E6011 Welding Rod: Amperage Chart & AC/DC Settings
E6011 Amperage by Diameter
| Diameter | Amperage Range |
|---|---|
| 3/32" (2.4 mm) | 40 - 85A |
| 1/8" (3.2 mm) | 75 - 130A |
| 5/32" (4 mm) | 100 - 180A |
| 3/16" (4.8 mm) | 140 - 225A |
| 7/32" (5.6 mm) | 170 - 265A |
| 1/4" (6.4 mm) | 210 - 320A |
E6011 does the same job as E6010, deep penetration, fast freeze, works on dirty steel, but it also runs on AC. If you only have an old buzz box or a transformer welder without DC output, this is your go-to rod for repairs, maintenance, and field work. It is slightly less aggressive than E6010 on DC but handles the same applications.
What This Means in Practice
E6011 exists because not every job site has a DC welder. If you need E6010-style penetration but only have an AC buzz box or a generator-powered machine, E6011 is the answer. The welds are comparable. The arc feels slightly different. Most field welders carry both.
E6011 Suitability Scores
How well this electrode matches common applications. Not a quality rating. all AWS-certified electrodes meet their specification.
When to Use E6011
Same jobs as E6010 when you only have an AC welder.
Maintenance and repair work in the field.
Welding on rusty, dirty, or painted steel that cannot be properly cleaned.
Root passes on pipe when DC is not available.
A good all-around rod for farm, ranch, and general repair.
E6011 Limitations
Slightly softer arc than E6010 when both are run on DC.
More spatter than E6010.
Same rough bead appearance.
Not low-hydrogen, do not use where codes require H4 or H8 class rods.
Less penetration than E6010 on DC.
E6011 Storage Requirements
Standard dry storage at room temperature. Do not recondition.
E6011 Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E6011 |
| Process | Stick Welding (SMAW) |
| Polarity | AC, DCEP |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical up, vertical down, overhead |
| Penetration | deep |
| Coating Type | high cellulose potassium |
| Tensile Strength | 60,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 48,000 psi |
| Elongation | 22% |
| Impact Toughness | 20 ft-lbs at -20°F |
| Base Metals | carbon steel, low-carbon steel, galvanized steel |
| AWS Specification | A5.1 |
Questions About E6011
What is the best all-around welding rod for a farm?
E6011, hands down. It runs on any AC or DC machine, so it works with the old buzz boxes and inverters found in most farm shops. It burns through rust, paint, and dirty steel without extensive prep. It welds in all positions. And at 60,000 psi tensile strength, it is strong enough for equipment repairs, fence posts, gate hinges, and implement brackets. Keep a few pounds of 1/8 inch E6011 in a dry container and you can fix almost anything. If you have a DC machine, E6010 specifications gives deeper penetration on heavy dirty steel. For critical or load-bearing repairs, E7018 specifications is stronger, but it requires dry rod storage.
Can I use E6011 instead of E6010?
Yes, for most applications. E6011 was designed as the AC-capable version of E6010, and it produces similar welds. On DC, E6010 has a slightly hotter, more focused arc, so experienced pipe welders prefer it for root passes. But for general repairs, maintenance, and field work, E6011 is a direct substitute and the more versatile rod because it runs on any power source. See also: E6010 vs E6011 full comparison.
What rod for welding on a farm with an AC welder?
E6011 for rusty or dirty steel, E6013 for clean thin metal, and E7014 for heavier flat fillet welds. E6011 should be your primary rod, it handles the widest range of farm repair situations on AC. Keep E6013 in 3/32 inch for thin material where E6011 would burn through. If you also do clean shop work on heavier stock, E7014 is a faster option for flat welds. All three run on AC. See also: E6013 specifications, E7014 specifications.
Where to Buy E6011
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External Resources
Manufacturer data sheets and standards for E6011.
Data sourced from AWS A5.1/A5.1M. Amperage ranges are approximate starting points. adjust based on position, fit-up, and material thickness. Always follow manufacturer recommendations and applicable codes.