Flux-cored arc welding wire classifications identify a consumable family and tested requirements, but a similar-looking code does not make two wires interchangeable. This reference compares three Lincoln Electric carbon-steel FCAW product sheets. Two are self-shielded wires and one is a gas-shielded wire. The product and its full classification suffix must match the WPS and the shielding conditions; the table is a quick lookup, not a procedure qualification.
Selected FCAW electrode classification codes
Selected Lincoln FCAW wire classifications
Selected carbon-steel FCAW wire classification strings and shielding methods taken from Lincoln Electric product data sheets.
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How to read the designation
In the common AWS format, E identifies an electrode and T identifies a tubular electrode. The strength digits and remaining suffixes are defined by the applicable AWS specification. For example, Lincoln lists NR-211-MP as E71T-11 and NR-232 as E71T-8. Those are separate product classifications with different usability characteristics. The complete suffix matters: shielding method, test results, optional supplementary requirements, and product-specific limitations cannot be inferred from the first few characters alone.
Lincoln’s current product sheets are the source for the product names, full codes, and stated positions in this chart. AWS lists A5.20/A5.20M:2025 as the current carbon-steel FCAW classification specification. Some supplier sheets still cite earlier specification revisions. When a contract or code edition controls, verify that the exact consumable classification remains accepted under that edition and obtain the current certificate or technical sheet.
Self-shielded and gas-shielded wire
Self-shielded wire carries flux ingredients that provide the shielding functions, so a separate shielding-gas supply is not used for that process. Gas-shielded FCAW uses an external gas selected for the wire. The table identifies NR-211-MP and NR-232 as self-shielded products and UltraCore 71C as gas-shielded. The cited UltraCore procedure uses 100% carbon dioxide. Do not transfer its gas condition to a different product or assume that a suffix alone replaces the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
Position information also has boundaries. NR-211-MP is listed for all positions except with its largest 3/32-inch diameter. A wire can have different usable positions at different diameters because deposition behavior and slag support change. Check the diameter row in the current data sheet before placing an order or writing a procedure.
Worked identification example
Suppose a drawing calls for a self-shielded FCAW consumable and the WPS specifies E71T-11. NR-211-MP is one Lincoln product listed with that classification. Confirm the purchased package carries the required classification, then check the selected diameter, position, base-metal group, thickness, polarity, and procedure variables. If the WPS instead names E71T-8, NR-232 is a different product candidate; it is not an automatic substitute for the E71T-11 wire. Qualification documents and project requirements govern the final choice.
Common classification mistakes
One mistake is treating E71T-1C-H8 and E71T-1M-H8 as identical. Lincoln’s FCAW classification fact sheet explains that C and M designate different shielding-gas conditions. Another mistake is reading “all position” without checking diameter or the exact product sheet; NR-211-MP has a stated exception. Also avoid mixing classifications from different AWS editions without checking the governing contract and the product’s current conformance.
The dataset is intentionally small and product-specific. It is not a complete list of AWS classes, does not recommend an electrode for a joint, and does not establish weld strength or inspection acceptance. Check the current AWS A5.20/A5.20M specification and the exact Lincoln NR-211-MP, NR-232, and UltraCore 71C product data before specifying consumables.
The number 71 in these example codes identifies a strength classification under the cited AWS system; it does not state the strength of the base plate or the strength of a completed joint. Lincoln’s NR-211-MP sheet lists minimum and typical all-weld-metal results separately. A product’s test results, joint design, dilution, heat input, pass sequence, and procedure variables all affect the weldment. Keep the consumable certificate and procedure record with the production documentation, especially when supplemental toughness or hydrogen requirements apply.
