EN 1971-1:2019
(Main)Copper and copper alloys - Eddy current test for measuring defects on seamless round copper and copper alloy tubes - Part 1: Test with an encircling test coil on the outer surface
General Information
- Abstract
This document specifies a procedure for the eddy current test with an encircling test coil for measuring defects on the outer surface of seamless round copper and copper alloy tubes.
NOTE The eddy current test method(s) required, together with the size range and acceptance level, are defined in the relevant product standard.
The choice of the method for eddy current test:
- with an encircling test coil on the outer surface according to prEN 1971-1;
or
- with an internal probe on the inner surface according to prEN 1971-2;
is at the discretion of the manufacturer if there are no other agreements between the purchaser and the supplier.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 19-Nov-2019
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-May-2020
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 133 - Copper and copper alloys
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 133/WG 3 - Copper tubes (installation and industrial)
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 10-Jun-2025
- Completion Date
- 17-Sep-2026
Overview
EN 1971-1:2019 (CEN) specifies a standardized procedure for an eddy current test with an encircling test coil to measure defects on the outer surface of seamless round copper and copper‑alloy tubes. The method is a non‑destructive testing (NDT) technique intended to detect potential leaks, material inhomogeneities and surface or near‑surface discontinuities during production. The choice between this outer‑surface encircling coil method (EN 1971-1) and an internal probe method (EN 1971-2) is normally at the manufacturer’s discretion unless otherwise agreed with the purchaser.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Targets seamless round copper and copper‑alloy tubes; product standards define size ranges and acceptance levels.
- Personnel: Operators must be trained; qualifications can be certified according to EN ISO 9712 when agreed.
- Equipment & operation:
- Drive mechanism must feed tubes through the coil concentrically and vibration‑free.
- Test sensitivity variation due to speed/position must be kept within ±2 dB.
- Probe distance from the tube surface should be minimized for adequate sensitivity.
- Typical coil excitation frequencies are in the range 1 kHz to 125 kHz.
- Reference standard tube:
- A defect‑free tube of the same dimensions is used for instrument adjustment.
- Reference tubes may include one or three calibrated holes (three at 120° or one rotated three times) as signal references.
- Dynamic conditions (line speed) must be accounted for in reference tests.
- Acceptance criteria:
- The sorting limit (rejection threshold) is based on the smallest of the reference signals.
- The standard allows for a secondary lower detection threshold for non‑local discontinuities; manufacturers determine related parameters and allowable defect density per product standard.
- Instrument adjustment & monitoring:
- Systems are adjusted with the reference tube and checked for each product change and at intervals not exceeding 8 hours.
- A sensitivity loss > 2 dB invalidates tubes tested since the last check.
Applications and who uses it
- Tube manufacturers and production quality teams for inline inspection of copper and copper‑alloy tubing.
- NDT technicians and inspection service providers implementing eddy current testing.
- Buyers, purchasers and quality assurance managers who specify acceptance criteria in product contracts.
- Equipment suppliers designing encircling‑coil eddy current systems or calibration references.
Related standards
- EN 1971-2 - internal probe (inner‑surface) eddy current testing for similar tubes.
- EN ISO 9712 - qualification and certification of NDT personnel.
- EN ISO 12718 - eddy current testing vocabulary.
Keywords: EN 1971-1:2019, eddy current test, encircling test coil, copper and copper alloys, seamless round tubes, NDT, acceptance criteria, reference standard tube, instrument adjustment.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 27-Sep-2017
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Refers
EN ISO 12718:2019 - Non-destructive testing - Eddy current testing - Vocabulary (ISO 12718:2019) - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Referred By
EN 12449:2016+A1:2019 - Copper and copper alloys - Seamless, round tubes for general purposes - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Referred By
EN 13348:2008 - Copper and copper alloys - Seamless, round copper tubes for medical gases or vacuum - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Referred By
EN 12452:2012 - Copper and copper alloys - Rolled, finned, seamless tubes for heat exchangers - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 1971-1:2019 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Copper and copper alloys - Eddy current test for measuring defects on seamless round copper and copper alloy tubes - Part 1: Test with an encircling test coil on the outer surface". This standard covers: This document specifies a procedure for the eddy current test with an encircling test coil for measuring defects on the outer surface of seamless round copper and copper alloy tubes. NOTE The eddy current test method(s) required, together with the size range and acceptance level, are defined in the relevant product standard. The choice of the method for eddy current test: - with an encircling test coil on the outer surface according to prEN 1971-1; or - with an internal probe on the inner surface according to prEN 1971-2; is at the discretion of the manufacturer if there are no other agreements between the purchaser and the supplier.
This document specifies a procedure for the eddy current test with an encircling test coil for measuring defects on the outer surface of seamless round copper and copper alloy tubes. NOTE The eddy current test method(s) required, together with the size range and acceptance level, are defined in the relevant product standard. The choice of the method for eddy current test: - with an encircling test coil on the outer surface according to prEN 1971-1; or - with an internal probe on the inner surface according to prEN 1971-2; is at the discretion of the manufacturer if there are no other agreements between the purchaser and the supplier.
EN 1971-1:2019 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 23.040.15 - Non-ferrous metal pipes; 77.150.30 - Copper products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 1971-1:2019 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 1971-1:2011, EN ISO 9712:2022, EN ISO 12718:2019, EN 12449:2023, EN 12735-2:2010, EN 12735-1:2016, EN 12449:2016+A1:2019, EN 13348:2008, EN 12449:2012, EN 12449:2016, EN 12735-1:2010, EN 12735-2:2016, EN 12735-2:2024, EN 12452:2012, EN 12451:2012. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
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