IEC 60974-5:2019
(Main)Arc welding equipment - Part 5: Wire feeders
Arc welding equipment - Part 5: Wire feeders
IEC 60974-5:2019 specifies safety and performance requirements for industrial and professional equipment used in arc welding and allied processes to feed filler wire.
This document is applicable to wire feeders and to wire-feed controls that are stand-alone (separate from the welding equipment), housed together in a single enclosure or housed in a single enclosure with other welding equipment. The wire feeder can be suitable for manually or mechanically guided torches.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2013 and constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- changes induced by the publication of IEC 60974-1:2017;
- addition of requirements for welding circuit connections in 6.9;
- clarification of requirements and conformity in 6.3.1;
- clarification of thermal requirements in Clause 9;
- addition of requirements in relation to abnormal operation in Clause 10.
This International Standard is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60974-1:2017.
Matériel de soudage à l'arc - Partie 5: Dévidoirs
L'IEC 60974-5:2019 spécifie les exigences de sécurité et de performance pour le matériel industriel et professionnel utilisé en soudage à l'arc et les procédés connexes pour l'alimentation en fil d'apport.
Le présent document s'applique aux dévidoirs et aux commandes de dévidage du fil qui sont indépendants (séparés du matériel de soudage), intégrés ensemble dans une seule enveloppe ou intégrés dans une seule enveloppe avec d'autres matériels de soudage. Le dévidoir peut être adapté aux torches guidées manuellement ou mécaniquement.
Cette quatrième édition annule et remplace la troisième édition parue en 2013. Cette édition constitue une révision technique.
Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
- modifications induites par la publication de l'IEC 60974-1:2017;
- ajout d'exigences relatives aux connexions du circuit de soudage (voir 6.9);
- clarification d'exigences et de la conformité (voir 6.3.1);
- clarification des exigences thermiques (voir Article 9);
- ajout d'exigences relatives au fonctionnement anormal (voir Article 10);
Cette norme doit être utilisée conjointement avec l'IEC 60974-1:2017.
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Standards Content (Sample)
IEC 60974-5 ®
Edition 4.0 2019-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Arc welding equipment –
Part 5: Wire feeders
Matériel de soudage à l’arc –
Partie 5: Dévidoirs
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IEC 60974-5 ®
Edition 4.0 2019-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Arc welding equipment –
Part 5: Wire feeders
Matériel de soudage à l’arc –
Partie 5: Dévidoirs
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 25.160.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-6499-7
– 2 – IEC 60974-5:2019 © IEC 2019
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Environmental conditions . 8
5 Tests . 8
5.1 Test conditions . 8
5.2 Measuring instruments . 8
5.3 Conformity of components . 8
5.4 Type tests . 8
5.5 Routine tests. 8
6 Protection against electric shock . 9
6.1 Insulation . 9
6.2 Protection against electric shock in normal service (direct contact) . 9
6.2.1 Protection provided by the enclosure . 9
6.2.2 Capacitors . 9
6.2.3 Automatic discharge of supply circuit capacitors . 9
6.2.4 Isolation of the welding circuit . 10
6.2.5 Welding circuit touch current . 10
6.2.6 Touch current in normal condition . 10
6.3 Protection against electric shock in case of a fault condition (indirect
contact) . 10
6.3.1 Protective provisions . 10
6.3.2 Isolation between windings of the supply circuit and the welding circuit . 10
6.3.3 Internal conductors and connections . 10
6.3.4 Isolation of the welding circuit from the frame . 11
6.3.5 Touch current in fault condition . 11
6.4 Power supply to external devices connected to the welding circuit . 11
6.5 Overcurrent protection of the supply circuit . 11
6.6 Cable anchorage . 11
6.7 Auxiliary power supply . 11
6.8 Inlet openings . 11
6.9 Welding circuit connections . 11
6.10 Control circuits . 12
6.11 Isolation of hanging means . 12
7 Liquid cooling system . 12
8 Shielding gas supply . 12
9 Thermal requirements . 13
10 Abnormal operation . 13
10.1 General requirements . 13
10.2 Stalled fan test . 14
11 Mechanical provisions . 14
11.1 Wire feeder . 14
11.2 Enclosure . 14
11.3 Handling means . 14
11.4 Drop withstand . 14
11.5 Tilting stability . 15
11.6 Filler wire supply . 15
11.6.1 Filler wire supply mounting . 15
11.6.2 Wire spool retaining device . 15
11.6.3 Filler wire overrun . 15
11.7 Feeding . 15
11.8 Protection against mechanical hazards . 16
12 Rating plate . 16
12.1 General . 16
12.2 Description . 16
12.3 Contents . 17
13 Indication of wire-feed speed . 18
14 Instructions and markings . 18
14.1 Instructions . 18
14.2 Markings . 19
Annex A (normative) Determination of the variation in wire-feed speed . 20
A.1 With respect to load change . 20
A.2 With respect to supply voltage change . 20
A.3 With respect to temperature rise . 21
Annex B (informative) Example of a rating plate of a stand-alone wire feeder . 22
Bibliography . 23
Figure 1 – Principle of the rating plate of stand-alone wire feeder . 17
Figure B.1 – Stand-alone wire feeder . 22
Table 1 – Minimum degree of protection . 9
– 4 – IEC 60974-5:2019 © IEC 2019
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 5: Wire feeders
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
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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 60974-5 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 26:
Electric welding.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2013 and constitutes a
technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
• changes induced by the publication of IEC 60974-1:2017;
• addition of requirements for welding circuit connections in 6.9;
• clarification of requirements and conformity in 6.3.1;
• clarification of thermal requirements in Clause 9;
• addition of requirements in relation to abnormal operation in Clause 10.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
26/672/FDIS 26/677/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 document, the following print types are used:
– conformity statements: in italic type.
– terms used throughout this document which have been defined in Clause 3: in SMALL
CAPITALS.
This International Standard is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60974-1:2017.
A list of all parts in 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.
– 6 – IEC 60974-5:2019 © IEC 2019
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 5: Wire feeders
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60974 specifies safety and performance requirements for industrial and
professional equipment used in arc welding and allied processes to feed filler wire.
This document is applicable to WIRE FEEDERS and to WIRE-FEED CONTROLS that are stand-alone
(separate from the welding equipment), housed together in a single enclosure or housed in a
single enclosure with other welding equipment. The WIRE FEEDER can be suitable for manually
or mechanically guided torches.
This document is not applicable to spool-on torches, which are covered by IEC 60974-7.
NOTE 1 Typical allied processes are electric arc cutting and arc spraying.
NOTE 2 This document does not include electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements, which are given in
IEC 60974-10.
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 60050-195, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 195: Earthing and
protection against electric shock
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60974-1:2017, Arc welding equipment – Part 1: Welding power sources
IEC 60974-1:2017/AMD1:2019
IEC 60974-7, Arc welding equipment – Part 7: Torches
IEC 60974-10, Arc welding equipment – Part 10: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
requirements
IEC 61140, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and
equipment
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-195,
IEC 60974-1, IEC 60974-7, and 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
drive roll
roll in contact with the filler wire and which transfers mechanical power to the filler wire
3.2
filler wire supply
source of filler wire and means for dispensing filler wire to the feeding mechanism
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-45]
3.3
liner
replaceable component that guides the filler wire
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-35, modified – The LINER is replaceable and is not
required to be in the cable-hose assembly.]
3.4
maximum load
maximum value of the force required to feed the specified types and sizes of filler wires over
the RATED SPEED RANGE
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-12-23, modified – Abbreviated wording and elimination
of rated temperature condition.]
3.5
rated speed range
speed range of the filler wire assigned by the manufacturer for each specified size of filler
wire
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-12-19, modified – The term "specified" is used instead
of "rated".]
3.6
rated supply current
I
RMS value of an input current to the WIRE FEEDER at MAXIMUM LOAD
3.7
wire-feed control
electrical or mechanical apparatus, or both, which control(s) the speed of the filler wire, the
sequence of operations and other services as required
Note 1 to entry: The wire feed control may be integral with the WIRE FEEDER or in a separate enclosure.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-40]
3.8
wire feeder
equipment that delivers filler wire to the arc or weld zone which includes means to apply
motion to the filler wire
Note 1 to entry: The WIRE FEEDER may also include the WIRE-FEED CONTROL, the FILLER WIRE SUPPLY, devices for
gas control, indicators and remote connectors.
– 8 – IEC 60974-5:2019 © IEC 2019
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-39, modified – The definition includes optional
equipment within the note and the WIRE-FEED CONTROL is not a mandatory part of the WIRE
FEEDER.]
4 Environmental conditions
The environmental conditions are as specified in Clause 4 of IEC 60974-1:2017.
5 Tests
5.1 Test conditions
The test conditions are as specified in 5.1 of IEC 60974-1:2017.
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
measuring instruments is not specified, but shall be taken into account for the
measurement;
b) thermometer: ±2 K;
c) tachometer: ±1 % of full-scale reading;
d) pressure measuring instruments: class 2,5 (±2,5 % of full-scale reading).
5.3 Conformity of components
The conformity of components is as specified in 5.3 of IEC 60974-1:2017/AMD1:2019.
5.4 Type tests
All type tests given below shall be carried out on the same WIRE FEEDER.
As a condition of conformity, the type tests given below shall be carried out in the following
sequence:
a) visual inspection (as defined in 3.1.7 of IEC 60974-1:2017);
b) insulation resistance (as specified in 6.1.4 of IEC 60974-1:2017 (preliminary check));
c) enclosure (as specified in 14.2 of IEC 60974-1:2017);
d) handling means (as specified in 14.3 of IEC 60974-1:2017);
e) drop withstand (as specified in 14.4 of IEC 60974-1:2017);
f) protection provided by the enclosure (as specified in 6.2.1);
g) insulation resistance (as specified in 6.1.4 of IEC 60974-1:2017);
h) dielectric strength (as specified in 6.1.5 of IEC 60974-1:2017);
i) visual inspection (as defined in 3.1.7 of IEC 60974-1:2017).
The other tests included in this document and not listed here shall be carried out, but may be
completed in any convenient sequence.
5.5 Routine tests
All routine tests given below shall be carried out on each WIRE FEEDER in the following
sequence:
a) visual inspection in accordance with manufacturer's specification;
b) continuity of the protective circuit, if applicable (as specified in 10.5.3 of
IEC 60974-1:2017);
c) dielectric strength (as specified in 6.1.5 of IEC 60974-1:2017).
6 Protection against electric shock
6.1 Insulation
Subclause 6.1 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
6.2 Protection against electric shock in normal service (direct contact)
6.2.1 Protection provided by the enclosure
IRE FEEDERS shall have a minimum degree of protection in accordance with Table 1 using
W
IEC 60529 test procedures and conditions.
Table 1 – Minimum degree of protection
Designed for Designed for
Component
indoor use outdoor use
Motor and control supplied by a voltage ≤ SELV IP2X IP23S
Motor and control supplied by a voltage > SELV IP21S IP23S
Live parts at welding potential for WIRE FEEDERS used with manually guided
IPXX IPX3
torches (for example, filler wire, wire spool, DRIVE ROLLS)
Live parts at welding potential for WIRE FEEDERS used with mechanically guided
IPXX IPXX
torches (for example, filler wire, wire spool, DRIVE ROLLS)
WIRE FEEDERS with degree of protection IP23S may be stored but are not intended to be used
outside during precipitation unless sheltered.
Adequate drainage shall be provided by the enclosure. Retained water shall not interfere with
the correct operation of the equipment or impair safety. The quantity of water that may enter
the enclosure during the following test is not limited.
Conformity shall be checked by the following test:
The filler wire shall be fed into the drive system and all external connectors shall be
connected or covered.
The WIRE FEEDER shall be subjected to the appropriate water test without being energized.
Immediately after the test, the WIRE FEEDER shall be moved to a safe environment and
subjected to the insulation resistance test, listed in 5.4 g) and to the dielectric strength test,
listed in 5.4 h).
When live parts at welding potential are protected against precipitation, the filler wire shall
show no visual wetness after the test.
6.2.2 Capacitors
Subclause 6.2.2 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
6.2.3 Automatic discharge of supply circuit capacitors
Subclause 6.2.3 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
– 10 – IEC 60974-5:2019 © IEC 2019
6.2.4 Isolation of the welding circuit
Subclause 6.2.4 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
6.2.5 Welding circuit touch current
WIRE FEEDERS, 6.2.5 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
For class I stand-alone
6.2.6 Touch current in normal condition
Subclause 6.2.6 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
6.3 Protection against electric shock in case of a fault condition (indirect contact)
6.3.1 Protective provisions
WIRE FEEDERS shall be class I, class II or class III equipment in accordance with IEC 61140,
with the exception of the welding circuit.
Connection of exposed conductive parts to the protective conductor is not required if the
supply voltage is supplied by the welding circuit or safety extra-low voltage (SELV).
Connection of exposed conductive parts to the protective conductor is required if the WIRE
FEEDER is rated for supply voltages above SELV. The protective conductor connection shall be
secured to the frame or enclosure by a screw or fastening that shall not require removal
during any servicing operation. Solder alone shall not be used for securing the protective
conductor terminals. This terminal shall not be used for any other purpose (such as for
clamping two parts of the casing together).
The welding circuit and conductive parts connected to the welding circuit shall not be
connected to the protective conductor.
Where a protective conductor is used, it shall be protected against damage by stray welding
currents, for example, by:
a) a device to sense welding current in the protective earth conductor under a fault condition
and to de-energize the welding circuit or
b) insulation of the relevant metal parts, for example, by an enclosure.
Conformity of designs in line with example a) shall be tested by:
1) testing that a current not greater than the rated current value of the protective conductor
does de-energize the welding circuit;
2) passing the maximum rated welding current through the protective conductor until the
welding circuit is de-energized without damage.
Conformity of designs in line with example b) shall be checked by visual inspection.
6.3.2 Isolation between windings of the supply circuit and the welding circuit
Subclause 6.3.2 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
6.3.3 Internal conductors and connections
Subclause 6.3.3 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
6.3.4 Isolation of the welding circuit from the frame
Live parts at welding potential (for example, filler wire, wire spool, DRIVE ROLLS) shall be
isolated from the WIRE FEEDER frame or other structure to which they are attached by basic
insulation (minimum clearances are specified in Table 1 of IEC 60974-1:2017 and minimum
creepage distances are specified in Table 2 of IEC 60974-1:2017).
Conformity shall be checked as specified in 6.1.2 and 6.1.3 of IEC 60974-1:2017.
6.3.5 Touch current in fault condition
For class I stand-alone WIRE FEEDERS, 6.3.6 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
6.4 Power supply to external devices connected to the welding circuit
The supply voltage shall be supplied from the supply network provided that the requirements
of 6.3.1 are met or be supplied from a welding power source as specified in 11.5 of
IEC 60974-1:2017.
6.5 Overcurrent protection of the supply circuit
Internal wiring shall be protected by an overcurrent protective device such as a fuse or
circuit-breaker.
If a WIRE FEEDER is designed for use with a specific welding power source, the overcurrent
protective device may be within the welding power source.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
6.6 Cable anchorage
The supply cable anchorage of WIRE FEEDERS which are supplied by a voltage in excess of
safety extra-low voltage (SELV) shall meet the requirements of 10.6 of IEC 60974-1:2017,
except for those powered from the welding circuit.
6.7 Auxiliary power supply
Subclause 11.6 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
6.8 Inlet openings
Subclause 10.7 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
6.9 Welding circuit connections
6.9.1 Protection against unintentional contact
Welding circuit output connections, with or without welding cables connected, and welding
circuit input connections with welding cables connected, shall be protected against
unintentional contact by persons or by metal objects, for example vehicles, crane hooks, etc.
The following are examples of how such protection can be afforded.
a) Any live part of a coupling device is recessed behind the plane of the access opening.
Devices complying with IEC 60974-12 meet the requirement.
b) A hinged cover or a protective guard is provided.
– 12 – IEC 60974-5:2019 © IEC 2019
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
6.9.2 Location of coupling devices
Uncovered output coupling devices shall be located so that their openings are not tilted
upwards.
NOTE Coupling devices fitted with an automatic closing device can have their openings tilted upwards.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
6.9.3 Outlet openings
Where welding cables pass through metallic parts, the edges of the opening shall be smoothly
rounded with a radius of at least 1,5 mm.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
6.9.4 Marking
Connections designed specifically for attachment to the workpiece or to the electrode shall be
so identified.
For DC WIRE FEEDERS' welding power sources, the polarity shall be clearly marked, either on
the welding output connections or on the polarity selector.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
6.10 Control circuits
Clause 12 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
6.11 Isolation of hanging means
If an attachment is provided for hanging the WIRE FEEDER during welding, the attachment shall
be electrically insulated from the WIRE FEEDER enclosure.
The instructions shall include a warning stating that if an alternative method of support is
used, insulation shall be provided between the WIRE FEEDER enclosure and the support.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
7 Liquid cooling system
Component parts of WIRE FEEDERS through which cooling liquid flows shall be capable of
operating at an inlet pressure up to 0,5 MPa (5 bar) and with a coolant temperature up to
70 °C without leaking.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection while applying 0,75 MPa (7,5 bar) for 120 s
at test conditions specified in 5.1.
8 Shielding gas supply
Component parts of WIRE FEEDERS through which shielding gas flows and which are under
pressure when the gas valve is closed, shall be capable of operating at an inlet pressure up
to 0,5 MPa (5 bar) without leaking. In the case where multiple valves are used, they shall be
tested independently.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection (e.g. liquid soap bubble test or pressure
drop test) while blocking the gas valve and applying an inlet pressure of 0,75 MPa (7,5 bar)
for 30 s.
9 Thermal requirements
The WIRE FEEDER motor shall be loaded to provide a current corresponding to the MAXIMUM
LOAD in accordance with 11.7 for all tests.
WIRE FEEDERS designed for use with manual torches shall be capable of operating at rated
welding current at 60 % duty cycle (6 min "on" and 4 min "off") without causing any
component to exceed its rated temperature.
IRE FEEDERS designed for use with mechanically guided torches shall be capable of
W
operating at rated welding current at 100 % duty cycle without causing any component to
exceed its rated temperature.
Where a WIRE FEEDER and a power source are housed in a single enclosure, the WIRE FEEDER
shall be capable of operating at the duty cycle corresponding to the rated maximum welding
current of the power source.
For liquid-cooled apparatus, the test shall be carried out with the minimum flow and with the
maximum temperature of the coolant, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Additionally, the WIRE FEEDER shall meet the requirements specified in the first five paragraphs
of Clause 9 when it is cycled for 4 s "on" and 2 s "off" during the 6 min "on" time of the duty
cycle specified in the second paragraph of Clause 9.
Current-carrying components shall be capable of carrying the rated welding current without
causing the external surface temperatures of the WIRE FEEDER specified in Table 7 of
IEC 60974-1:2017 to be exceeded. External surface temperatures in restricted access areas,
e.g. robotic applications, or covered areas in normal use, e.g. welding circuit, may exceed the
limits of Table 7 of IEC 60974-1:2017 up to a rise of 60 K over ambient temperature, if marked
with the following symbol IEC 60417-5041:2002-10:
Conformity shall be checked by measurement in accordance with 7.2 of IEC 60974-1:2017
with the WIRE FEEDER loaded to the MAXIMUM LOAD.
10 Abnormal operation
10.1 General requirements
A stand-alone WIRE FEEDER which relies on motor-driven fan(s) for conformity with the tests of
Clause 9 shall neither breakdown nor increase the risk of electric shock or fire, under the
conditions of operation of 10.2. These tests are conducted without regard to temperature
attained on any part, or to the continued proper functioning of the WIRE FEEDER. The only
criterion is that the WIRE FEEDER does not become unsafe. These tests may be conducted on
any WIRE FEEDER that functions correctly.
– 14 – IEC 60974-5:2019 © IEC 2019
WIRE FEEDERS protected internally, for example, by a circuit-breaker or by thermal protection,
meet the requirement for safe functioning if the protection device operates before an unsafe
condition occurs.
Conformity shall be checked by the following tests:
a) A layer of dry absorbent surgical type cotton is placed under the WIRE FEEDER, extending
beyond each side for a distance of 150 mm.
b) Starting from the cold state, the WIRE FEEDER is operated in accordance with 10.2.
c) During the test, the WIRE FEEDER shall not emit flames, molten metal or other materials
that ignite the cotton indicator.
d) Following the test and not more than 5 min after the test, the WIRE FEEDER shall be
capable of withstanding a dielectric test in accordance with IEC 60974-1:2017, 6.1.5 b).
10.2 Stalled fan test
A WIRE FEEDER that relies on motor-driven fan(s) for conformity with the tests of Clause 9, is
operated at rated supply voltage for a period of 4 h while the fan motor(s) is(are) mechanically
stalled and the WIRE FEEDER operated at the output condition of IEC 60974-1:2017, 7.1.
NOTE The intention of this test is to run the WIRE FEEDER with the fan stationary to check the safety of both the
fan and the WIRE FEEDER.
11 Mechanical provisions
11.1 Wire feeder
A WIRE FEEDER shall be constructed and assembled so that it has the strength and rigidity
necessary to withstand normal service. Protection shall be provided against hazardous
moving parts (such as pulleys, belts, fans, gears, etc.).
Accessible parts shall have no sharp edges, rough surfaces or protruding parts likely to cause
injury.
After testing the WIRE FEEDER in accordance with 11.2 to 11.4, the WIRE FEEDER shall comply
with the provisions of this document. Some deformation of the structural parts or enclosure is
permitted provided this does not reduce the level of safety protection.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection after meeting the requirements of 11.2 to
11.7.
11.2 Enclosure
Subclause 14.2 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
11.3 Handling means
Subclause 14.3 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
Conformity shall be checked with the WIRE FEEDER fitted with the maximum weight of filler wire
WIRE FEEDER is designed, and no other accessories shall be attached to the WIRE
for which the
FEEDER.
11.4 Drop withstand
Subclause 14.4 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
Conformity shall be checked with the WIRE FEEDER fitted with the maximum weight of the filler
wire for which the WIRE FEEDER is designed, and no other accessories shall be attached to the
WIRE FEEDER.
WIRE FEEDERS intended for permanent mounting, for example, on mechanized equipment,
need not be tested.
11.5 Tilting stability
Subclause 14.5 of IEC 60974-1:2017 applies.
11.6 Filler wire supply
11.6.1 Filler wire supply mounting
The FILLER WIRE SUPPLY mounting shall have the strength and rigidity necessary to support the
maximum weight of the filler wire, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection and meeting the requirements of 11.4.
11.6.2 Wire spool retaining device
The retaining device for the wire spool shall be so designed that, during normal rotation,
starts and stops, the retaining device shall not come loose or allow the wire spool to fall off its
mounting, in all WIRE FEEDER support configurations as defined by the manufacturer.
NOTE 1 WIRE FEEDERS are designed to be supported on the horizontal surface, hanging, or both.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection after the following test.
The FILLER WIRE SUPPLY is fitted with the maximum weight of filler wire recommended by the
manufacturer. The WIRE FEEDER is positioned at a 15° angle to the horizontal in such a
direction as to produce the MAXIMUM LOADING on the wire spool retaining device and in the
worst-case WIRE FEEDER support configuration as specified by the manufacturer. The WIRE
FEEDER is operated at the maximum speed with 100 starts and stops in all specified support
configurations. No loosening of the retaining device shall be observed.
NOTE 2 Worst cases can include WIRE FEEDERS with open door or cover.
11.6.3 Filler wire overrun
A device shall limit filler wire overrun from the wire spool, during its normal rotation, starting
and stopping, and the minimum clearances as specified in Table 1 of IEC 60974-1:2017 shall
be maintained.
Conformity shall be checked by measurement during the test of 11.7.
11.7 Feeding
The WIRE FEEDER shall be capable of feeding filler wire through a torch, as specified by the
manufacturer. The MAXIMUM LOAD is determined under the test conditions described below.
Conformity shall be checked by the following test using the worst-case type and size of filler
wire and the worst-case type and weight of wire spool, as specified by the manufacturer.
Wire-feed speed is measured (e.g. by tachometer, encoder or measurement of wire length for
a specific time) at the minimum and the maximum control setting under the following
conditions:
– 16 – IEC 60974-5:2019 © IEC 2019
a) the cable-hose assembly, when used, shall be positioned so as to have a 0,3 m radius
loop beginning at the WIRE FEEDER. If the conduit is long enough to form one complete
loop, any remaining length shall be straight;
b) the spool retaining device and the filler wire overrun device shall be adjusted in
accordance with 11.6.2 and 11.6.3;
c) all components, for example, DRIVE ROLLS, wire straighteners, tips, LINERS, etc., are in
place, adjusted and in the condition in which they are normally supplied for welding.
Conformity is met if the wire feeds and the measured speed at the minimum control setting is
equal to, or less than, the minimum of the RATED SPEED RANGE and the measured speed at the
RATED SPEED RANGE.
maximum control setting is equal to, or greater than, the maximum of the
11.8 Protection against mechanical hazards
WIRE FEEDER shall provide protection against:
The
a) unintentional hazardous contact with moving parts (i.e. DRIVE ROLLS, gears) during
operation;
NOTE Contact with a moving part is not necessarily a hazard.
EXAMPLE 1 Protection can be achieved by design of the WIRE FEEDER gear, or by recessing the part behind
the plane of access, or by use of a hinged cover or protective guard.
b) crushing of parts of the human body during:
1) threading of the filler wire into the feeder;
EXAMPLE 2 Protection can be achieved by:
– using a low speed for threading the filler wire;
– a momentary jog of the filler wire that remains only as long as a switch is actuated (hold-to-run
control);
– a wire-feed mechanism designed to thread the filler wire into the drive system without having to switch
on the drive motor.
2) operation of the wire spool.
EXAMPLE 3
Protection can be achieved by
...
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