Lincoln Electric Innershield® NR-233 is a self-shielded, all-position flux-cored arc welding (FCAW-S) wire classified per AWS A5.20: E71T-8-H16. Designed for high-deposition out-of-position welding on structural fabrication, including applications subject to seismic requirements, NR-233 runs on DCEN (DC electrode negative) and requires no external shielding gas — making it suitable for outdoor, windy, and field-construction environments where gas-shielded processes are impractical. Its all-position capability, excellent puddle control, and strong arc performance allow operators from novice to experienced to produce quality weld deposits in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead orientations on carbon steel 3/16 in (4.8 mm) and heavier. NR-233 meets AWS D1.8 seismic supplement requirements, making it a specification-grade choice for seismic zone structural welding without gas cylinders.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E71T-8-H16 (AWS A5.20/A5.20M: 2005 / ASME SFA-A5.20) |
| Additional Conformances | FEMA 353 / AWS D1.8 Seismic Supplement; ABS E71T-8-H16 |
| This SKU | 0.072 in (1.8 mm), 25 lb plastic spool (ED031030) |
| Available Diameters | 0.068 in, 0.072 in, 5/64 in (1.7, 1.8, 2.0 mm) |
| Shielding Gas | None — self-shielded (FCAW-S) |
| Polarity | DCEN (DC electrode negative) |
| Welding Positions | All positions (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) |
| Tensile Strength (required E71T-8) | 480–655 MPa (70–95 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (typical) | 400–490 MPa (58–71 ksi) as-welded |
| Elongation | 22 % minimum per AWS A5.20 |
| Diffusible Hydrogen | ≤ 16 mL/100 g (H16 designation) |
| Minimum Plate Thickness | 3.2 mm (3/16 in) |
NR-233's E71T-8 classification per AWS A5.20 designates an all-position self-shielded electrode with specified Charpy V-Notch impact toughness at −29 °C — one of the few self-shielded wire types that provides notch toughness for structural seismic compliance:
- Structural fabrication in seismic zones — moment frame welding and connection plates per AWS D1.8 where notch toughness at −20 °F is required without gas shielding infrastructure
- Field and erection welding — bridge site, stadium, and commercial building erection where outdoor wind conditions preclude gas-shielded FCAW-G or MIG
- Shipbuilding and marine structures — hull plate, stiffener, and bracket welding on ABS-classified vessels; NR-233 holds ABS E71T-8-H16 approval
- Heavy fabrication and general construction — overhead and vertical-up welding on structural steel where out-of-position productivity exceeds SMAW rates
- Maintenance and repair in the field — crane repairs, tower maintenance, and bridge repairs where gas availability is limited
Innershield NR-233 uses DCEN polarity and is specifically noted for excellent arc control and accommodating weld puddle behavior that enables operators of all skill levels to produce quality deposits. The E71T-8 classification requires specified Charpy V-Notch impact energy at −29 °C (−20 °F), placing NR-233 in the higher-tier structural category among self-shielded wires. This distinguishes it from NR-311 and NS-3M (E70T-7 and E70T-4, which have no specified CVN toughness). Per Lincoln Electric, NR-233 meets both FEMA 353 and AWS D1.8 seismic supplement requirements.
The 0.072 in (1.8 mm) diameter in this SKU is designed for 3/16 in and heavier plate, with wire feed speeds from 100–300 in/min at 17–24 V. Use a 3/4–1 in electrode stick-out (CTWD minus 1/4 in contact-tip setback). For horizontal welding, subtract approximately 1 V from vertical-up settings.
| Diameter | Polarity | CTWD | WFS (in/min) | Voltage (V) | Current (A) | Positions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.072 in (1.8 mm) | DCEN | 3/4–1 in (19–25 mm) | 100 | 17–18 | 184 | All |
| 0.072 in (1.8 mm) | DCEN | 3/4–1 in (19–25 mm) | 150 | 18–19 | 250 | All |
| 0.072 in (1.8 mm) | DCEN | 3/4–1 in (19–25 mm) | 200 | 20–21 | 295 | All |
| 5/64 in (2.0 mm) | DCEN | 3/4–1 in (19–25 mm) | 90 | 18–19 | 210 | All |
| 5/64 in (2.0 mm) | DCEN | 3/4–1 in (19–25 mm) | 150 | 20–21 | 300 | All |
Innershield NR-233 is classified as E71T-8-H16 per AWS A5.20/A5.20M: 2005. The E71T-8 designation indicates an all-position, self-shielded electrode with specified Charpy V-Notch impact toughness. The H16 suffix means diffusible hydrogen is controlled to ≤ 16 mL/100 g deposited weld metal. It also meets ABS E71T-8-H16 and FEMA 353 / AWS D1.8 seismic supplement requirements.
NR-233 uses DCEN (DC Electrode Negative) — also called straight polarity. Connect the gun/torch lead to the negative terminal and the work clamp to the positive terminal. All Innershield electrodes using DCEN must be set correctly before welding; running on DCEP will produce an erratic arc, excessive spatter, and poor penetration.
Yes. Innershield NR-233 meets both FEMA 353 and AWS D1.8 Structural Welding Code — Seismic Supplement requirements. Its E71T-8 classification requires Charpy V-Notch impact toughness at −29 °C (−20 °F), which satisfies D1.8 notch toughness provisions. This makes NR-233 one of the few self-shielded wires approved for seismic moment frame fabrication without gas shielding.
NR-233 is recommended for 3.2 mm (3/16 in) and heavier carbon steel. It is not recommended for sheet metal or thin-gauge applications; for thin material or unlimited thickness self-shielded welding, use Innershield NR-211-MP (E71T-11). The 0.072 in and 5/64 in diameters are suited to medium and heavy structural sections.
NR-232 is classified as E71T-8 (without H designation) while NR-233 is classified as E71T-8-H16, adding controlled diffusible hydrogen ≤ 16 mL/100 g. Both meet AWS D1.8 seismic supplement requirements, but NR-233's H16 rating provides an additional level of hydrogen control for more crack-sensitive joints or heavier restraint conditions. Mechanically, both have similar all-position capability and CVN toughness.
Browse the full welding wire collection, or compare to Innershield NR-311 (E70T-7, flat/horizontal high-deposition) or Outershield 71 Elite (gas-shielded, all-position) for shop environments.