Electrode comparison

E316L vs E347

E316L fights chlorides with molybdenum; E347 fights sensitization at high temperature with niobium. The service environment picks the winner.

E316L vs E347 at a glance

	E316L	E347
AWS specification	AWS A5.4/A5.4M	AWS A5.4/A5.4M
Process	Stick (SMAW)	Stick (SMAW)
Form	Covered electrode	Covered electrode
Tensile strength (min)	70 ksi	75 ksi
Yield strength (min)	40 ksi	45 ksi
Elongation (min)	30%	30%
Impact toughness	Not required; austenitic deposits remain tough at low temperature	Not required by the specification
Polarity	DCEP, AC	DCEP, AC
Positions	Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead	Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead
Penetration	Shallow to medium	Shallow to medium
Deposition rate	Medium	Medium
Coating / core	Lime-titania (-16)	Lime-titania (-16)
Slag	Self-lifting, remove completely between passes	Self-lifting, remove fully between passes
Shielding gas	None — self-shielding	None — self-shielding
Storage	Dry storage; rod oven at 250–300 °F (120–150 °C) after opening.	Dry storage; rod oven at 250–300 °F (120–150 °C) after opening.
Primary use	Marine and offshore stainless fabrication	High-temperature piping and exhaust systems

Which should you use?

These electrodes solve different corrosion problems. E316L's molybdenum resists pitting and crevice attack in chlorides at ordinary temperatures — seawater, salt spray, process chemicals. E347's niobium prevents intergranular attack after long exposure in the 800–1500 °F range, which is a high-temperature problem. If the part runs hot, E347. If the part sits in salt, E316L. Where both apply, the specification will name a grade such as 316Ti or a stabilized molybdenum-bearing filler rather than asking you to choose.

Choose E316L when

Marine and chloride exposure
Type 316 and 316L base metal
Chemical and pharmaceutical process equipment

Choose E347 when

Type 321 and 347 base metal
Exhaust, refinery and high-temperature piping
Parts that will see long service between 800 and 1500 °F

Amperage compared

Diameter	E316L	E347
3/32 in (2.4 mm)	40–80 A	40–80 A
1/8 in (3.2 mm)	65–110 A	65–110 A
5/32 in (4.0 mm)	95–150 A	95–150 A
3/16 in (4.8 mm)	130–190 A	130–190 A

Ranges are typical starting points. Diameters listed for only one electrode are shown as — for the other.

E316L vs E347 — common questions

Which has better corrosion resistance overall?

Neither — they resist different attacks. E316L is better against chlorides and pitting; E347 is better against intergranular attack after prolonged high-temperature exposure.

Can E347 be used in seawater?

It has no molybdenum, so it pits in chlorides much as a 304-grade filler does. For seawater, E316L or a higher alloy is the appropriate choice.

Do both resist sensitization?

E347 does so permanently through niobium stabilization. E316L relies on low carbon, which slows sensitization but does not eliminate it over long high-temperature exposure.

Full specifications

E316L

AWS A5.4/A5.4M

E316L adds 2–3% molybdenum for pitting and chloride resistance, making it the electrode for 316/316L marine, chemical and pharmaceutical work.

E347