Basic coated electrode for welding austenitic stainless Cr-Ni steels or cast steels, having an extra low carbon content, as well as stainless or heat resisting chromium steels or cast steels. Suitable for welding stainless steel tanks, valves, pipes and linings in chemical, petrochemical, energy, food, beverage, pharmaceutical industries. For operating temperatures of up to 350°C, non-scaling up to 800°C. Possible to use with DC. Fine metal droplet transfer, good fusion of joint faces, finely rippled bead surface, provides high strength weld metal.