This specification outlines the requirements for resistance spot welding electrodes, hereafter referred to as AWS RSW electrodes or simply RSW electrodes.

RSW electrodes shall comply with Resistance Welder Manufacturers' Association (RWMA) standards in addition to the specifications and requirements of this specification. In case of any conflict between RWMA standards and AWS standards, the AWS specification shall govern. Examples of several widely used commercially available standard automotive industrial type caps and shanks are shown in the informative annexes.

This specification makes sole use of U.S. Customary Units. Approximate mathematical equivalents in the International System of Units (SI) are provided for comparison in parentheses or in appropriate columns in tables and figures.

Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this specification, and therefore are not fully addressed herein. Safety and health information is available from other sources, including, but not limited to, ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, and applicable federal and state regulations.