Harris 309-16 is an AWS A5.4/A5.4M E309-16 austenitic stainless steel SMAW electrode for dissimilar metal welding and high-temperature applications on DC+ (DCEP) in all positions. While Harris 309L is the extra-low carbon version for corrosion-sensitive applications, the standard E309-16 grade (carbon ≤0.15%) is appropriate for high-temperature service where carbon content supports creep strength at elevated temperatures. With a nominal composition of 23–25% Cr and 12–14% Ni, Harris 309-16 tolerates high dilution from carbon steel base metals while maintaining an austenitic deposit — ideal for joining stainless steel to carbon steel, first-layer cladding on carbon steel, and welding Type 309 stainless in furnace components, heat exchangers, and high-temperature process equipment operating above the range suited for 308/316 grades.
AWS classification |
AWS A5.4/A5.4M E309-16 |
|---|---|
Coating type |
Lime/titania (-16 type) |
Polarity |
DC+ (DCEP) preferred; AC acceptable |
Welding positions |
All positions (F, H, V, OH) |
Weld metal carbon (max) |
0.15% C (standard, not L-grade) |
Weld metal Cr content |
22.0–25.0% Cr |
Weld metal Ni content |
12.0–14.0% Ni |
Min tensile strength |
80,000 psi (552 MPa) |
Min yield strength |
58,000 psi (400 MPa) |
Elongation |
30% 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 E309-16 |
Dissimilar metal welding — stainless to carbon steel: Same primary use as E309L — joining 304 or 316 stainless steel to A36 or other carbon steel where the higher Cr-Ni content compensates for carbon steel dilution. The standard 309-16 is used when post-weld corrosion in the HAZ is not a primary concern (unlike food-grade or chemical service where 309L is specified).
High-temperature service applications: Furnace components, heat shields, annealing furnace hardware, and other applications operating continuously at 1400–2000°F (760–1093°C) where E309's higher carbon content supports creep resistance. In these applications, the carbon content that would cause sensitization in aqueous service is irrelevant.
Type 309 and 309S base metal: Direct matched-composition welding of 309/309S stainless steel heat-resistant alloy used in high-temperature industrial equipment
Carbon steel cladding (first layer) for non-corrosive high-temp service: Where the cladding purpose is oxidation resistance at high temperature (not aqueous corrosion resistance), E309-16 is appropriate and provides better high-temperature stability than E309L
Bead-on-plate and overlay work in refinery and chemical plant maintenance: When the applied code permits standard carbon content and high-temperature service is the design driver
Amperage: 60–100 A for 1/8 in on DC+. Same principle as 309L — low heat input, stringer beads, controlled interpass temperature.
Polarity: DC+ (DCEP) standard. AC permitted by -16 designation.
High-temperature service considerations: When welding for high-temperature service, preheat per the applicable code for the base material. Avoid rapid cooling — controlled cooling or PWHT may be required.
Contamination prevention: Use dedicated stainless steel brushes and grinding wheels even for non-aqueous applications to prevent carbon inclusion in the deposit.
Do not use E309-16 for cryogenic or sensitization-sensitive service: Use E309L-16 for food service, chemical processing, or other aqueous corrosion applications — the higher carbon in standard E309-16 will sensitize the HAZ.
Store in sealed original packaging in dry conditions; keep away from carbon steel electrodes
Dry at 300–400°F (150–200°C) for 1 hour if moisture exposure has occurred
No routine oven storage required under normal shop conditions
Dissimilar joints: Austenitic stainless (304, 316, 308) to carbon or low-alloy steel
Matched base metals: Type 309, 309S high-temperature stainless steel
High-temp service: Furnace hardware, heat shields, kiln parts, oxidation-resistant overlays
Not for sensitization-sensitive aqueous corrosion service: Use E309L-16 for food, chemical, and pharmaceutical applications
What is the difference between 309-16 and 309L-16?
E309-16 (standard carbon, ≤0.15% C) is suited for high-temperature service and applications where sensitization is not a concern. E309L-16 (extra-low carbon, ≤0.04% C) is used when corrosion resistance must be maintained in the as-welded condition — food service, chemical processing, and aqueous service. For dissimilar metal welding in standard industrial applications, 309L is generally preferred to allow for future service changes. For known high-temperature service, 309-16 is acceptable.
When should I use E309-16 vs E308L-16?
Use E309-16 for dissimilar metal welding (stainless to carbon steel) or for welding Type 309/309S base metal. Use E308L-16 for same-metal welds on Type 304/304L stainless in corrosion-sensitive applications. The key difference is that E309's higher Cr-Ni content tolerates carbon steel dilution that would compromise an E308L deposit.
What base metal does Harris 309-16 weld?
Harris 309-16 welds Type 309 and 309S stainless steel base metals (matched composition) and is used for dissimilar metal joints between austenitic stainless and carbon or low-alloy steel. It is not the first choice for 304-to-304 welds (use 308L) or 316-to-316 welds (use 316L).
Can 309-16 be used for high temperature furnace welding?
Yes — this is one of the primary applications of E309-16 and Type 309/309S base metal. With service temperatures up to approximately 2000°F (1093°C) and good oxidation resistance from the high chromium content, E309 deposits perform in furnace hardware, heat shields, kiln liners, and high-temperature process equipment.
What polarity for E309-16 welding rod?
DC+ (DCEP) is preferred. The -16 coating designation permits AC when DC is unavailable.
Can Harris 309-16 be used for food service stainless?
For food service, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing applications requiring corrosion resistance in the as-welded condition, use Harris 309L-16 (extra-low carbon), not Harris 309-16. The higher carbon in standard 309-16 will cause sensitization (carbide precipitation) during the weld thermal cycle, compromising corrosion resistance in the HAZ in aqueous environments.
What is the difference between E309 and E310 stainless rod?
E309 deposits contain approximately 23% Cr / 13% Ni. E310 deposits contain 25–28% Cr / 20–22% Ni — significantly higher in both elements. E310 is specified for extremely high-temperature service (above the range where E309 is adequate), severe oxidizing atmospheres, and applications requiring superior hot-strength and oxidation resistance above approximately 2000°F. E309 is used for dissimilar joints and standard high-temperature applications; E310 is reserved for severe high-temperature service.
Browse all stick electrodes: Stick Welding Electrodes & Rods — compare with Harris 309L for low-carbon dissimilar welding in corrosion service, or Harris 310-16 for ultra-high-temperature and severe oxidation applications.
Harris E309-16 stainless welding rods ship from WeldingMart — this product is in stock and available to add to your cart. Place your order online and in-stock items ship the same day. Create a WeldingMart account to track order status, review your product purchase history, and reorder this electrode without re-entering your information. E309-16 is stocked for dissimilar-metal welders joining stainless to carbon steel in industrial, food processing, and maintenance applications. Confirm your diameter and package size in the variant selector before adding this product to cart. For project-based volume orders, contact WeldingMart for stock availability and pricing before you order.
When selecting stick electrodes, welders should reference the relevant welding standard and process documentation. Key technical considerations include wrought, cast form, wrought or cast form. 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 wrought, cast form, wrought or cast form. 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 E309-16 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 E309-16 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 E309-16 include: electrode, welding, steels, stainless steel, 309l 16, e309l 16, welding electrode, 16 stainless steel, stainless steel electrode, welding rod, 16 stainless, current. 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 E309-16 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 E309-16 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 E309-16 include: electrode, steels, welding, stainless steel, 309l 16, e309l 16, welding electrode, 16 stainless steel, stainless steel electrode, welding rod, 16 stainless, current. 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 E309-16 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 E309-16 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 E309-16 include: steels, electrode, welding, stainless steel, 309l 16, e309l 16, welding electrode, 16 stainless steel, stainless steel electrode, welding rod, 16 stainless, current. 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.