IEC 60974-13:2021
(Main)Arc welding equipment - Part 13: Welding current return clamp
Arc welding equipment - Part 13: Welding current return clamp
IEC 60974-13:2021 is applicable to welding current return clamps for arc welding processes, designed to make an electrical connection to the workpiece without using tools. This document is not applicable to welding current return clamps for underwater welding and plasma cutting.
This document specifies safety and performance requirements of welding current return clamps. This document does not specify requirements for welding cables. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2011, and constitutes a technical revision.
The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are the following:
- Modified the title from "Welding clamp" to "Welding current return clamp" and updated the term through the document.
- Updated all values of test current in Table 1 corrected to 40 °C.
- Updated the reference to 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
This part of IEC 60974 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60974-1.
Matériel de soudage à l’arc - Partie 13: Connecteur de pièce
L’IEC 60974-13:2021 s’applique aux connecteurs de pièce pour les procédés de soudage à l’arc, conçus pour les relier électriquement à la pièce mise en œuvre sans l'aide d'outils.
Le présent document ne s’applique pas aux connecteurs de pièce pour le soudage sous-marin et le coupage par plasma.
Le présent document spécifie les exigences de sécurité et de performance des connecteurs de pièce.
Le présent document ne spécifie pas les exigences pour les câbles de soudage.
Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition parue en 2011, et constitue une révision technique.
Les modifications techniques majeures par rapport à l'édition précédente sont les suivantes:
- Modification du titre existant "pince de retour de courant" en "connecteur de pièce", et mise à jour des termes dans l’ensemble du document.
- Mise à jour de toutes les valeurs du courant d’essai dans le Tableau 1, corrigées pour une température de 40 °C.
- Mise à jour de la référence à l’EN 50565-1:2014, Câbles électriques – Guide d'emploi des câbles avec une tension assignée n'excédant pas 450/750 V (U0/U) – Partie 1: Lignes directrices
La présente partie de l’IEC 60974 doit être utilisée conjointement avec l’IEC 60974-1.
La présente version bilingue (2021-11) 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 60974-13 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Arc welding equipment –
Part 13: Welding current return clamp
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.
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and withdrawn publications.
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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.
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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 60974-13 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Arc welding equipment –
Part 13: Welding current return clamp
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 25.160.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-9694-3
– 2 – IEC 60974-13:2021 © 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 Test sequence . 6
6 Designation . 7
7 Protection against electric shock – Voltage drop . 7
8 Thermal rating . 8
8.1 Temperature rise . 8
8.2 Resistance to hot objects . 8
9 Mechanical requirements . 9
9.1 RETAINING MEANS . 9
9.2 Welding cable entry . 9
9.3 Welding cable connection . 9
9.4 Drop withstand . 10
10 Marking . 10
11 Instructions for use . 10
Bibliography . 11
Figure 1 – Device for testing the resistance to hot objects . 8
Table 1 – Relation between WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP test current and welding
cables cross-sectional area . 7
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 13: Welding current return clamp
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 60974-13 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 26:
Electric welding.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2011, and constitutes a
technical revision.
The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are the following:
• Modified the title from "Welding clamp" to "Welding current return clamp" and updated the
term through the document.
• Updated all values of test current in Table 1 corrected to 40 °C.
• Updated the reference to 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
This part of IEC 60974 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60974-1.
– 4 – IEC 60974-13:2021 © IEC 2021
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
26/717/FDIS 26/722/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 13: Welding current return clamp
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60974 is applicable to WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMPS for arc welding
processes, designed to make an electrical connection to the workpiece without using tools.
This document is not applicable to WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMPS for underwater welding
and plasma cutting.
This document specifies safety and performance requirements of WELDING CURRENT RETURN
CLAMPS.
This document does not specify requirements for wel
...
IEC 60974-13 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-04
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Arc welding equipment –
Part 13: Welding current return clamp
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 60974-13 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-04
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Arc welding equipment –
Part 13: Welding current return clamp
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 25.160.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-9724-7
– 2 – IEC 60974-13:2021 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 . 6
5.1 Test conditions . 6
5.2 Measuring instruments . 6
5.3 Test sequence . 6
6 Designation . 7
7 Protection against electric shock – Voltage drop . 8
7.1 Voltage drop .
7.2 Protection of live parts .
8 Thermal rating . 8
8.1 Temperature rise . 8
8.2 Resistance to hot objects . 8
9 Mechanical requirements . 9
9.1 RETAINING MEANS . 9
9.2 Welding cable entry . 10
9.3 Welding cable connection . 10
9.4 Drop withstand . 10
10 Marking . 10
11 Instructions for use . 11
Bibliography . 12
Figure 1 – Device for testing the resistance to hot objects . 9
Table 1 – Relation between WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP test current and welding
cables cross-sectional area . 7
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 13: Welding current return clamp
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 60974-13:2011. 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 60974-13:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
International Standard IEC 60974-13 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 26:
Electric welding.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2011, and constitutes a
technical revision.
The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are the following:
• Modified the title from "Welding clamp" to "Welding current return clamp" and updated the
term through the document.
• Updated all values of test current in Table 1 corrected to 40 °C.
• Updated the reference to 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
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
26/717/FDIS 26/722/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 13: Welding current return clamp
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60974 is applicable to WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMPS for arc welding
processes, designed to make an electrical connection to the workpiece without using tools.
This document is not applicable to WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMPS for underwater welding
and plasma cutting.
This document specifies safety and performance requirements of WELDING CURRENT RETURN
CLAMPS.
This document does not specify requirements for welding cables.
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 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,
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
WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP
WORK CLAMP, US
RETURN CURRENT CLAMP, UK
device connecting clamp that is attached to, or in contact with, the workpiece, to connect the
welding return cable to the workpiece
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-36]
– 6 – IEC 60974-13:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
3.2
RATED CURRENT
current assigned by the manufacturer that the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP can accept at
60 % duty cycle without exceeding the permitted temperature rise
3.3
RETAINING MEANS
mechanical arrangement that holds the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP in position and
prevents an unintentional withdrawal, when properly attached to the workpiece
4 Environmental conditions
The WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP shall be capable of operation when the following
environmental conditions prevail:
a) range of ambient air temperature:
during operation: −10 °C to +40 °C;
b) relative humidity of the air: up to 50 % at 40 °C;
up to 90 % at 20 °C.
WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP shall withstand storage and transport at an ambient air
The
temperature of
– 20 °C to + 55 °C without any damage to function and performance.
5 Type Tests
5.1 Test conditions
All type tests shall be carried out on the same new and completely assembled WELDING CURRENT
RETURN CLAMP.
All type tests shall be carried out at an ambient air temperature between 10 °C and 40 °C.
5.2 Measuring instruments
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) thermometer: ± 2 K.
As specified in 5.2 of IEC 60974-1:2017.
5.3 Test sequence
The type tests given below shall be carried out in the following sequence:
a) general visual inspection;
b) temperature rise, see 8.1;
c) RETAINING MEANS, see 9.1;
d) drop withstand, see 9.4;
e) voltage drop, see Clause 7.1;
f) general visual inspection.
The other type tests in this document not mentioned above may be carried out in any convenient
sequence.
6 Designation
The WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP shall be designated by the range of cross-section area of
the welding cable intended to be connected. The test current is given in Table 1 based on
maximum cross-section area. The WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP shall accept the minimum
cross-sectional area as given in Table 1. Minimum cross-sectional area may be reduced to
extend the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP fitting range.
Table 1 – Relation between WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP test current
and welding cables cross-sectional area
Range of cross- Welding clamp test Welding clamp test
sectional area current at 60 % duty current at 100 % duty
cycle cycle
mm
A A
up to 6 80 70
6 to 10 125 87
10 to 16 150 117
16 to 25 200 157
25 to 35 250 196
35 to 50 300 248
50 to 70 400 309
70 to 95 500 374
NOTE 100 % duty cycle test current values are based on cable current capacity
given in Table 10 of HD 516 S2.
Range of cross- WELDING CURRENT WELDING CURRENT
RETURN CLAMP test RETURN CLAMP test
sectional area
current at 60 % duty current at 100 % duty
cycle cycle
A A
mm
6 to 10 88 87
10 to 16 121 117
16 to 25 165 157
25 to 35 211 196
35 to 50 275 248
50 to 70 351 309
70 to 95 433 374
95 to 120 511 435
120 to 150 599 505
150 to 185 693 579
185 to 240 824 679
NOTE 60 % and 100 % duty cycle test current values are based on cable current
capacity given in Table D.4 of EN 50565-1:2014 corrected for an ambient
temperature of 40 °C.
– 8 – IEC 60974-13:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
Conformity shall be checked by measurement.
7 Protection against electric shock – Voltage drop
7.1 Voltage drop
The WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMPS in the new condition shall be capable of satisfactorily
passing the voltage test.
Conformity shall be checked by the following test:
Two WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMPS are required for this test. Connect each clamp to a cable
of maximum cross-sectional area as indicated in Table 1, by using the method of attachment
for which the clamps are designed. Attach one clamp to each end of a clean mild steel plate
300 mm × 75 mm × 12 mm. The two clamps shall be positioned so that the centers of the contact
points are 260 mm ±20 mm apart. Connect the other end of the cables to a power source to
form a circuit. Pass the test current through both clamps and the plate. The voltage is measured
on the two cables, at a distance of 10 mm away from the clamps cable connections. The voltage
drop shall not exceed 0,08 V per 100 A of the test current.
7.2 Protection of live parts
The welding clamp can be either protected against unintentional contact with the workpiece or
not protected.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
8 Thermal rating
8.1 Temperature rise
The temperature rise caused by the current passing through a WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP
normally coupled and fitted with an untinned copper welding cable of maximum cross-sectional
area as indicated in Table 1 shall not exceed:
a) at the hottest spot of the external surface normally gripped by the operator: 30 40 K;
b) at the connection of the welding cable to the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP: 45 K.
NOTE These values are temperature rises in relation to the ambient air temperature (maximum 40 °C).
Conformity shall be checked by the following test:
Voltage drop set-up given in Clause 7 is used for this test. Before beginning the test, pass the
test current through the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP for a period of 1 h. Allow the WELDING
to cool to ambient temperature.
CURRENT RETURN CLAMP
A DC current equal to the 100 % duty cycle test current given in Table 1 is passed through the
WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP until the rate of the temperature rise does not exceed 2 K/h.
During the total test time, the DC current shall be kept constant with a tolerance of ± 2 %.
8.2 Resistance to hot objects
In the case of insulated WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP, the insulation shall be capable of
withstanding hot objects and the effects of a normal amount of weld spatter without being
ignited.
.
Conformity shall be checked with a device in accordance with Figure 1
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 18/8 chrome-nickel steel
2 WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP
θ test temperature
Figure 1 – 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 ú 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. The heated
rod shall not penetrate through the insulation and contact live parts.
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.
9 Mechanical requirements
9.1 RETAINING MEANS
A WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP shall be designed to maintain efficient sufficient electrical
contact in normal service and to prevent the unintentional separation of the WELDING CURRENT
RETURN CLAMP as a result of a longitudinal pull.
Where springs are incorporated in the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP, they shall not constitute
part of the current path unless they are permanently by-passed by a fixed conductor capable of
carrying the test current given in Table 1.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection and the following test:
A WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP is fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,
with a welding cable of maximum cross-sectional area 5 m length and its coupling device. The
welding cable is folded to form a bundle not exceeding 0,4 m in length. The welding clamp is
attached to a clean mild steel plate 3 mm thick. The steel plate is hanged in order positioned
such that the cable bundle applies a vertical longitudinal strength force on the welding clamp
during for 1 min.
Test is passed if the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP remains attached to the steel plate.
– 10 – IEC 60974-13:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
9.2 Welding cable entry
The cable entries of the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP shall be designed so as to prevent
damage to the cable due to flexing.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
9.3 Welding cable connection
The design of the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP 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 following tensile test without separation.
A welding clamp may be provided with adaptor to enlarge the fitting range.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection and by the following test:
A WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP is fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s 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 1 s.
After the test, the
...
IEC 60974-13 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Arc welding equipment –
Part 13: Welding current return clamp
Matériel de soudage à l’arc –
Partie 13: Connecteur de pièce
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IEC 60974-13 ®
Edition 2.0 2021-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Arc welding equipment –
Part 13: Welding current return clamp
Matériel de soudage à l’arc –
Partie 13: Connecteur de pièce
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 25.160.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-1042-9
– 2 – IEC 60974-13:2021 © 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 Test sequence . 6
6 Designation . 7
7 Protection against electric shock – Voltage drop . 7
8 Thermal rating . 8
8.1 Temperature rise . 8
8.2 Resistance to hot objects . 8
9 Mechanical requirements . 9
9.1 RETAINING MEANS . 9
9.2 Welding cable entry . 9
9.3 Welding cable connection . 9
9.4 Drop withstand . 10
10 Marking . 10
11 Instructions for use . 10
Bibliography . 11
Figure 1 – Device for testing the resistance to hot objects . 8
Table 1 – Relation between WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP test current and welding
cables cross-sectional area . 7
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 13: Welding current return clamp
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
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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
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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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 60974-13 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 26:
Electric welding.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 2011, and constitutes a
technical revision.
The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are the following:
• Modified the title from "Welding clamp" to "Welding current return clamp" and updated the
term through the document.
• Updated all values of test current in Table 1 corrected to 40 °C.
• Updated the reference to 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
This part of IEC 60974 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60974-1.
– 4 – IEC 60974-13:2021 © IEC 2021
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
26/717/FDIS 26/722/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 13: Welding current return clamp
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60974 is applicable to WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMPS for arc welding
processes, designed to make an electrical connection to the workpiece without using tools.
This document is not applicable to WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMPS for underwater welding
and plasma cutting.
This document specifies safety and performance requirements of WELDING CURRENT RETURN
CLAMPS.
This document does not specify requirements for welding cables.
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 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,
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
WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP
WORK CLAMP, US
RETURN CURRENT CLAMP, UK
clamp that is attached to, or in contact with, the workpiece, to connect the welding return cable
to the workpiece
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-36]
– 6 – IEC 60974-13:2021 © IEC 2021
3.2
RATED CURRENT
current assigned by the manufacturer that the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP can accept at
60 % duty cycle without exceeding the permitted temperature rise
3.3
RETAINING MEANS
mechanical arrangement that holds the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP in position and
prevents an unintentional withdrawal, when properly attached to the workpiece
4 Environmental conditions
The WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP shall be capable of operation when the following
environmental conditions prevail:
a) range of ambient air temperature:
during operation: −10 °C to +40 °C;
b) relative humidity of the air: up to 50 % at 40 °C;
up to 90 % at 20 °C.
WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP shall withstand storage and transport at an ambient air
The
temperature of
– 20 °C to + 55 °C without any damage to function and performance.
5 Tests
5.1 Test conditions
All type tests shall be carried out on the same new and completely assembled WELDING CURRENT
RETURN CLAMP.
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 Test sequence
The type tests given below shall be carried out in the following sequence:
a) general visual inspection;
b) temperature rise, see 8.1;
c) RETAINING MEANS, see 9.1;
d) drop withstand, see 9.4;
e) voltage drop, see Clause 7;
f) general visual inspection.
The other type tests in this document not mentioned above may be carried out in any convenient
sequence.
6 Designation
The WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP shall be designated by the range of cross-section area of
the welding cable intended to be connected. The test current is given in Table 1 based on
maximum cross-section area. The WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP shall accept the minimum
cross-sectional area as given in Table 1. Minimum cross-sectional area may be reduced to
extend the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP fitting range.
Table 1 – Relation between WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP test current
and welding cables cross-sectional area
Range of cross- WELDING CURRENT WELDING CURRENT
sectional area RETURN CLAMP test RETURN CLAMP test
current at 60 % duty current at 100 % duty
cycle cycle
A A
mm
6 to 10 88 87
10 to 16 121 117
16 to 25 165 157
25 to 35 211 196
35 to 50 275 248
50 to 70 351 309
70 to 95 433 374
95 to 120 511 435
120 to 150 599 505
150 to 185 693 579
185 to 240 824 679
NOTE 60 % and 100 % duty cycle test current values are based on cable current
capacity given in Table D.4 of EN 50565-1:2014 corrected for an ambient
temperature of 40 °C.
Conformity shall be checked by measurement.
7 Protection against electric shock – Voltage drop
The WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMPS in the new condition shall be capable of satisfactorily
passing the voltage test.
Conformity shall be checked by the following test:
WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMPS are required for this test. Connect each clamp to a cable
Two
of maximum cross-sectional area as indicated in Table 1, by using the method of attachment
for which the clamps are designed. Attach one clamp to each end of a clean mild steel plate
300 mm × 75 mm × 12 mm. The two clamps shall be positioned so that the centers of the contact
points are 260 mm ±20 mm apart. Connect the other end of the cables to a power source to
form a circuit. Pass the test current through both clamps and the plate. The voltage is measured
on the two cables, at a distance of 10 mm from the cable connections. The voltage drop shall
not exceed 0,08 V per 100 A of the test current.
– 8 – IEC 60974-13:2021 © IEC 2021
8 Thermal rating
8.1 Temperature rise
The temperature rise caused by the current passing through a WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP
normally coupled and fitted with an untinned copper welding cable of maximum cross-sectional
area as indicated in Table 1 shall not exceed:
a) at the hottest spot of the external surface normally gripped by the operator: 40 K;
b) at the connection of the welding cable to the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP: 45 K.
NOTE These values are temperature rises in relation to the ambient air temperature (maximum 40 °C).
Conformity shall be checked by the following test:
Voltage drop set-up given in Clause 7 is used for this test. Before beginning the test, pass the
test current through the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP for a period of 1 h. Allow the WELDING
CURRENT RETURN CLAMP to cool to ambient temperature.
A DC current equal to the 100 % duty cycle test current given in Table 1 is passed through the
WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP until the rate of the temperature rise does not exceed 2 K/h.
During the total test time, the DC current shall be kept constant with a tolerance of ± 2 %.
8.2 Resistance to hot objects
In the case of insulated WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP, the insulation shall be capable of
withstanding hot objects and the effects of a normal amount of weld spatter without being
ignited.
Conformity shall be checked with a device in accordance with Figure 1.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 18/8 chrome-nickel steel
2 WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP
θ test temperature
Figure 1 – 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 ú 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. The heated
rod shall not penetrate through the insulation and contact live parts.
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.
9 Mechanical requirements
9.1 RETAINING MEANS
WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP shall be designed to maintain sufficient electrical contact in
A
normal service and to prevent the unintentional separation of the WELDING CURRENT RETURN
CLAMP as a result of a longitudinal pull.
Where springs are incorporated in the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP, they shall not constitute
part of the current path unless they are permanently by-passed by a fixed conductor capable of
carrying the test current given in Table 1.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection and the following test:
A WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP is fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,
with a welding cable of maximum cross-sectional area 5 m length and its coupling device. The
welding cable is folded to form a bundle not exceeding 0,4 m in length. The clamp is attached
to a clean mild steel plate 3 mm thick. The steel plate is positioned such that the cable bundle
applies a vertical longitudinal force on the clamp for 1 min.
Test is passed if the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP remains attached to the steel plate.
9.2 Welding cable entry
WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP shall be designed so as to prevent
The cable entries of the
damage to the cable due to flexing.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
9.3 Welding cable connection
The design of the WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP 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 following tensile test without separation.
A clamp may be provided with adaptor to enlarge the fitting range.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection and by the following test:
A WELDING CURRENT RETURN CLAMP is fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s 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 1 s.
After the test, the conductor shall not have been displaced by more than 2 mm.
Thi
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