E71T-1 vs E71T-11: Gas-Shielded vs Self-Shielded Flux-Core
E71T-1 is gas-shielded flux-core for production shops. E71T-11 is self-shielded for field and outdoor work. Both are 70 ksi all-position wires but serve different environments.
E71T-1: Indoor shop production. E71T-11: Outdoor or field welding.
Which One Should You Use?
Pick E71T-1 if:
Indoor shop production. Structural fabrication under D1.1. High-volume welding where deposition rate and weld quality both matter. You have a gas-shielded FCAW setup.
Runs on DCEP, 150-500A range. E71T-1 full amperage chart
Pick E71T-11 if:
Outdoor or field welding. Conditions where wind would disrupt shielding gas. Portable setups without gas bottles. Farm, construction site, and maintenance work.
Runs on DCEN, 30-225A range. E71T-11 full amperage chart
Key Differences
| Attribute | E71T-1 | E71T-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Shielding Method | Gas-shielded; requires 75/25 Ar/CO2 or 100% CO2 | Self-shielded; no external gas needed |
| Polarity | DCEP | DCEN |
| Deposition / Weld Quality | Higher deposition rate and better impact toughness; preferred for structural | Lower deposition rate; acceptable mechanical properties but less consistent |
| Environment | Indoor shop use; gas shielding disrupted by wind | Outdoor, field, and windy conditions where gas shielding is impractical |
Settings at a Glance
Machine settings and operating characteristics side by side. For full amperage charts, see the individual electrode pages.
| Setting | E71T-1 | E71T-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Polarity | DCEP | DCEN |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium-deep | medium |
| Coating | tubular flux-core (gas-shielded) | self-shielded flux-cored |
| Amps at .045" | 150-300A | N/A |
| Amps at 1/16" | 200-400A | N/A |
| Amps at 0.030" | N/A | 30-130A |
| Amps at 0.035" | N/A | 40-175A |
How E71T-1 and E71T-11 Work Together
The choice is driven by environment, not preference. If you can keep gas shielding intact, E71T-1 produces better welds faster. If you cannot, E71T-11 is the only option.
Common Mistake With E71T-1
Running E71T-1 without gas. The wire requires external shielding; without it, the weld will be porous and brittle. Conversely, do not add gas to E71T-11, it is designed to self-shield.
Practical Differences
| Factor | E71T-1 | E71T-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Shielding Gas | 75% Ar / 25% CO2 | None (self-shielded) |
| Fume Level | Medium (0.4-0.8 g/min) | High (0.8-1.8 g/min) |
| Common Brands | Outershield 71M, FabCO 711 | Innershield NR-211-MP, Fabshield 21B |
Where to Buy
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E71T-1 vs E71T-11: Common Questions
Which is better, E71T-1 or E71T-11?
Different rods for different jobs. Key differences: Shielding Method: E71T-1 has gas-shielded; requires 75/25 ar/co2 or 100% co2, while E71T-11 has self-shielded; no external gas needed. Polarity: E71T-1 has dcep, while E71T-11 has dcen. Deposition / Weld Quality: E71T-1 has higher deposition rate and better impact toughness; preferred for structural, while E71T-11 has lower deposition rate; acceptable mechanical properties but less consistent. Match the rod to the work, not the other way around.
Can I substitute E71T-1 for E71T-11?
Not a straight swap. E71T-1 runs on DCEP, E71T-11 on DCEN. Your machine decides. Penetration differs: E71T-1 is medium-deep, E71T-11 is medium. Coating chemistry is different (tubular flux-core (gas-shielded) vs self-shielded flux-cored), so the arc and slag behave differently.
Can I use both E71T-1 and E71T-11 on the same joint?
The choice is driven by environment, not preference. If you can keep gas shielding intact, E71T-1 produces better welds faster. If you cannot, E71T-11 is the only option.
Reference data only. Verify all settings against manufacturer documentation and the applicable welding code before use. Amperage ranges are starting points that vary by position, fit-up, and material. Welding involves serious injury risks including burns, electric shock, fume exposure, and fire. This site does not replace proper training, certification, or employer safety procedures. See full terms of use.
Data sourced from AWS A5.20.