IEC 60974-11:2021
(Main)Arc welding equipment - Part 11: Electrode holders
Arc welding equipment - Part 11: Electrode holders
IEC 60974-11:2021 is applicable to electrode holders for manual metal arc welding with electrodes up to 10 mm in diameter. It is not applicable to electrode holders for underwater welding. This document specifies safety and performance requirements of electrode holders. This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition, published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision. The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are the following:
- Modify 3.6 type A to category A;
- Modify 3.7 type B to category B;
- Modify 8.1 to clarify reference to IEC 60529;
- Modification of 10.1 for clarification purposes;
- Added Bibliography.
This part of IEC 60974 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60974-1.
Matériel de soudage à l'arc - Partie 11: Porte-électrodes
L’IEC 60974-11:2021 s’applique aux porte-électrodes pour le soudage manuel électrique à l’arc avec des électrodes jusqu’à 10 mm de diamètre.
Elle ne s’applique pas aux porte-électrodes pour le soudage sous l’eau.
Le présent document de l’IEC 60974 spécifie les exigences de sécurité et de performance des porte-électrodes.
Cette quatrième édition annule et remplace la troisième édition parue en 2010. Cette édition constitue une révision technique.
Les modifications majeures par rapport à l'édition précédente sont les suivantes:
modification du 3.6: type A devenant catégorie A;
modification du 3.7: type B devenant catégorie B;
modification du 8.1 aux fins de clarification de la référence à l’IEC 60529;
modification du 10.1 à des fins de clarification;
ajouts dans la Bibliographie.
La présente partie de l’IEC 60974 doit être utilisée conjointement avec l’IEC 60974-1.
La présente version bilingue (2021-08) correspond à la version anglaise monolingue publiée en 2021-04.
La version française de cette norme n'a pas été soumise au vote.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
IEC 60974-11 ®
Edition 4.0 2021-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Arc welding equipment –
Part 11: Electrode holders
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.
IEC Central Office Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé info@iec.ch
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.
IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC online collection - oc.iec.ch
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a Discover our powerful search engine and read freely all the
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical publications previews. With a subscription you will always
committee, …). It also gives information on projects, replaced have access to up to date content tailored to your needs.
and withdrawn publications.
Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
The world's leading online dictionary on electrotechnology,
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published
containing more than 22 000 terminological entries in English
details all new publications released. Available online and
and French, with equivalent terms in 18 additional languages.
once a month by email.
Also known as the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
(IEV) online.
IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or
need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: sales@iec.ch.
IEC 60974-11 ®
Edition 4.0 2021-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Arc welding equipment –
Part 11: Electrode holders
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 25.160.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-9693-6
– 2 – IEC 60974-11:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Environmental conditions . 6
5 Tests . 6
5.1 Test conditions . 6
5.2 Measuring instruments . 6
5.3 Conformity of components . 7
5.4 Type tests . 7
6 Designation . 7
7 Operation . 7
8 Protection against electric shock . 8
8.1 Protection against direct contact . 8
8.2 Insulation resistance . 8
8.3 Dielectric strength . 9
9 Thermal rating . 9
9.1 Temperature rise . 9
9.2 Resistance to heat . 10
9.3 Resistance to hot objects . 10
10 Mechanical requirements . 11
10.1 Welding cable entry . 11
10.2 Penetration of the welding cable insulation . 11
10.3 Welding cable connection . 11
10.4 Impact resistance . 11
11 Marking . 12
12 Instructions for use . 13
Bibiliography . 14
Figure 1 – Arrangement for the temperature rise test . 9
Figure 2 – Device for testing the resistance to hot objects . 10
Figure 3 – Device for the pendulum swing test . 12
Table 1 – Dimensional requirements for the ELECTRODE HOLDER . 7
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 11: Electrode holders
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60974-11 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 26:
Electric welding.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition, published in 2010. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are the following:
– Modify 3.6 type A to category A;
– Modify 3.7 type B to category B;
– Modify 8.1 to clarify reference to IEC 60529;
– Modification of 10.1 for clarification purposes;
– Added Bibliography.
This part of IEC 60974 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60974-1.
– 4 – IEC 60974-11:2021 © IEC 2021
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
26/716/FDIS 26/721/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
– conformity statements: in italic type.
– terms defined in Clause 3: in SMALL ROMAN CAPITALS.
A list of all parts of the IEC 60974 series, published under the general title Arc welding
equipment, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 11: Electrode holders
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60974 is applicable to ELECTRODE HOLDERS for manual metal arc welding with
electrodes up to 10 mm in diameter.
It is not applicable to ELECTRODE HOLDERS for underwater welding.
This document specifies safety and performance requirements of ELECTRODE HOLDERS.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-151:2001, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 151: Electrical and
magnetic devices
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD1:2013
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD2:2014
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD3:2019
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD4:2020
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60974-1:2017, Arc welding equipment – Part 1: Welding power sources
IEC 60974-1:2017/AMD1:2019
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-151 and
IEC 60974-1, as well as the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
electrode holder
insulated tool for manual metal arc welding intended to clamp and guide the electrode and to
ensure electrical connection to it
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-04]
– 6 – IEC 60974-11:2021 © IEC 2021
3.2
head
part of the ELECTRODE HOLDER having cavities or jaws or equivalent for insertion, orientation,
clamping and electrical connection of an electrode
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-30]
3.3
handle
part of the ELECTRODE HOLDER designed to be held in the operator’s hand
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-28]
3.4
lever
ELECTRODE HOLDER
part which may be fitted to control the clamping device of an
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-31]
3.5
rated current
current assigned by the manufacturer that the ELECTRODE HOLDERS can accept at 60 % duty
cycle without exceeding the permitted temperature rise
3.6
category A electrode holder
ELECTRODE HOLDER in which no live part is accessible to th
...
IEC 60974-11 ®
Edition 4.0 2021-04
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Arc welding equipment –
Part 11: Electrode holders
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.
IEC Central Office Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé info@iec.ch
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.
IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC online collection - oc.iec.ch
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a Discover our powerful search engine and read freely all the
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical publications previews. With a subscription you will always
committee, …). It also gives information on projects, replaced have access to up to date content tailored to your needs.
and withdrawn publications.
Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
The world's leading online dictionary on electrotechnology,
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published
containing more than 22 000 terminological entries in English
details all new publications released. Available online and
and French, with equivalent terms in 18 additional languages.
once a month by email.
Also known as the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
(IEV) online.
IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or
need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: sales@iec.ch.
IEC 60974-11 ®
Edition 4.0 2021-04
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Arc welding equipment –
Part 11: Electrode holders
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 25.160.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-9722-3
– 2 – IEC 60974-11:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Environmental conditions . 6
5 Type Tests . 7
5.1 Test conditions . 7
5.2 Measuring instruments . 7
5.3 Conformity of components . 7
5.4 Tests sequence Type tests . 7
6 Designation . 7
7 Operation . 8
8 Protection against electric shock . 8
8.1 Protection against direct contact . 8
8.2 Insulation resistance . 9
8.3 Dielectric strength . 9
9 Thermal rating . 10
9.1 Temperature rise . 10
9.2 Resistance to heat . 10
9.3 Resistance to hot objects . 11
10 Mechanical requirements . 11
10.1 Welding cable entry . 11
10.2 Penetration of the welding cable insulation . 12
10.3 Welding cable connection . 12
10.4 Impact resistance . 12
11 Marking . 13
12 Instructions for use . 14
Bibiliography . 15
Figure 1 – Arrangement for the temperature rise test . 10
Figure 2 – Device for testing the resistance to hot objects . 11
Figure 3 – Device for the pendulum swing test . 13
Table 1 – Dimensional requirements for the ELECTRODE HOLDER . 7
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 11: Electrode holders
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes
made to the previous edition IEC 60974-11:2010. A vertical bar appears in the margin
wherever a change has been made. Additions are in green text, deletions are in
strikethrough red text.
– 4 – IEC 60974-11:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
International Standard IEC 60974-11 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 26:
Electric welding.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition, published in 2010. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are the following:
– Modify 3.6 type A to category A;
– Modify 3.7 type B to category B;
– Modify 8.1 to clarify reference to IEC 60529;
– Modification of 10.1 for clarification purposes;
– Added Bibliography.
This part of IEC 60974 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60974-1.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
26/716/FDIS 26/721/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
– conformity statements: in italic type.
– terms defined in Clause 3: in SMALL ROMAN CAPITALS.
A list of all parts of the IEC 60974 series, published under the general title Arc welding
equipment, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 11: Electrode holders
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60974 is applicable to ELECTRODE HOLDERS for manual metal arc welding with
electrodes up to 10 mm in diameter.
It is not applicable to ELECTRODE HOLDERS for underwater welding.
This document specifies safety and performance requirements of ELECTRODE HOLDERS.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-151:2001, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 151: Electrical and
magnetic devices
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD1:2013
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD2:2014
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD3:2019
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD4:2020
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60974-1:2017, Arc welding equipment – Part 1: Welding power sources
IEC 60974-1:2017/AMD1:2019
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-151 and
IEC 60974-1, as well as the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
electrode holder
insulated tool for manual metal arc welding intended to clamp and guide the electrode and to
ensure electrical connection to it
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-04]
– 6 – IEC 60974-11:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
3.2
head
part of the ELECTRODE HOLDER having cavities or jaws or equivalent for insertion, orientation,
clamping and electrical connection of an electrode
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-30]
3.3
handle
part of the ELECTRODE HOLDER designed to be held in the operator’s hand
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-28]
3.4
lever
ELECTRODE HOLDER
part which may be fitted to control the clamping device of an
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-31]
3.5
rated current
current assigned by the manufacturer that the ELECTRODE HOLDERS can accept at 60 % duty
cycle without exceeding the permitted temperature rise
3.6
type category A electrode holder
ELECTRODE HOLDER in which no live part is accessible to the standard test finger as described
in IEC 60529
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-05]
3.7
type category B electrode holder
ELECTRODE HOLDER in which, deviating from type CATEGORY A, no live part is accessible at the
HEAD to a sphere with a diameter related to the maximum diameter of the electrode (see 8.1b)
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-06]
4 Environmental conditions
Electrode holders shall be capable of operation when the following environmental conditions
prevail:
a) ambient air temperature:
– during welding: –10 °C to +40 °C;
b) relative humidity of the air: up to 50 % at 40 °C;
up to 90 % at 20 °C.
Electrode holders shall withstand storage and transport at an ambient air temperature of -20 °C
to +55 °C without any damage to function and performance.
As specified in Clause 4 of IEC 60974-1:2017.
5 Type Tests
5.1 Test conditions
All type tests shall be carried out on the same new and completely assembled ELECTRODE
HOLDER.
All type tests shall be carried out at an ambient air temperature between 10 °C and 40 °C.
The accuracy of measuring instruments shall be:
a) electrical measuring instruments: class 1; (±1 % of full-scale reading, except for the
measurement of insulation resistance and dielectric strength, where the accuracy of the
instruments is not specified but shall be taken into account for the measurement;
b) temperature measuring devices: ± 2 K.
5.2 Measuring instruments
As specified in 5.2 of IEC 60974-1:2017.
5.3 Conformity of components
As specified in 5.3 of IEC 60974-1:2017.
5.4 Tests sequence Type tests
The type tests given below shall be carried out in the following sequence:
a) visual inspection;
b) temperature rise, see 9.1;
c) impact resistance, see 10.4;
d) insulation resistance, see 8.2;
e) dielectric strength, see 8.3.
The other type tests in this document not mentioned above may be carried out in any convenient
sequence.
6 Designation
ELECTRODE HOLDERS shall be designated by the value of the RATED CURRENT at 60 % duty cycle
and conform to the dimensional requirements given in Table 1.
– 8 – IEC 60974-11:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
Table 1 – Dimensional requirements for the ELECTRODE HOLDER
ELECTRODE HOLDER RATED Minimum clamping Minimum fitting range
CURRENT at 60 % duty range for electrodes for welding cable cross-
cycle core diameter sectional area
A mm
mm
125 1,6 to 2,5 10 to 16
150 2 to 3,2 16 to 25
200 2,5 to 4 25 to 35
250 3,2 to 5 35 to 50
300 4 to 6,3 50 to 70
400 5 to 8 70 to 95
500 6,3 to 10 95 to 120
NOTE If the ELECTRODE HOLDER is intended to be used with a duty cycle of 35 %
the current may be according to the next higher rated value of the cable, where the
maximum current value is 600 A.
Conformity shall be checked by measurement.
7 Operation
The ELECTRODE HOLDER shall permit:
a) the safe and rapid fitting of electrodes and release of stub ends;
b) welding until a stub of 50 mm length with electrodes clamped in any of the set positions is
provided;
c) the clamping of all electrode diameters as specified by the manufacturer without pressure
being exerted by the operator.
d) the electrode to be pulled off the work piece in the event of unwanted sticking to the work
piece.
Conformity shall be checked by operation of the clamping device, and visual inspection and, in
the case of item d), manual welding.
8 Protection against electric shock
8.1 Protection against direct contact
An ELECTRODE HOLDER without an electrode, fitted with a welding supply cable of minimum cross-
sectional area as specified by the manufacturer, shall be protected against unintentional contact
with live parts.
In the case of type CATEGORY A ELECTRODE HOLDERS, this requirement is also valid for the part
of the electrode inserted into the ELECTRODE HOLDER. Electrodes having the minimum and
maximum diameter as specified by the manufacturer shall be tested.
Conformity shall be checked by:
a) a standard test finger an access probe according to Table 6 of IEC 60529:1989 in the case
of ELECTRODE HOLDERS of:
1) type CATEGORY A, and
2) type CATEGORY B with the exception of the HEAD;
b) a sphere in the case of the HEAD of type CATEGORY B ELECTRODE HOLDERS with:
1) a metal sphere of 12,5 mm diameter according to IEC 60529 for electrodes up to 6,3 mm
diameter, or
+0,05
d
2) a metal sphere of mm diameter for electrodes thicker than 6,3 mm diameter where
the value of d is twice the maximum diameter of the electrode as specified by the
manufacturer.
The sphere is to be applied to the opening with a force of 30 N ± 10 %.
The springs not designed for carrying the welding current shall be insulated from other metal
parts of the ELECTRODE HOLDER.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
8.2 Insulation resistance
The insulation resistance shall, after the humidity treatment, be not less than 1 MΩ.
Conformity shall be checked by the following test:
a) Humidity treatment
A humidity cabinet is maintained at a temperature t between 20 °C and 30 °C to within ±1 K and
a relative humidity between 91 % and 95 %.
The ELECTRODE HOLDER without a cable fitted is brought to a temperature between t and
(t + 4) °C and is then placed for 48 h in the humidity cabinet.
b) Insulation resistance measurement
Immediately after the humidity treatment, the ELECTRODE HOLDER is wiped clean and tightly
wrapped in metal foil, covering the external surface of the insulation.
The insulation resistance is measured by application of a DC voltage of 500 V between the live
parts and the metal foil, the reading being made after stabilization of the measurement.
8.3 Dielectric strength
The insulation shall withstand an AC test voltage of 1 000 V r.m.s. without flashover or
breakdown. Any discharges unaccompanied by a voltage drop are disregarded.
Conformity shall be checked by the following test:
A dry and clean ELECTRODE HOLDER is tightly wrapped in metal foil, covering the external surface
of the insulation.
The AC test voltage shall be of an appropriate sine wave-form with a peak value not exceeding
1,45 times the r.m.s. value, having a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz, applied for 1 min between
the live parts and the metal foil.
Alternative test: A DC test voltage of 1,4 times the r.m.s. test voltage may be used.
– 10 – IEC 60974-11:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
9 Thermal rating
9.1 Temperature rise
The temperature rise caused by the RATED CURRENT passing through the ELECTRODE HOLDER,
fitted with an untinned copper welding cable or maximum cross-sectional area and a rod with
the maximum electrode diameter as given in Table 1, shall not exceed 40 K at the hottest spot
of the external surface of the HANDLE.
Conformity shall be checked by the following test (see Figure 1).
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 ELECTRODE HOLDER
2 round rod
Figure 1 – Arrangement for the temperature rise test
Two identical ELECTRODE HOLDERS are fitted each with a welding cable (at least 2 m long). The
round rod of clean, unoxidized, low carbon steel is fully inserted and clamped in the two
ELECTRODE HOLDERS set at 180° to each other with a distance of 50 mm between the metallic
clamping devices. The angle between the rod and the ELECTRODE HOLDER may vary.
The ELECTRODE HOLDERS (thus joined together) are suspended by their welding cables from two
ELECTRODE HOLDERS in the horizontal plane. The clamped rod
wooden laths 1 m apart, with the
hangs between the two laths about 200 mm above the ground, in a draught-free area.
A DC current equal to 75 % of the RATED CURRENT (equivalent to approximately 60 % duty cycle
(duty factor)) is passed through the ELECTRODE HOLDERS until the rate of the temperature rise
does not exceed 2 K/h. The average value resulting from both ELECTRODE HOLDERS shall be
determined. During the total test time, the DC RATED CURRENT shall be kept constant with a
tolerance of ± 2 %.
This test is carried out five times. For each test, a pair of new ELECTRODE HOLDERS and a new
rod are used.
9.2 Resistance to heat
After the heating test according to 9.1, the HEAD of the ELECTRODE HOLDER shall not show
damage to the insulation, such as blisters or deep charring, simple or star cracks, particularly
in the area where the electrode is gripped. Change in colour of the material or superficial
blistering of the insulation in this area is acceptable.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
9.3 Resistance to hot objects
The insulation of the HANDLE shall be capable of withstanding hot objects and the effects of a
normal amount of weld spatter without being ignited or becoming unsafe.
No component of the ELECTRODE HOLDERS shall, under normal operating conditions, create a
risk of burning, i.e. self-extinguishing material shall be used.
Conformity shall be checked with a device according to Figure 2.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 18/8 chrome-nickel steel
2 HANDLE of the ELECTRODE HOLDER
θ test temperature
Figure 2 – Device for testing the resistance to hot objects
An electric current (of approximately 25 A) is passed through the rod until a steady-state
+5
temperature θ of °C is reached. During the test, the temperature of the heated rod shall
be maintained. This temperature will be measured by a contact thermometer or thermocouple.
The heated rod in a horizontal position is then applied for 2 min to the insulation at the weakest
point (for example, minimum insulation thickness and closest distance to live parts). The heated
HANDLE, the heated
rod shall not penetrate through the insulation and contact live parts. At the
rod shall be applied at the portion with the minimum wall thickness and where internal live parts
are closest to the HANDLE surface.
An attempt is made to ignite any gases which may be emitted in the region of the contact point
by means of an electric spark or small flame. If the gases are flammable, the burning shall stop
as soon as the heated rod is removed.
10 Mechanical requirements
10.1 Welding cable entry
The welding cable entry of an ELECTRODE HOLDER shall be designed have a smoothly rounded
edge so as to prevent damage to the cable due to flexing.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
– 12 – IEC 60974-11:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
10.2 Penetration of the welding cable insulation
The design of the ELECTRODE HOLDER shall be such that the insulation of a welding cable can
enter to a depth of at least twice the outer diameter of the welding cable with a minimum of
30 mm.
Conformity shall be checked by measurement according to a welding cable of the maximum
cross-sectional area as specified by the manufacturer.
10.3 Welding cable connection
The design of the ELECTRODE HOLDER shall be such that welding cables with a cross-sectional
area within the range as specified by the manufacturer can be replaced. The connection shall
withstand the mechanical stress of the tensile test without separation.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection and the following test:
The ELECTRODE HOLDER is fitted in accordance with the manufacturer as per the instructions with
a welding cable of maximum cross-sectional area. The connection is subjected to 10 pulls with
a force of 40 N per mm of the cross-sectional area with a maximum of 2 000 N, applied to the
welding cable. The force of each pull is gradually increased from zero to the specified value in
1 s and maintained for a further second.
After the test, the conductor shall not have been noticeably displaced by more than 2 mm. This
test shall be repeated with a welding cable having the minimum cross-sectional area as
specified by the manufacturer.
If more than one method of cable fixing is provided, all methods shall be tested.
10.4 Impact resistance
ELECTRODE HOLDERS shall withstand the mechanical stress of the impact tests without visible or
functional alterations of the electrode clamping device or of the control of this device.
There shall be no breakages or cracks in the insulation. Small splinters or superficial marks are
admissible.
Conformity shall be checked by the following tests:
a) Vertical fall
The ELECTRODE HOLDER is fitted with the largest diameter cable in accordance with Table 1. It
is suspended by its welding cable, with the end of the HEAD 1 m above the impact plane. The
impact plane is a sheet of mild steel, having a thickness of at least 9 mm, in contact with the
ground.
The ELECTRODE HOLDER is released with its cable in free fall. The test is made three times with
the same ELECTRODE HOLDER.
b) Pendulum swing
For this test, a device according to Figure 3 is used. The ELECTRODE HOLDER suspended by its
welding cable is removed from the vertical in a plane normal to the wall.
Released without initial velocity, it strikes a shock piece under the following conditions:
• the shock piece is a mild steel angle bar 40 mm × 40 mm × 5 mm, having an outer radius of
5 mm;
• the suspension point of the welding supply cable is adjusted 1 m above the angle of the
steel bar so that the part of the ELECTRODE HOLDER which has to undergo the shock is just
in contact with the angle of the steel bar when the ELECTRODE HOLDER is hanging freely;
• during the test, the ELECTRODE HOLDER is displaced from the vertical so that the swing height
is 400 mm.
The ELECTRODE HOLDER is allowed to swing on the angle bar six times: twice on the HEAD, twice
on the middle part of the HANDLE and twice on the control LEVER; if the ELECTRODE HOLDER does
not have a LEVER, twice on parts which are likely to be weak.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 3 – Device for the pendulum swing test
11 Marking
The following information shall be legibly and indelibly marked on each ELECTRODE HOLDER:
a) name of the manufacturer, distributor, importer or the registered trade mark;
b) type (identification) as given by the manufacturer;
c) RATED CURRENT;
d) reference to this document, confirming that the ELECTRODE HOLDER complies with the
requirements.
EXAMPLE:
STAR
B 200 / IEC 60974-11
This example is for an electrode holder with the trade mark STAR being of type B, having a
rated current of 200 A and complying with this part of IEC 60974.
Manufacturer – type – current – standard,
XXX – YYY – ZZZ- IEC 60974-11
Conformity shall be checked by reading the marking visual inspection.
– 14 – IEC 60974-11:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
12 Instructions for use
Each ELECTRODE HOLDER shall be delivered with an instruction sheet which includes the
following information:
a) category of electrode holder, A or B;
b) clamping range for electrodes;
c) correct connection of the welding cable;
d) choice of welding cable, type and size;
e) relation of permissible current and duty cycle;
f) list of essential spare parts.
Conformity shall be checked by reading the instructions visual inspection.
Bibiliography
IEC 60050-851:2008, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 851: Electric
welding
IEC 60050-851:2008/AMD1:2014
IEC Guide 116, Guidelines for safety related risk assessment and risk reduction for low voltage
equipment
EN 50565-1:2014, Electric cables – Guide to use for cables with a rated voltage not exceeding
450/750 V (U0/U) – Part 1: General guidance
CENELEC Guide 32, Guidelines for Safety Related Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction for
Low Voltage Equipment
___________
IEC 60974-11 ®
Edition 4.0 2021-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Arc welding equipment –
Part 11: Electrode holders
Matériel de soudage à l’arc –
Partie 11: Porte-électrodes
– 2 – IEC 60974-11:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Environmental conditions . 6
5 Tests . 6
5.1 Test conditions . 6
5.2 Measuring instruments . 6
5.3 Conformity of components . 7
5.4 Type tests . 7
6 Designation . 7
7 Operation . 7
8 Protection against electric shock . 8
8.1 Protection against direct contact . 8
8.2 Insulation resistance . 8
8.3 Dielectric strength . 9
9 Thermal rating . 9
9.1 Temperature rise . 9
9.2 Resistance to heat . 10
9.3 Resistance to hot objects . 10
10 Mechanical requirements . 11
10.1 Welding cable entry . 11
10.2 Penetration of the welding cable insulation . 11
10.3 Welding cable connection . 11
10.4 Impact resistance . 11
11 Marking . 12
12 Instructions for use . 13
Bibiliography . 14
Figure 1 – Arrangement for the temperature rise test . 9
Figure 2 – Device for testing the resistance to hot objects . 10
Figure 3 – Device for the pendulum swing test . 12
Table 1 – Dimensional requirements for the ELECTRODE HOLDER . 7
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 11: Electrode holders
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60974-11 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 26:
Electric welding.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition, published in 2010. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are the following:
– Modify 3.6 type A to category A;
– Modify 3.7 type B to category B;
– Modify 8.1 to clarify reference to IEC 60529;
– Modification of 10.1 for clarification purposes;
– Added Bibliography.
This part of IEC 60974 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60974-1.
– 4 – IEC 60974-11:2021 © IEC 2021
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
26/716/FDIS 26/721/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
– conformity statements: in italic type.
– terms defined in Clause 3: in SMALL ROMAN CAPITALS.
A list of all parts of the IEC 60974 series, published under the general title Arc welding
equipment, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 11: Electrode holders
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60974 is applicable to ELECTRODE HOLDERS for manual metal arc welding with
electrodes up to 10 mm in diameter.
It is not applicable to ELECTRODE HOLDERS for underwater welding.
This document specifies safety and performance requirements of ELECTRODE HOLDERS.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-151:2001, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 151: Electrical and
magnetic devices
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD1:2013
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD2:2014
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD3:2019
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD4:2020
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60974-1:2017, Arc welding equipment – Part 1: Welding power sources
IEC 60974-1:2017/AMD1:2019
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-151 and
IEC 60974-1, as well as the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
electrode holder
insulated tool for manual metal arc welding intended to clamp and guide the electrode and to
ensure electrical connection to it
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-04]
– 6 – IEC 60974-11:2021 © IEC 2021
3.2
head
part of the ELECTRODE HOLDER having cavities or jaws or equivalent for insertion, orientation,
clamping and electrical connection of an electrode
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-30]
3.3
handle
part of the ELECTRODE HOLDER designed to be held in the operator’s hand
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-28]
3.4
lever
ELECTRODE HOLDER
part which may be fitted to control the clamping device of an
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-31]
3.5
rated current
current assigned by the manufacturer that the ELECTRODE HOLDERS can accept at 60 % duty
cycle without exceeding the permitted temperature rise
3.6
category A electrode holder
ELECTRODE HOLDER in which no live part is accessible to the standard test finger as described
in IEC 60529
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-05]
3.7
category B electrode holder
ELECTRODE HOLDER in which, deviating from CATEGORY A, no live part is accessible at the HEAD
to a sphere with a diameter related to the maximum diameter of the electrode (see 8.1b)
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-06]
4 Environmental conditions
As specified in Clause 4 of IEC 60974-1:2017.
5 Tests
5.1 Test conditions
All type tests shall be carried out on the same new and completely assembled ELECTRODE
HOLDER.
All type tests shall be carried out at an ambient air temperature between 10 °C and 40 °C.
5.2 Measuring instruments
As specified in 5.2 of IEC 60974-1:2017.
5.3 Conformity of components
As specified in 5.3 of IEC 60974-1:2017.
5.4 Type tests
The type tests given below shall be carried out in the following sequence:
a) visual inspection;
b) temperature rise, se
...
IEC 60974-11 ®
Edition 4.0 2021-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Arc welding equipment –
Part 11: Electrode holders
Matériel de soudage à l’arc –
Partie 11: Porte-électrodes
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IEC 60974-11 ®
Edition 4.0 2021-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Arc welding equipment –
Part 11: Electrode holders
Matériel de soudage à l’arc –
Partie 11: Porte-électrodes
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 25.160.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-1016-0
– 2 – IEC 60974-11:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Environmental conditions . 6
5 Tests . 6
5.1 Test conditions . 6
5.2 Measuring instruments . 6
5.3 Conformity of components . 7
5.4 Type tests . 7
6 Designation . 7
7 Operation . 7
8 Protection against electric shock . 8
8.1 Protection against direct contact . 8
8.2 Insulation resistance . 8
8.3 Dielectric strength . 9
9 Thermal rating . 9
9.1 Temperature rise . 9
9.2 Resistance to heat . 10
9.3 Resistance to hot objects . 10
10 Mechanical requirements . 11
10.1 Welding cable entry . 11
10.2 Penetration of the welding cable insulation . 11
10.3 Welding cable connection . 11
10.4 Impact resistance . 11
11 Marking . 12
12 Instructions for use . 13
Bibiliography . 14
Figure 1 – Arrangement for the temperature rise test . 9
Figure 2 – Device for testing the resistance to hot objects . 10
Figure 3 – Device for the pendulum swing test . 12
Table 1 – Dimensional requirements for the ELECTRODE HOLDER . 7
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 11: Electrode holders
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60974-11 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 26:
Electric welding.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition, published in 2010. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are the following:
– Modify 3.6 type A to category A;
– Modify 3.7 type B to category B;
– Modify 8.1 to clarify reference to IEC 60529;
– Modification of 10.1 for clarification purposes;
– Added Bibliography.
This part of IEC 60974 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60974-1.
– 4 – IEC 60974-11:2021 © IEC 2021
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
26/716/FDIS 26/721/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
– conformity statements: in italic type.
– terms defined in Clause 3: in SMALL ROMAN CAPITALS.
A list of all parts of the IEC 60974 series, published under the general title Arc welding
equipment, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 11: Electrode holders
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60974 is applicable to ELECTRODE HOLDERS for manual metal arc welding with
electrodes up to 10 mm in diameter.
It is not applicable to ELECTRODE HOLDERS for underwater welding.
This document specifies safety and performance requirements of ELECTRODE HOLDERS.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-151:2001, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 151: Electrical and
magnetic devices
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD1:2013
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD2:2014
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD3:2019
IEC 60050-151:2001/AMD4:2020
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60974-1:2017, Arc welding equipment – Part 1: Welding power sources
IEC 60974-1:2017/AMD1:2019
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-151 and
IEC 60974-1, as well as the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
electrode holder
insulated tool for manual metal arc welding intended to clamp and guide the electrode and to
ensure electrical connection to it
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-04]
– 6 – IEC 60974-11:2021 © IEC 2021
3.2
head
part of the ELECTRODE HOLDER having cavities or jaws or equivalent for insertion, orientation,
clamping and electrical connection of an electrode
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-30]
3.3
handle
part of the ELECTRODE HOLDER designed to be held in the operator’s hand
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-28]
3.4
lever
ELECTRODE HOLDER
part which may be fitted to control the clamping device of an
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-31]
3.5
rated current
current assigned by the manufacturer that the ELECTRODE HOLDERS can accept at 60 % duty
cycle without exceeding the permitted temperature rise
3.6
category A electrode holder
ELECTRODE HOLDER in which no live part is accessible to the standard test finger as described
in IEC 60529
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-05]
3.7
category B electrode holder
ELECTRODE HOLDER in which, deviating from CATEGORY A, no live part is accessible at the HEAD
to a sphere with a diameter related to the maximum diameter of the electrode (see 8.1b)
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-06]
4 Environmental conditions
As specified in Clause 4 of IEC 60974-1:2017.
5 Tests
5.1 Test conditions
All type tests shall be carried out on the same new and completely assembled ELECTRODE
HOLDER.
All type tests shall be carried out at an ambient air temperature between 10 °C and 40 °C.
5.2 Measuring instruments
As specified in 5.2 of IEC 60974-1:2017.
5.3 Conformity of components
As specified in 5.3 of IEC 60974-1:2017.
5.4 Type tests
The type tests given below shall be carried out in the following sequence:
a) visual inspection;
b) temperature rise, see 9.1;
c) impact resistance, see 10.4;
d) insulation resistance, see 8.2;
e) dielectric strength, see 8.3.
The other type tests in this document not mentioned above may be carried out in any convenient
sequence.
6 Designation
ELECTRODE HOLDERS shall be designated by the value of the RATED CURRENT at 60 % duty cycle
and conform to the dimensional requirements given in Table 1.
Table 1 – Dimensional requirements for the ELECTRODE HOLDER
ELECTRODE HOLDER RATED Minimum clamping Minimum fitting range
CURRENT at 60 % duty range for electrodes for welding cable cross-
cycle core diameter sectional area
A mm
mm
125 1,6 to 2,5 10 to 16
150 2 to 3,2 16 to 25
200 2,5 to 4 25 to 35
250 3,2 to 5 35 to 50
300 4 to 6,3 50 to 70
400 5 to 8 70 to 95
500 6,3 to 10 95 to 120
NOTE If the ELECTRODE HOLDER is intended to be used with a duty cycle of 35 %
the current may be according to the next higher rated value of the cable, where the
maximum current value is 600 A.
Conformity shall be checked by measurement.
7 Operation
The ELECTRODE HOLDER shall permit:
a) the safe and rapid fitting of electrodes and release of stub ends;
b) welding until a stub of 50 mm length with electrodes clamped in any of the set positions is
provided;
c) the clamping of all electrode diameters as specified by the manufacturer without pressure
being exerted by the operator.
Conformity shall be checked by operation of the clamping device and visual inspection.
– 8 – IEC 60974-11:2021 © IEC 2021
8 Protection against electric shock
8.1 Protection against direct contact
An ELECTRODE HOLDER without an electrode, fitted with a welding supply cable of minimum cross-
sectional area as specified by the manufacturer, shall be protected against unintentional contact
with live parts.
In the case of CATEGORY A ELECTRODE HOLDERS, this requirement is also valid for the part of the
electrode inserted into the ELECTRODE HOLDER. Electrodes having the minimum and maximum
diameter as specified by the manufacturer shall be tested.
Conformity shall be checked by:
a) an access probe according to Table 6 of IEC 60529:1989 in the case of ELECTRODE HOLDERS
of:
1) CATEGORY A, and
2) CATEGORY B with the exception of the HEAD;
b) a sphere in the case of the HEAD of CATEGORY B ELECTRODE HOLDERS with:
1) a metal sphere of 12,5 mm diameter according to IEC 60529 for electrodes up to 6,3 mm
diameter, or
+0,05
2) a metal sphere of d mm diameter for electrodes thicker than 6,3 mm diameter where
the value of d is twice the maximum diameter of the electrode as specified by the
manufacturer.
The sphere is to be applied to the opening with a force of 30 N ± 10 %.
The springs not designed for carrying the welding current shall be insulated from other metal
parts of the ELECTRODE HOLDER.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
8.2 Insulation resistance
The insulation resistance shall, after the humidity treatment, be not less than 1 MΩ.
Conformity shall be checked by the following test:
a) Humidity treatment
A humidity cabinet is maintained at a temperature t between 20 °C and 30 °C to within ±1 K and
a relative humidity between 91 % and 95 %.
The ELECTRODE HOLDER without a cable fitted is brought to a temperature between t and
(t + 4) °C and is then placed for 48 h in the humidity cabinet.
b) Insulation resistance measurement
Immediately after the humidity treatment, the ELECTRODE HOLDER is wiped clean and tightly
wrapped in metal foil, covering the external surface of the insulation.
The insulation resistance is measured by application of a DC voltage of 500 V between the live
parts and the metal foil, the reading being made after stabilization of the measurement.
8.3 Dielectric strength
The insulation shall withstand an AC test voltage of 1 000 V r.m.s. without flashover or
breakdown. Any discharges unaccompanied by a voltage drop are disregarded.
Conformity shall be checked by the following test:
A dry and clean ELECTRODE HOLDER is tightly wrapped in metal foil, covering the external surface
of the insulation.
The AC test voltage shall be of an appropriate sine wave-form with a peak value not exceeding
1,45 times the r.m.s. value, having a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz, applied for 1 min between
the live parts and the metal foil.
Alternative test: A DC test voltage of 1,4 times the r.m.s. test voltage may be used.
9 Thermal rating
9.1 Temperature rise
The temperature rise caused by the RATED CURRENT passing through the ELECTRODE HOLDER,
fitted with an untinned copper welding cable or maximum cross-sectional area and a rod with
the maximum electrode diameter as given in Table 1, shall not exceed 40 K at the hottest spot
of the external surface of the HANDLE.
Conformity shall be checked by the following test (see Figure 1).
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 ELECTRODE HOLDER
2 round rod
Figure 1 – Arrangement for the temperature rise test
Two identical ELECTRODE HOLDERS are fitted each with a welding cable (at least 2 m long). The
round rod of clean, unoxidized, low carbon steel is fully inserted and clamped in the two
ELECTRODE HOLDERS set at 180° to each other with a distance of 50 mm between the metallic
clamping devices. The angle between the rod and the ELECTRODE HOLDER may vary.
The ELECTRODE HOLDERS (thus joined together) are suspended by their welding cables from two
wooden laths 1 m apart, with the ELECTRODE HOLDERS in the horizontal plane. The clamped rod
hangs between the two laths about 200 mm above the ground, in a draught-free area.
– 10 – IEC 60974-11:2021 © IEC 2021
A DC current equal to 75 % of the RATED CURRENT (equivalent to approximately 60 % duty cycle
(duty factor)) is passed through the ELECTRODE HOLDERS until the rate of the temperature rise
does not exceed 2 K/h. The average value resulting from both ELECTRODE HOLDERS shall be
determined. During the total test time, the DC RATED CURRENT shall be kept constant with a
tolerance of ± 2 %.
This test is carried out five times. For each test, a pair of new ELECTRODE HOLDERS and a new
rod are used.
9.2 Resistance to heat
After the heating test according to 9.1, the HEAD of the ELECTRODE HOLDER shall not show
damage to the insulation, such as blisters or deep charring, simple or star cracks, particularly
in the area where the electrode is gripped. Change in colour of the material or superficial
blistering of the insulation in this area is acceptable.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
9.3 Resistance to hot objects
The insulation of the HANDLE shall be capable of withstanding hot objects and the effects of a
normal amount of weld spatter without being ignited or becoming unsafe.
No component of the ELECTRODE HOLDERS shall, under normal operating conditions, create a
risk of burning, i.e. self-extinguishing material shall be used.
Conformity shall be checked with a device according to Figure 2.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 18/8 chrome-nickel steel
2 HANDLE of the ELECTRODE HOLDER
θ test temperature
Figure 2 – Device for testing the resistance to hot objects
An electric current (of approximately 25 A) is passed through the rod until a steady-state
+5
temperature θ of 300 °C is reached. During the test, the temperature of the heated rod shall
be maintained. This temperature will be measured by a contact thermometer or thermocouple.
The heated rod in a horizontal position is then applied for 2 min to the insulation at the weakest
point (for example, minimum insulation thickness and closest distance to live parts). The heated
rod shall not penetrate through the insulation and contact live parts. At the HANDLE, the heated
rod shall be applied at the portion with the minimum wall thickness and where internal live parts
are closest to the HANDLE surface.
An attempt is made to ignite any gases which may be emitted in the region of the contact point
by means of an electric spark or small flame. If the gases are flammable, the burning shall stop
as soon as the heated rod is removed.
10 Mechanical requirements
10.1 Welding cable entry
The welding cable entry of an ELECTRODE HOLDER shall have a smoothly rounded edge so as to
prevent damage to the cable due to flexing.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
10.2 Penetration of the welding cable insulation
The design of the ELECTRODE HOLDER shall be such that the insulation of a welding cable can
enter to a depth of at least twice the outer diameter of the welding cable with a minimum of
30 mm.
Conformity shall be checked by measurement according to a welding cable of the maximum
cross-sectional area as specified by the manufacturer.
10.3 Welding cable connection
The design of the ELECTRODE HOLDER shall be such that welding cables with a cross-sectional
area within the range as specified by the manufacturer can be replaced. The connection shall
withstand the mechanical stress of the tensile test without separation.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection and the following test:
The ELECTRODE HOLDER is fitted in accordance with the manufacturer as per the instructions with
a welding cable of maximum cross-sectional area. The connection is subjected to 10 pulls with
a force of 40 N per mm of the cross-sectional area with a maximum of 2 000 N, applied to the
welding cable. The force of each pull is gradually increased from zero to the specified value in
1 s and maintained for a further second.
After the test, the conductor shall not have been displaced by more than 2 mm. This test shall
be repeated with a welding cable having the minimum cross-sectional area as specified by the
manufacturer.
If more than one method of cable fixing is provided, all methods shall be tested.
10.4 Impact resistance
ELECTRODE HOLDERS shall withstand the mechanical stress of the impact tests without visible or
functional alterations of the electrode clamping device or of the control of this device.
There shall be no breakages or cracks in the insulation. Small splinters or superficial marks are
admissible.
Conformity shall be checked by the following tests:
– 12 – IEC 60974-11:2021 © IEC 2021
a) Vertical fall
The ELECTRODE HOLDER is fitted with the largest diameter cable in accordance with Table 1. It
is suspended by its welding cable, with the end of the HEAD 1 m above the impact plane. The
impact plane is a sheet of mild steel, having a thickness of at least 9 mm, in contact with the
ground.
The ELECTRODE HOLDER is released with its cable in free fall. The test is made three times with
the same ELECTRODE HOLDER.
b) Pendulum swing
For this test, a device according to Figure 3 is used. The ELECTRODE HOLDER suspended by its
welding cable is removed from the vertical in a plane normal to the wall.
Released without initial velocity, it strikes a shock piece under the following conditions:
• the shock piece is a mild steel angle bar 40 mm × 40 mm × 5 mm, having an outer radius of
5 mm;
• the suspension point of the welding supply cable is adjusted 1 m above the angle of the
steel bar so that the part of the ELECTRODE HOLDER which has to undergo the shock is just
in contact with the angle of the steel bar when the ELECTRODE HOLDER is hanging freely;
• during the test, the ELECTRODE HOLDER is displaced from the vertical so that the swing height
is 400 mm.
The ELECTRODE HOLDER is allowed to swing on the angle bar six times: twice on the HEAD, twice
on the middle part of the HANDLE and twice on the control LEVER; if the ELECTRODE HOLDER does
not have a LEVER, twice o
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