What is the primary characteristic of low hydrogen electrodes?

Low hydrogen electrodes are specifically designed to have a reduced moisture absorption characteristic. The primary reason for this design is to minimize the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking in the weld metal, which can occur when moisture is present. Hydrogen can be absorbed into the weld pool and later lead to defects as it diffuses out of the solidified weld. This is crucial in high-strength steel applications where structural integrity is paramount.

By controlling moisture, low hydrogen electrodes help ensure a clean weld with fewer defects. This is particularly important in environments where moisture content could be higher or where high-strength steels are used. The welding process using low hydrogen electrodes typically requires special storage and handling procedures to maintain their low moisture content, further emphasizing their unique characteristic.

The other choices refer to properties that may not specifically define low hydrogen electrodes but can be relevant to different types of electrodes or welding processes. High tensile strength, low slag production, and increased conductivity are attributes that might be beneficial in some contexts but do not directly address the primary function that is crucial for preventing weld-related issues in high-strength materials.