This International Standard specifies requirements for classification of wire electrodes, strip electrodes, wires and rods for gas-shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, plasma arc welding, submerged arc welding, electroslag welding and laser beam welding of stainless and heat-resisting steels. The classification of the wire electrodes, strip electrodes, wires and rods is based upon their chemical composition. This International Standard is a combined specification providing for classification utilizing a system based upon nominal composition (system A), or utilizing a system based upon alloy type (system B). a) Paragraphs which carry the label “classification according to nominal composition” and the suffix letter “A”, or “ISO 14343-A”, are applicable only to products classified according to system A; b) Paragraphs which carry the label “classification according to alloy type” and the suffix letter “B”, or “ISO 14343-B”, are applicable only to products classified according to system B. c) Paragraphs which carry neither label nor suffix letter are applicable to products that can be classified according to either system A or B or both.