Electrode Size
in. (mm)
Arc Current
(Amperes)
Minimum
Protective
Shade
Suggested
Shade
Less than 3/32 (2.5) Less than 60 7 *
3/32-5/32 (2.5-4) 60-160 8 10
5/32-1/4 (4-6.4) 160-250 10 12
More than 1/4 (6.4) 250-550 11 14
*As a rule of thumb, start with a shade that is too dark to see the weld
zone. Then go to a lighter shade which gives sufficient view of the weld
zone without going below the minimum.
SMAW
Shielded
metal arc
welding
(stick)
Filter Shade Selection Chart
