What is the difference between alkaline covered electrode e50 15 and e50 17?

The first letter "e" stands for covered electrode;

The first two digits indicate the minimum tensile strength of deposited metal, and the unit is kgf/mm2; ;

The third digit indicates the welding position of covered electrode: "0" and "1" indicate that covered electrode is suitable for all-position welding; "2" indicates that covered electrode is suitable for flat welding and fillet welding; "4" indicates that covered electrode is suitable for downward vertical welding.

The combination of the third and fourth digits indicates the type of welding current and the type of coating.

Add letters or numbers after the fourth digit: "R" means covered electrode with hygroscopicity resistance, "M" means covered electrode with special provisions on hygroscopicity and mechanical properties, and "-1" means covered electrode with special provisions on impact properties.