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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/weld-fcaw-self-shielded-dcen

Self-shielded flux-cored wires like E71T-11 run on which polarity?

DC electrode negative, also called straight polarity.

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  1. DC electrode positive (reverse polarity)
  2. DC electrode negative (straight polarity) ✔
  3. AC only

Why: Hobart says T-8 and T-11 self-shielded wires should run on DCEN. Wrong polarity can add spatter. Solid MIG wire is the opposite and uses DCEP.

Huh, didn't know that: Hobart calls E71T-11 wires generally easy to use and forgiving of technique errors.

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Did you hear about the mathematician who's afraid of negative numbers? He'll stop at nothing to avoid them.
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References

Answer: DC electrode negative (straight polarity). Hobart says T-8 and T-11 self-shielded wires should run on DCEN. Wrong polarity can add spatter. Solid MIG wire is the opposite and uses DCEP.

  1. Self-Shielded Flux Core Wire (Hobart Brothers) www.hobartbrothers.com/resources/technical-articles/flux-core-wire
    T-8 and T-11 wires should both be operated on DCEN (direct current electrode negative) or straight polarity.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Flux-Cored Welding: The Basics for Mild Steel (Miller) www.millerwelds.com/en-us/resources/knowledge-hub/mig-welding/how-to/flux-cored-welding-the-basics-for-mild-steel
    Flux-cored welding requires DC electrode negative, or straight, polarity.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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