Electrode comparison
E71T-1 vs E71T-11
E71T-1 is gas-shielded, runs DCEP and passes code work; E71T-11 is self-shielded, runs DCEN and works outdoors with lower toughness.
E71T-1 vs E71T-11 at a glance
| E71T-1 | E71T-11 | |
|---|---|---|
| AWS specification | AWS A5.20/A5.20M | AWS A5.20/A5.20M |
| Process | Flux-Cored (FCAW) | Flux-Cored (FCAW) |
| Form | Tubular wire | Tubular wire |
| Tensile strength (min) | 70 ksi | 70 ksi |
| Yield strength (min) | 58 ksi | 58 ksi |
| Elongation (min) | 22% | 20% |
| Impact toughness | 20 ft·lb at 0 °F (27 J at -18 °C); -1J and -1M grades extend this to -20 °F | Not required by AWS A5.20 for the -11 classification |
| Polarity | DCEP | DCEN |
| Positions | Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead | Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead |
| Penetration | Medium to deep | Medium |
| Deposition rate | Very high — roughly twice the rate of a comparable stick electrode | High |
| Coating / core | Rutile flux core inside a mild steel sheath | Self-shielding flux core inside a mild steel sheath |
| Slag | Fast-freezing rutile slag that supports the puddle out of position and peels readily | Heavy and fast-freezing; peels off but leaves more to clean than gas-shielded wire |
| Shielding gas | 100% CO2 or 75% argon / 25% CO2 | None — self-shielded |
| Storage | Keep dry. The flux core absorbs moisture through the seam of the wire, and damp wire means porosity and hydrogen cracking. | Keep dry and sealed. Self-shielded flux core is hygroscopic and damp wire is the usual cause of porosity on gasless machines. |
| Primary use | Structural steel fabrication and erection | Outdoor and windy-site repair welding |
Which should you use?
Both are tubular 70 ksi all-position wires, and that is where the similarity ends. E71T-1 uses external shielding gas on top of its flux, runs DCEP, carries a 20 ft·lb at 0 °F impact requirement and produces welds suitable for structural code work — but it cannot be used in wind. E71T-11 shields itself entirely from the flux, runs DCEN, works outdoors, and needs no bottle, but carries no impact requirement and is generally limited by manufacturers to lighter material and restricted pass counts. Reversing the polarity between them is the single most common setup error.
Choose E71T-1 when
- Structural steel and code work
- Indoor production fabrication
- Heavy plate and multi-pass welds
- Applications requiring notch toughness
Choose E71T-11 when
- Outdoor and field welding
- Small machines with no gas capability
- Farm, trailer and general repair
- Light plate under about 1/2 in
Amperage compared
| Diameter | E71T-1 | E71T-11 |
|---|---|---|
| 0.035 in (0.9 mm) | 90–250 A | 70–200 A |
| 0.045 in (1.2 mm) | 150–350 A | 125–260 A |
| 0.052 in (1.4 mm) | 180–400 A | — |
| 1/16 in (1.6 mm) | 200–450 A | — |
| 0.030 in (0.8 mm) | — | 50–150 A |
Ranges are typical starting points. Diameters listed for only one electrode are shown as — for the other.
E71T-1 vs E71T-11 — common questions
Is E71T-1 DCEP or DCEN?
DCEP. E71T-11 runs DCEN. Switching between the two wires requires changing polarity at the machine, and running either on the wrong setting gives an erratic, spattery arc.
Can E71T-11 be used on structural steel?
Generally not for code work. It has no impact toughness requirement and is typically thickness limited by the manufacturer. E71T-1 with gas, or E7018, is the appropriate choice.
Does adding gas improve E71T-11?
No. It is formulated to shield itself, and adding external gas does nothing useful. If you want gas-shielded quality, buy a gas-shielded wire.
Full specifications
E71T-1
AWS A5.20/A5.20M
E71T-1 is gas-shielded flux-cored wire — the high-deposition, all-position production workhorse for structural steel, combining FCAW speed with a smooth spray-like arc.
E71T-11
AWS A5.20/A5.20M
E71T-11 is self-shielded flux-cored wire — no gas bottle, runs DCEN, and works in wind, which makes it the standard gasless wire for small machines and outdoor repair.