Harris 308L is an AWS A5.4/A5.4M E308L-16 austenitic stainless steel SMAW electrode for welding Type 304L, 304, 308, and 308L stainless steel base metals on DC+ (DCEP) in all positions. The "L" designation signifies extra-low carbon content (≤0.04% C in the undiluted weld metal), which minimizes carbide precipitation (sensitization) at the grain boundaries during the weld thermal cycle — critical for maintaining corrosion resistance in as-welded condition without post-weld heat treatment. The "-16" suffix designates a lime/titania coating type optimized for AC or DC+ operation in all positions with excellent slag release and bead appearance. Harris 308L is the standard stainless electrode for food service equipment, chemical processing, pharmaceutical installations, dairy, and any Type 304 stainless application requiring as-welded corrosion resistance.
AWS classification |
AWS A5.4/A5.4M E308L-16 |
|---|---|
Coating type |
Lime/titania (-16 type) |
Polarity |
DC+ (DCEP) preferred; AC acceptable |
Welding positions |
All positions (F, H, V, OH) |
Weld metal carbon (max) |
0.04% C (extra-low carbon "L" grade) |
Weld metal Cr content |
18.0–21.0% Cr |
Weld metal Ni content |
9.0–11.0% Ni |
Min tensile strength |
80,000 psi (552 MPa) |
Min yield strength |
58,000 psi (400 MPa) |
Elongation |
35% minimum |
Typical current range |
3/32 in: 40–75 A | 1/8 in: 60–100 A | 5/32 in: 80–130 A |
Manufacturer |
Harris Products Group |
Standards compliance |
AWS A5.4/A5.4M E308L-16 |
Type 304/304L stainless steel fabrication: The primary electrode for welding 18-8 austenitic stainless — tanks, vessels, piping, and structures fabricated from 304 or 304L stainless in food service, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries
Food and dairy equipment: Low carbon content maintains corrosion resistance after welding without post-weld anneal; acceptable for FDA-regulated food contact applications when properly cleaned
Chemical and process equipment: Corrosion-resistant service in dilute acids, alkalis, and oxidizing environments where 304-grade stainless is specified
Pharmaceutical and biotech: Sanitary welds on pharmaceutical processing vessels, transfer lines, and piping where surface quality and corrosion resistance are mandatory
Architectural stainless: Handrails, cladding, and decorative stainless steel fabrication where appearance welds and corrosion resistance in exposed environments are required
Repair and maintenance of 304 stainless equipment: In-place repair of tanks, vessels, and piping in service environments where base metal was 304 or 308 stainless
Amperage: Run stainless electrodes at lower amperages than equivalent-diameter carbon steel electrodes. For 1/8 in 308L, 60–100 A is the working range. Low amperage reduces heat input and minimizes the risk of sensitization and hot cracking. Do not overheat the joint.
Polarity: DC+ (DCEP) is standard and preferred for E308L-16. AC is permitted by the "-16" designation and usable in field situations without DC machines, though DC+ gives more stable arc and better mechanical properties.
Interpass temperature: Maximum interpass temperature for austenitic stainless is 350°F (177°C). Exceeding this promotes sensitization and hot cracking. Measure interpass temperature with a contact thermometer — do not rely on visual judgment. Allow the joint to cool between passes if needed.
Stringer beads: Use stringer beads, not wide weave beads. Weaving increases heat input and interpass temperature. Stringer passes minimize sensitization risk and produce the best corrosion resistance.
Back step technique: For multi-pass welds, a back-step sequence reduces residual stress and heat accumulation at the joint.
Slag removal: E308L-16 produces a medium-fluidity slag that releases well. Clean thoroughly between passes to prevent slag inclusions in the stainless deposit.
Contamination prevention: Use stainless steel wire brushes only — carbon steel brushes contaminate the stainless surface and cause rust staining. Keep welding area free of carbon steel spatter, dust, and debris that can compromise corrosion resistance.
Store in original sealed packaging in a clean, dry location
No elevated-temperature oven storage required under normal conditions
Avoid moisture exposure — if rods have absorbed moisture, dry at 300–400°F (150–200°C) for 1 hour before use
Prevent carbon steel contamination of the electrode — store separately from carbon steel rods
Handle rods with clean gloves to prevent skin oils from contaminating the coating or the stainless base metal
Primary base metals: Type 304, 304L, 308, 308L austenitic stainless steel (the most common austenitic stainless grades)
Dissimilar joints: E308L can be used for joining 304 stainless to mild carbon steel (with single-layer butter technique for higher-dilution joints), or for welding 304 to 316 where filler metal selection must balance both base metals
Not for Type 316/316L: For 316 stainless steel in service environments with chlorides, high temperature, or reducing acids, use E316L-16 filler metal that matches the molybdenum content of the 316 base metal
Joint types: All groove configurations (V, U, J, flat groove) and fillet welds on austenitic stainless steel per AWS D1.6 (Structural Welding — Stainless Steel) and ASME Section IX
What is E308L-16 welding rod used for?
Harris 308L (E308L-16) is used for welding Type 304 and 304L austenitic stainless steel in food service, chemical processing, pharmaceutical, dairy, and architectural applications. The extra-low carbon content (L grade) maintains corrosion resistance in the as-welded condition without post-weld heat treatment — critical for service environments where sensitization would cause intergranular corrosion.
What is the difference between 308L and 309L stainless rod?
E308L-16 is formulated to match 304/308 austenitic stainless base metals — it is the correct filler for 304-to-304 welds. E309L-16 has higher Cr and Ni content (23% Cr, 13% Ni) and is designed for dissimilar metal welding — joining stainless to carbon steel, or for the first layer in cladding carbon steel with stainless. For 304-to-304 fabrication, use 308L. For joining 304 stainless to mild steel, use 309L as the buffer layer.
What is the difference between E308L and E308?
The "L" designation means extra-low carbon (≤0.04% C vs. ≤0.08% C for standard E308). The lower carbon content prevents chromium carbide precipitation (sensitization) at the grain boundaries during the heat of welding — preserving the stainless steel's corrosion resistance in the heat-affected zone. For applications where post-weld annealing is not performed, always specify 308L (not 308) to protect against intergranular corrosion.
What base metal does Harris 308L weld?
Harris 308L is designed to weld Type 304, 304L, 308, and 308L austenitic stainless steel base metals. It is not suitable for Type 316 or 316L (where molybdenum-bearing E316L is required), Type 309 or 310 high-alloy grades, or ferritic/martensitic stainless steels.
What polarity for E308L welding rod?
DC+ (DCEP) is the preferred polarity for E308L-16. This provides a stable arc, good penetration, and optimal mechanical properties in the stainless deposit. AC is also acceptable per the "-16" designation but is less commonly used in shop environments where DC machines are available.
Can 308L be used for food grade stainless welding?
Yes. E308L-16 is appropriate for food contact stainless steel applications. The weld deposit composition (18-21% Cr, 9-11% Ni, ≤0.04% C) is compatible with 304 stainless food contact grades. Post-weld cleaning, pickling, and passivation are recommended to remove heat tint and restore the passive layer. Confirm with applicable FDA, NSF, or 3-A Sanitary Standards requirements for your specific application.
What temperature can I interpass weld at with 308L?
Maximum interpass temperature for austenitic stainless steel with E308L is 350°F (177°C). Exceeding this promotes sensitization and increases the risk of hot cracking. Measure with a contact thermometer between passes. If the joint exceeds 350°F, allow it to cool before the next pass.
Browse all stick electrodes: Stick Welding Electrodes & Rods — compare with Harris 316L for molybdenum-bearing stainless in chloride or acid service, or Harris 309L for dissimilar metal joining of stainless to carbon steel.
This stainless welding rod product ships from WeldingMart — add E308L-16 to your cart to place your order. We stock Harris 308L in multiple package sizes for both occasional-use and production welding shops. Create a WeldingMart account to track order status and maintain a product history for auditing and reorder purposes. In-stock products ship same day. The E308L-16 stainless electrode stock is replenished regularly to ensure availability for food processing, pharmaceutical, and industrial stainless fabricators. Questions about this product before you order? Our specialists can help confirm the correct grade and package for your application.
When selecting stick electrodes, welders should reference the relevant welding standard and process documentation. Key technical considerations include test, vertical, way. Always consult the electrode manufacturer's data sheet and applicable AWS, ASME, or structural welding codes for your specific application. WeldingMart provides technical resources to support your electrode selection and welding process qualification.
When selecting stick electrodes, welders should reference the relevant welding standard and process documentation. Key technical considerations include test, vertical, way. Always consult the electrode manufacturer's data sheet and applicable AWS, ASME, or structural welding codes for your specific application. WeldingMart provides technical resources to support your electrode selection and welding process qualification.
Harris E308L-16 is available in multiple electrode diameters. Selecting the correct diameter for your base metal thickness is critical for weld quality and penetration depth.
| Electrode Diameter | Base Metal Range | Amperage Range | Best Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/32 in (2.4 mm) | 3/32 in to 1/4 in (2.4–6.4 mm) | 40–80 A | All positions |
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 1/8 in to 3/8 in (3.2–9.5 mm) | 75–130 A | All positions |
| 5/32 in (4.0 mm) | 3/16 in to 1/2 in (4.8–12.7 mm) | 110–175 A | Flat/horizontal preferred |
The 1/8 in (3.2 mm) diameter is the most versatile option for general fabrication on material from 3/16 in to 3/8 in thickness. Use 3/32 in for sheet metal and thin sections where 1/8 in would cause excessive heat input. Use 5/32 in for heavier sections where higher deposition rates reduce total welding time. For most structural repair and field work, 1/8 in is the preferred starting diameter.
When ordering Harris E308L-16 in 3/32 in, 1/8 in, or 5/32 in, select the correct diameter variant from the product page before adding to cart. Each diameter is a separate product variant with its own SKU — confirm you have selected the right 1/8 in, 3/32 in, or 5/32 in size before placing your order.
Additional technical considerations for Harris E308L-16 include: e308l 16, e308l 16 stainless steel, e308l 16 stainless, 16 stainless steel, 16 stainless, food and pharmaceutical equipment, pharmaceutical equipment, architectural fabrication, 308l 16, brewery. Welders should review the product data sheet for complete welding procedure specifications. Key process parameters such as preheat requirements, interpass temperature, and post-weld heat treatment requirements vary by base metal composition and application code requirements. Consult AWS, ASME, or applicable structural welding codes for code-compliant welding procedures.
For best results, store electrodes in a dry environment and use within manufacturer recommended timeframes after opening. Proper electrode storage and handling directly impacts weld quality — follow manufacturer guidance for oven temperatures and rod reconditioning procedures as applicable to this electrode classification.
Harris E308L-16 is available in multiple electrode diameters. Selecting the correct diameter for your base metal thickness is critical for weld quality and penetration depth.
| Electrode Diameter | Base Metal Range | Amperage Range | Best Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/32 in (2.4 mm) | 3/32 in to 1/4 in (2.4–6.4 mm) | 40–80 A | All positions |
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 1/8 in to 3/8 in (3.2–9.5 mm) | 75–130 A | All positions |
| 5/32 in (4.0 mm) | 3/16 in to 1/2 in (4.8–12.7 mm) | 110–175 A | Flat/horizontal preferred |
The 1/8 in (3.2 mm) diameter is the most versatile option for general fabrication on material from 3/16 in to 3/8 in thickness. Use 3/32 in for sheet metal and thin sections where 1/8 in would cause excessive heat input. Use 5/32 in for heavier sections where higher deposition rates reduce total welding time. For most structural repair and field work, 1/8 in is the preferred starting diameter.
When ordering Harris E308L-16 in 3/32 in, 1/8 in, or 5/32 in, select the correct diameter variant from the product page before adding to cart. Each diameter is a separate product variant with its own SKU — confirm you have selected the right 1/8 in, 3/32 in, or 5/32 in size before placing your order.
Additional technical considerations for Harris E308L-16 include: e308l 16, e308l 16 stainless steel, e308l 16 stainless, 16 stainless steel, food and pharmaceutical equipment, architectural fabrication, 308l 16, brewery. Welders should review the product data sheet for complete welding procedure specifications. Key process parameters such as preheat requirements, interpass temperature, and post-weld heat treatment requirements vary by base metal composition and application code requirements. Consult AWS, ASME, or applicable structural welding codes for code-compliant welding procedures.
For best results, store electrodes in a dry environment and use within manufacturer recommended timeframes after opening. Proper electrode storage and handling directly impacts weld quality — follow manufacturer guidance for oven temperatures and rod reconditioning procedures as applicable to this electrode classification.
Harris E308L-16 is available in multiple electrode diameters. Selecting the correct diameter for your base metal thickness is critical for weld quality and penetration depth.
| Electrode Diameter | Base Metal Range | Amperage Range | Best Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/32 in (2.4 mm) | 3/32 in to 1/4 in (2.4–6.4 mm) | 40–80 A | All positions |
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 1/8 in to 3/8 in (3.2–9.5 mm) | 75–130 A | All positions |
| 5/32 in (4.0 mm) | 3/16 in to 1/2 in (4.8–12.7 mm) | 110–175 A | Flat/horizontal preferred |
The 1/8 in (3.2 mm) diameter is the most versatile option for general fabrication on material from 3/16 in to 3/8 in thickness. Use 3/32 in for sheet metal and thin sections where 1/8 in would cause excessive heat input. Use 5/32 in for heavier sections where higher deposition rates reduce total welding time. For most structural repair and field work, 1/8 in is the preferred starting diameter.
When ordering Harris E308L-16 in 3/32 in, 1/8 in, or 5/32 in, select the correct diameter variant from the product page before adding to cart. Each diameter is a separate product variant with its own SKU — confirm you have selected the right 1/8 in, 3/32 in, or 5/32 in size before placing your order.
Additional technical considerations for Harris E308L-16 include: e308l 16 stainless steel. Welders should review the product data sheet for complete welding procedure specifications. Key process parameters such as preheat requirements, interpass temperature, and post-weld heat treatment requirements vary by base metal composition and application code requirements. Consult AWS, ASME, or applicable structural welding codes for code-compliant welding procedures.
For best results, store electrodes in a dry environment and use within manufacturer recommended timeframes after opening. Proper electrode storage and handling directly impacts weld quality — follow manufacturer guidance for oven temperatures and rod reconditioning procedures as applicable to this electrode classification.