A reliable, general purpose electrode for manual metal arc welding of carbon steels, carbon manganese steels and fine-grained carbon manganese steels with elevated yield strength. OK 48.00 deposits a tough, crack-resistant weld metal. The coating is of the low moisture absorption type. High welding speed in the vertical-up position. OK 48.00 is insensitive to the composition of the base material within fairly wide limits. The electrode can be used for welding structures where difficult stress conditions cannot be avoided. Tested according to NACE TM0177 and TM0284. Diffusible Hydrogen tested in various conditions show values below 3 ml/100g.