AWS A5.1/A5.1M · Carbon & Mild Steel
E6011 Welding Electrode
E6011 is the AC-capable version of E6010 — deep penetration and a fast-freeze puddle that works on small transformer welders and dirty steel.
- 60 ksi tensile
- Polarity AC, DCEP
- 4 positions
- Deep penetration
- Stick (SMAW)
What E6011 means
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| E | Electrode for shielded metal arc welding |
| 60 | 60,000 psi minimum tensile strength |
| 1 | All welding positions |
| 1 | High-cellulose potassium coating, AC or DCEP |
E6011 specifications
| AWS specification | AWS A5.1/A5.1M |
|---|---|
| Process | Stick (SMAW) |
| Form | Covered electrode |
| Polarity | AC, DCEP |
| Welding positions | Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead |
| Tensile strength (min) | 60 ksi (414 MPa) |
| Yield strength (min) | 48 ksi (331 MPa) |
| Elongation (min) | 22% |
| Impact toughness | 20 ft·lb at -20 °F (27 J at -29 °C) |
| Coating / core | High-cellulose potassium |
| Penetration | Deep |
| Deposition rate | Low |
| Slag | Thin, light, easy to remove |
| Arc character | Forceful and digging, slightly softer than E6010 |
| Shielding gas | None — self-shielding |
E6011 amperage by diameter
Typical operating ranges. Start near the middle of the range, then adjust by sound and bead profile. Reduce 10–15% for vertical and overhead work.
| Diameter | Amperage range | Typical start |
|---|---|---|
| 1/16 in (1.6 mm) | 20–40 A | 30 A |
| 3/32 in (2.4 mm) | 40–85 A | 62 A |
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | 75–125 A | 100 A |
| 5/32 in (4.0 mm) | 110–160 A | 135 A |
| 3/16 in (4.8 mm) | 140–190 A | 165 A |
Polarity: Runs on AC or DCEP. The potassium in the coating keeps the arc alive through the zero-crossing of alternating current, which is what E6010 cannot do.
What E6011 is used for
- Farm and ranch repair on small AC transformer welders
- Maintenance welding on rusty, painted or galvanized steel
- Root passes when no DC machine is available
- Temporary tacks and general fabrication with poor fit-up
- Sheet metal and light plate where a digging arc is needed
Base metals
- A36 structural steel
- Mild steel plate and pipe
- Galvanized and painted steel
- Cast-steel repairs
Characteristics
- The default rod for inexpensive AC-only buzzbox welders
- Burns through rust, mill scale and paint that would porosity-out a low-hydrogen rod
- Fast-freeze puddle for vertical and overhead work
- More spatter and a rougher bead face than E6013 or E7018
- Deposit is not low-hydrogen, so it is not used on code work requiring low-hydrogen consumables
Storage and handling
Room-temperature storage in a dry place. Never bake E6011.
- Keep sealed until use; a plastic rod tube in a dry shop is sufficient.
- The cellulose coating is meant to hold moisture — drying it out kills the shielding action.
- Rods with cracked, chipped or swollen coatings should be scrapped.
Welding tips
- On a 1/8 in rod, 90–110 A on AC is the everyday starting point for 1/4 in plate.
- Whip and pause on vertical-up fillets; drag with a tight arc on flat work.
- If the arc sounds like it is popping and hunting, raise the amperage before shortening the arc.
- On galvanized steel, weld in ventilated air — zinc fume is a real hazard regardless of the rod.
E6011 frequently asked questions
Is E6011 better than E6010?
Neither is better — they trade places depending on your machine. E6011 runs on AC and DC, which makes it the practical choice on small transformer welders. E6010 runs on DCEP only but gives a slightly crisper arc and cleaner slag, which is why pipeline crews prefer it.
What amperage for 1/8 in E6011?
75–125 A, with 90–110 A the common working range on 1/4 in mild steel. Drop toward the low end for vertical and overhead passes.
Can E6011 weld through rust and paint?
Yes — that is its main strength. The digging cellulosic arc blows contamination out of the joint. It is still better practice to clean the joint when you can.
Is E6011 low hydrogen?
No. Cellulosic electrodes deposit relatively high diffusible hydrogen by design. For code work on thick or high-strength steel, use a low-hydrogen electrode such as E7018.
What is the tensile strength of E6011?
60,000 psi minimum tensile strength, with a 48,000 psi minimum yield and 22% minimum elongation in the as-welded condition.
Compare E6011 with
Related electrodes
E6010
AWS A5.1/A5.1M
E6010 is a DC-only cellulosic stick electrode with the deepest penetration of any common rod, used for open-root pipe…
E6013
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E6013 is the easy-starting rutile rod for thin steel and light fabrication — soft arc, shallow penetration and the…
E7018
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E7018 is the low-hydrogen structural rod — 70 ksi tensile, tough at -20 °F, all positions, and the default electrode…
E7014
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E7014 is an iron-powder rutile rod that runs like E6013 but deposits faster and stronger — a fast-fill, all-position…