ISO 14171:2016 specifies the requirements for the classification of electrode/flux combinations and weld metal in the as-welded condition and in the post-weld heat-treated condition for submerged arc welding of non-alloy and fine grain steels with minimum yield strength of up to 500 MPa or a minimum tensile strength of up to 570 MPa. One flux can be classified with different solid wire electrodes and tubular cored electrodes. The solid wire electrode is also classified separately based on chemical composition.

It is a combined specification providing for classification utilizing a system based upon the yield strength and the average impact energy for weld metal of 47 J, or utilizing a system based upon the tensile strength and the average impact energy for weld metal of 27 J.

a) Paragraphs and tables which carry the suffix letter "A" are applicable only to electrode/flux combinations and wire electrodes classified using the system based upon the yield strength and the average impact energy for weld metal of 47 J, in accordance with ISO 14171:2016.

b) Clauses and tables which carry the suffix letter "B" are applicable only to electrode/flux combinations and wire electrodes classified using the system based upon the tensile strength and the average impact energy for weld metal of 27 J, in accordance with ISO 14171:2016.

c) Clauses and tables which do not have either the suffix letter "A" or the suffix letter "B" are applicable to all electrode/flux combinations and wire electrodes classified in accordance with ISO 14171:2016.

Fluxes for the single-run and two-run techniques are classified on the basis of the two-run technique.