weight of the device;
• improvement of arc characteristics;
• increased efficiency;
• the ability to reduce the amount of splashes during work;
• different electrodes can be used;
• wide current adjustment range;
• simplified electrode ignition;
• you can get a more durable and high-quality seam;
• it is easier to master the craft of a welder;
• the electrodes almost do not stick when in contact with the part.

Of course, there are also disadvantages. At a minimum, this is the high cost of the equipment (three times more than conventional transformers). It is also important to clean inverters regularly from dust - at least once a year. And you won’t be able to work with them in the cold - the devices don’t like the cold. Also, the network cable required to connect the device to the electrical network cannot exceed a length of 2.5 m.

Important! It is not always possible to use an inverter for welding at temperatures below -15 degrees. Here it is important to study the instructions for the selected device model and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

How to choose the diameter of the electrode, how to connect it and what current strength to set

Choosing the brand of electrodes for the inverter is not all. Even if you have made your decision, at least three questions remain:

• what electrode diameter to use when welding;
• what current to set;
• Which output “+” or “-” should the electrode be connected to?

First things first. Let's start with what diameter of the electrode is needed for welding. In general, it is recommended to proceed from the thickness of the metals being welded: for small thicknesses, an electrode is taken with a diameter of the same size as the metal. If you are welding metal 3 mm thick, then use electrodes of a similar size. If you are cooking something thicker, take 4 mm accordingly. But large electrodes will be difficult for beginners to work with. Start mastering welding with a metal thickness of 3-4 mm. To do this, use 3 mm electrodes, or as they say “three”.

General recommendations for choosing the diameter of the electrode depending on the thickness of the metal

Regarding how to connect the electrodes to which output. The technical specifications on the package most likely indicate what polarity the electrode is intended for. When connecting in reverse, an electrode is connected to the positive output, and a clamp is connected to the negative output, which is attached to the part. With direct polarity, a plus is placed on the part, and a minus is applied to the electrode. How it looks on a welding inverter is shown in the photo.

Direct and reverse polarity of connection on the welding inverter

How are these two connection types different? The flow of electrons has different directions. As you know, electrons move from minus to plus. Therefore, when welding, it turns out that the element that is connected to “+” heats up more. By changing connection modes you can control the intensity of metal heating.

Let's consider several situations. For example, you have a 3 mm electrode, 2 mm metal. If you apply “+” to a part, burnout may result. Therefore, in this case it is better to use reverse polarity, at which the electrode will heat up more. If you want to weld 6 mm metal with the same three, it is better to do it with direct polarity: this way the heating of the metal will be deeper and the weld will be stronger.

Read how to choose an inverter welding machine here. You might be interested in building a fence from corrugated sheets.

Welding current

In general, when installing an electrode, the welding current strength for the inverter is set depending on the diameter of the electrode used. In general, there are recommendations on each pack, but you can do without them: take 20-30 Amperes of current for each millimeter of diameter. It turns out to be a fairly wide range, but then you also need to consider how you will lay the seam: with or without tearing. For welding without separation, lower currents are used, for welding with separation, higher currents are used.

What current should be used to cook with different electrodes (general recommendations, carefully select experimentally)

For example, for an electrode with a diameter of 3 mm, the calculated current is from 60 A to 90 A. They actually work in the range from 30 Amperes to 140 Amperes. When welding without separation, the current is set to about 70-90 A, with separation - 90-120 A. These parameters can “walk” in both directions: it also depends on the speed of movement of the tip of the electrode, on the grade and “fluidity” of the steel being welded, on the position of the seam (for vertical and horizontal seams they put a little less, for the ceiling - even less).

In general, even the currents recommended by the manufacturer are far from a requirement. Start with them, and then select them so that it is convenient for you to work and the seam turns out well. You should get a high-quality connection, and you will select the ratio of current strength and speed of movement experimentally. In this case, focus on the condition of the weld pool. It is your main indicator of quality.

Read about how to properly cook with inverter welding here.

Errors that may occur during welding

Now you know not only how to choose electrodes for inverter welding, but also how to connect them, what diameter you need them for this work, and how to select the current for each type of electrode and weld. Now let's talk a little about electrode holders.

Electrode device

Design of a welding electrode
The electrode, which is necessarily used during welding, is a fairly thin metal product that resembles a knitting needle in appearance and has a special coating. During welding, the metal of the core begins to melt, and the coating applied to it protects the formed seam from exposure to oxygen. By the way, the coating of products can be very different.

Schematic illustration of the welding process

Table. Types of coating.

On a note! For novice welders, it is best to use rutile electrodes. For experienced people, it doesn’t matter what kind of coating is used.

Rutile electrodes
Also, all electrodes are divided into two main groups - melting and non-melting.

• Melting options may have a coated rod of different diameters. It is thanks to the latter that the arc during welding is optimal. Such electrodes are usually used for manual welding.
• Non-melting options are now quite rare, since they need to be worked in a special environment. They are difficult to select, so they are not recommended for beginners.

How to choose electrodes for inverter welding

When choosing these products, the most important thing is to decide what material you will have to work with. That is, it is important to know what the products being welded are made of, and the composition of the electrode core must match them in composition.

Thus, electrodes can be classified according to a number of characteristics:

• for low-carbon metals, carbon options are used;
• for cast iron;
• for strong heat-resistant steels;
• for high alloy metal;
• for working with aluminum or copper versions of products;
• for surfacing and repair work;
• universal options.

Electrodes for cast iron
Electrodes used for work must not be damaged. It is also important that they are dry. Special ovens are used to dry products.

Advice! To dry the electrodes at home, you can use a conventional oven. But it is best not to let the products get wet and store them in airtight containers in a dry and warm place. Otherwise, there is a high risk that the electrodes will begin to stick during operation.

Experienced specialists also take into account the conditions in which the work will be carried out. For example, humidity, ambient temperature, etc. It is also important to consider the diameter of the selected electrode, the thickness of the parts and the current strength. It is important to understand that if the product is selected incorrectly, the current density can be reduced. As a result, the quality of welding will leave much to be desired, the seam will be thick and wide. Typically, electrode manufacturers immediately indicate for what current strength the product is best suited. For complex and massive structures, it is better to take thick electrodes, while profile products are welded in versions up to only 2 mm thick. We suggest estimating the approximate ratio of metal thickness and diameter using the figure below.

Ratio of workpiece thickness and electrode diameter

And here are the recommended current values ​​depending on the thickness of the product.

Relationship between electrode diameter and welding current

Which electrodes are better

First of all, it is necessary to list the criteria according to which the selection of electrical conductors occurs:

• Beginner welders are recommended to use rutile-coated consumables; for experienced welders, rod coating does not play an important role;
• electrodes can be consumable and non-consumable;
• it is necessary to determine the design, product or equipment of what type to be welded;
• the choice also depends on the grade of steel being processed (see purpose);
• thickness of products;
• The type of work also has a significant impact: complex and massive structures are welded with large-diameter electrodes, welding of profile elements is carried out with materials up to 2 mm in diameter;
• type of welding current and polarity of its connection;
• and not the least role is played by the quality of welding electrodes.

Do not use materials with chipped coating!

For newbies

Most often, the question about which ones are better and which ones are worse is asked by beginners, so let's start with what are good electrodes for beginners. As stated earlier, the preferred electrode option for beginners is rutile-coated rods. This is due to the fact that this type of conductor is characterized by ease of use.

The most popular brands with rutile coating:

• ANO-4.
• MP-3.
• OK 46.00 (in the picture).
• UTP 65D.

For household welding

Household welding is characterized by a low level of complexity, as well as the absence of special requirements for the reliability and quality of the weld. Ease of operation is expected. Therefore, we will separately consider good electrodes for household welding.

Household welding includes work on the manufacture of small structures (for example, welding of fencing systems (fences), greenhouse frames, etc.), performing small work in a garage or at the construction site of a private house.

ANO electrodes (in the picture on the right) are most often chosen for welding at home. This brand is suitable for working with almost all types of welding inverters. Therefore, it has become widespread among beginners and home craftsmen.

Conductors of the MP-3 brand are distinguished by their versatility and unpretentiousness. These consumables allow you to weld even wet, rusty and poorly cleaned surfaces.

UONI - electrodes for a durable seam, have a more capricious “character”. To weld this brand, you must have certain skills, but SSSI can be used for welding surfaces of any complexity. [ads-pc-2][ads-mob-2]

For welding stainless steel

Welding electrode EA-400/10T.

Now, which electrodes are better for welding stainless steel. Many home craftsmen are often interested in the question: is it possible to weld stainless steel with conventional electrodes? It is possible to connect stainless steel with this type of consumables, but it is not entirely professional and the welding seams may soon become covered with rust.

List of the most popular brands of electrodes for welding stainless steel:

• NZh-13.
• OZL-8.
• TsL-11.
• TsT-15.
• EA-400/10T.
• OK 63.30.

Video

Watch a short video that demonstrates welding stainless steel with a “black” electrode, but as you can see from the ratings of the video and comments on the video, such welding causes mixed opinions among professionals and amateurs.

The full list can be found in the “Stainless steel electrodes” section.

For welding cast iron

Electrodes OZZHN-1

What good electrodes for welding cast iron would you recommend? Cast iron is one of the most popular materials used in a variety of applications and applications. There are several types of cast iron: malleable, gray, high-strength, etc.

As a rule, almost all of the electrodes listed below are suitable for cast iron, but not any type (the electrode must correspond to the grade of metal, but this is a topic for another discussion):

• MNC-2.
• OZZHN-1.
• OZCH-2.
• TsCh-4.
• OK 92.18.

The entire list of electrodes intended for welding cast iron is presented in the section “Electrodes for welding and surfacing of cast iron.”

For pipes

When choosing consumables for welding pipes, the main criterion is the thickness of the product. The thicker-walled the pipe has to be welded, the larger the diameter of the electrode should be.

There are four types of joints that are used when welding pipes:

• end-to-end;
• overlap;
• vtavr;
• in the corner.

The type of connection also affects the choice of electrode brand.

In addition, it should be remembered that the classification of pipes is quite extensive, so choosing the best electrodes for pipes is an incorrectly posed question. To work with critical pipelines, electrodes designed for complex welding processes should be used. Consumables for welding household pipes (for example, water pipes) are not subject to increased requirements for strength and reliability.

Popular brands of welding materials for welding pipes:

• ZIO-20.
• TML-1U.
• UONI-13/55.
• TsU-5.

A complete list is presented in the section “Electrodes for pipe welding”.

It should be noted that LB-52U electrodes are the most popular among professional welders. This brand is excellent for welding critical tanks; gas pipelines, inside of which high pressure is maintained.

Amateurs and novice welders for domestic purposes are recommended to purchase grades with rutile coating: ANO-4, MR-3S, OK 46.00 and others. [ads-pc-3][ads-mob-3]

For inverter

Again, beginners ask the question: “Which welding electrodes are best for an inverter?” On the modern market of welding materials there is a great variety of electrodes for inverters.

Most (and almost all) brands are suitable for equipment of this type, since such units produce direct current. And if the electrode cooks “alternately,” then it will also cook “constantly.”

If a welder has a question about the types of conductor suitable for an inverter, most likely he is a novice specialist. Accordingly, it is recommended to use consumables with rutile coating.

User voting

Which welding electrodes would you choose or recommend?

Kobelco LB-52U

10.55 % ( 56 )

ESAB SSSI 13/55

8.47 % ( 45 )

Cedar OZL-8

2.26 % ( 12 )

Lincoln Electric SSSI 13/55

6.59 % ( 35 )

Wester UONII-13/55

1.88 % ( 10 )

ESAB-SVEL OK 46.00

32.58 % ( 173 )

Resanta MP-3

21.66 % ( 115 )

Fubag FB3

8.29 % ( 44 )

Sibrtech MP-3C

3.20 % ( 17 )