If a welder is successfully qualified on a groove weld in 3/8" thick ASTM A36 steel with an E6010 electrode, for which situation is the welder also qualified?

The selected answer is valid because a welder qualified on a groove weld with a specific electrode, in this case, E6010 on 3/8" thick ASTM A36 steel, is also qualified to use certain other electrode types in specific thickness ranges. The American Welding Society (AWS) specifies that a welder qualified with a particular electrode can also use different electrodes, given they remain within the guidelines of the codes, especially when the base material is the same.

In this instance, E6013 is another type of filler metal compatible with the specifications of mild steel, and 3/4" is an acceptable thickness that stays within the range capable of being welded by someone with qualifications for up to 1/4" over the initial thickness (3/8"), maintaining compliance with AWS regulations.

This means the welder is competent to use E6013 on steel that meets the same specifications and is within a reasonable thickness limit. It’s important to note that while a welder can be qualified on one electrode, the qualification does not necessarily extend to all processes and materials beyond the specified limits without additional testing or qualification.