SIST EN IEC 60974-9:2018
(Main)Arc welding equipment - Part 9: Installation and use (IEC 60974-9:2018)
Arc welding equipment - Part 9: Installation and use (IEC 60974-9:2018)
NEW!IEC 60974-9:2018 is available as IEC 60974-9:2018 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 60974-9:2018 is applicable to requirements for installation and instructions for use of equipment for arc welding and allied processes designed in accordance with safety requirements of IEC 60974-1, IEC 60974-6 or equivalent. This standard cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- addition of a new Clause 8;
- addition of interpolation details in Table 1.
Lichtbogenschweißeinrichtungen - Teil 9: Errichten und Betreiben (IEC 60974-9:2018)
Matériel de soudage à l'arc - Partie 9: Installation et utilisation (IEC 60974-9:2018)
NEW!IEC 60974-9:2018 est disponible sous forme de IEC 60974-9:2018 RLV qui contient la Norme internationale et sa version Redline, illustrant les modifications du contenu technique depuis l'édition précédente.
L'IEC 60974-9:2018 est applicable aux exigences relatives à l’installation et aux instructions d’utilisation du matériel pour le soudage à l’arc et les procédés connexes conçus dans le respect des exigences de sécurité de l’IEC 60974-1, de l’IEC 60974-6 ou équivalent. La présente norme annule et remplace la première édition parue en 2010. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
- ajout d’un nouvel Article 8;
- ajout de détails relatifs à l’interpolation au Tableau 1.
Oprema za obločno varjenje - 9. del: Inštalacija in uporaba (IEC 60974-9:2018)
Ta dokument se uporablja za zahteve glede inštalacije in navodil za uporabo opreme za obločno varjenje in sorodne postopke, zasnovane v skladu z varnostnimi zahtevami standarda IEC 60974-1, standarda IEC 60974-6 ali enakovrednega standarda.
Ta dokument se uporablja za podajanje navodil za inštruktorje, operaterje, varilce, vodje in nadzornike glede varne namestitve in uporabe opreme za obločno varjenje in sorodne postopke ter glede varnega izvajanja postopkov varjenja in rezanja.
Nacionalni in lokalni predpisi imajo prednost pred tem dokumentom.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2018
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 60974-9:2010
2SUHPD]DREORþQRYDUMHQMH GHO ,QãWDODFLMDLQXSRUDED ,(&
Arc welding equipment - Part 9: Installation and use (IEC 60974-9:2018)
Lichtbogenschweißeinrichtungen - Teil 9: Errichten und Betreiben (IEC 60974-9:2018)
Matériel de soudage à l'arc - Partie 9: Installation et utilisation (IEC 60974-9:2018)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 60974-9:2018
ICS:
25.160.30 Varilna oprema Welding equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 60974-9
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
June 2018
ICS 25.160.30 Supersedes EN 60974-9:2010
English Version
Arc welding equipment - Part 9: Installation and use
(IEC 60974-9:2018)
Matériel de soudage à l'arc - Partie 9: Installation et Lichtbogenschweißeinrichtungen - Teil 9: Errichten und
utilisation Betreiben
(IEC 60974-9:2018) (IEC 60974-9:2018)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2018-06-01. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2018 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 60974-9:2018 E
European foreword
The text of document 26/648/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 60974-9, prepared by IEC/TC 26 "Electric
welding" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as
The following dates are fixed:
(dop) 2019-03-01
• latest date by which the document has to be
implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
(dow) 2021-06-01
• latest date by which the national
standards conflicting with the
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 60974-9:2010.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60974-9:2018 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated:
IEC 60204-1 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60204-1.
IEC 60364-4-41 NOTE Harmonized as HD 60364-4-41.
IEC 60974-2 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60974-2.
IEC 60974-3 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60974-3.
IEC 60974-5:2013 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60974-5:2013 (not modified).
IEC 60974-6:2015 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60974-6:2016 (not modified).
IEC 60974-7 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60974-7.
IEC 60974-8 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60974-8.
IEC 60974-10 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60974-10.
IEC 61008 Series NOTE Harmonized as EN 61008 Series.
IEC 61009 Series NOTE Harmonized as EN 61009 Series.
IEC 61140 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61140.
IEC 62822-1:2016 NOTE Harmonized as EN 62822-1:201X (modified).
ISO 11611 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 11611.
To be published.
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
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.
NOTE 1 Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant
EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2 Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available here:
www.cenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60245-6 - Rubber insulated cables - Rated voltages - -
up to and including 450/750 V -
Part 6: Arc welding electrode cables
IEC 60755 - General safety requirements for residual - -
current operated protective devices
IEC 60974-1 - Arc welding equipment - EN 60974-1 -
Part 1: Welding power sources
IEC 60974-4 - Arc welding equipment - EN 60974-4 -
Part 4: Periodic inspection and testing
IEC 60974-11 - Arc welding equipment - EN 60974-11 -
Part 11: Electrode holders
IEC 60974-12 - Arc welding equipment - EN 60974-12 -
Part 12: Coupling devices for welding
cables
IEC 60974-13 - Arc welding equipment - EN 60974-13 -
Part 13: Welding clamp
IEC 60974-9 ®
Edition 2.0 2018-04
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Arc welding equipment –
Part 9: Installation and use
Matériel de soudage à l’arc –
Partie 9: Installation et utilisation
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 25.160.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-5635-0
– 2 – IEC 60974-9:2018 © IEC 2018
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions. 6
4 Installation . 8
4.1 General . 8
4.2 Supply circuit . 8
4.2.1 Selection of supply cables . 8
4.2.2 Supply disconnecting device . 8
4.2.3 Emergency stopping device . 9
4.3 Welding circuit . 9
4.3.1 Isolation from the input supply . 9
4.3.2 Summation of no-load voltages . 9
4.3.3 Welding cables . 9
4.3.4 Connection between the welding power source and the workpiece . 10
4.3.5 Earthing of the workpiece . 11
4.3.6 Location of gas cylinders . 11
5 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 12
5.1 General . 12
5.2 Assessment of area . 12
5.3 Methods of reducing emissions . 12
5.3.1 Public supply system . 12
5.3.2 Maintenance of arc-welding equipment . 12
5.3.3 Welding cables . 13
5.3.4 Equipotential bonding . 13
5.3.5 Earthing of the workpiece . 13
5.3.6 Screening and shielding . 13
6 Electromagnetic fields (EMF) . 13
6.1 General . 13
6.2 Assessment of exposure . 14
7 Use. 14
7.1 General requirements . 14
7.2 Connection between several welding power sources . 14
7.3 Inspection and maintenance of the welding installation . 14
7.3.1 Periodical inspection . 14
7.3.2 Routine inspection . 15
7.4 Disconnection of welding power sources and/or welding circuits . 15
7.5 Guards . 15
7.6 Information for operators . 15
7.7 Protective measures . 15
7.7.1 Extraneous conductive parts in the welding area . 15
7.7.2 Protection against electric shock . 15
7.8 Isolation of the welding circuit from the workpiece and earth when not in use . 16
7.9 Voltage between electrode holders or torches . 16
IEC 60974-9:2018 © IEC 2018 – 3 –
7.10 Welding in an environment with increased risk of electric shock . 18
7.11 Use of shoulder slings . 18
7.12 Welding at elevated positions . 19
7.13 Welding with suspended welding equipment . 19
8 Battery-powered welding power sources . 19
8.1 Safety recommendations . 19
8.2 Transportation . 19
Annex A (informative) Hazards associated with arc welding . 20
A.1 General . 20
A.2 Equipment condition and maintenance . 20
A.3 Operation . 20
A.4 Training . 20
A.5 Arc radiation. 20
A.5.1 General . 20
A.5.2 Eye and face protection (see also A.9) . 21
A.5.3 Body protection (see also A.9) . 21
A.5.4 Protection of persons in the vicinity of an arc . 21
A.6 EMF . 21
A.6.1 General . 21
A.6.2 Body protection . 21
A.6.3 Protection of persons in the vicinity of the welding operation . 21
A.7 Welding fume . 21
A.8 Noise . 22
A.9 Fire and explosion . 24
A.9.1 General . 24
A.9.2 Fire . 24
A.9.3 Explosion . 24
A.10 General protective clothing . 24
A.11 Confined spaces . 24
Annex B (informative) Voltage drops in the welding circuit . 26
Bibliography . 28
Figure 1 – Example of DC voltage between electrode holders or torches . 17
Figure 2 – Example of AC voltage between electrode holders or torches – Single-phase
supply from the same pair of lines of a three-phase mains supply . 17
Figure 3 – Example of AC voltage between electrode holders or torches – Single-phase
supply from different pairs of lines of a three-phase mains supply . 17
Figure 4 – Example of AC voltage between electrode holders connected between
different lines of output . 18
Figure A.1 – Steps for the control of welding fumes . 23
Figure A.2 – Example steps of operation for work in confined spaces . 25
Figure B.1 – Example of MIG/MAG equipment . 26
Table 1 – Current ratings for copper welding cables . 10
Table B.1 – Voltage drop in copper and aluminium welding cables at normal and
elevated temperatures . 27
– 4 – IEC 60974-9:2018 © IEC 2018
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 9: Installation and use
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 60974-9 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 26: Electric
welding.
This standard cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2010. This edition constitutes
a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) addition of a new Clause 8;
b) addition of interpolation details in Table 1.
IEC 60974-9:2018 © IEC 2018 – 5 –
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
26/648/FDIS 26/649/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:
– terms defined in Clause 3: in bold type.
A list of all the parts of the IEC 60974 series can be found, under the general title Arc welding
equipment, 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 60974-9:2018 © IEC 2018
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 9: Installation and use
1 Scope
This document is applicable to requirements for installation and instructions for use of
equipment for arc welding and allied processes designed in accordance with safety
requirements of IEC 60974-1, IEC 60974-6 or equivalent.
This document is applicable for the guidance of instructors, operators, welders, managers, and
supervisors in the safe installation and use of equipment for arc welding and allied processes
and the safe performance of welding and cutting operations.
National and local regulations take precedence over this document.
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 60245-6, Rubber insulated cables – Rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V – Part 6:
Arc welding electrode cables
IEC 60755, General requirements for residual current operated protective devices
IEC 60974-1, Arc welding equipment – Part 1: Welding power sources
IEC 60974-4, Arc welding equipment – Part 4: Periodic inspection and testing
IEC 60974-11, Arc welding equipment – Part 11: Electrode holders
IEC 60974-12, Arc welding equipment – Part 12: Coupling devices for welding cables
IEC 60974-13, Arc welding equipment – Part 13: Welding clamp
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions 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 circuit
conductive material through which the welding current is intended to flow
IEC 60974-9:2018 © IEC 2018 – 7 –
Note 1 to entry: In arc welding, the arc is a part of the welding circuit.
Note 2 to entry: In certain arc welding processes, the arc can be established between two electrodes. In such a
case, the workpiece is not necessarily a part of the welding circuit.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-10]
3.2
extraneous conductive part
conductive part not forming part of the electrical installation and liable to introduce an electric
potential, generally the earth potential
Note 1 to entry: Electrical installation includes the welding circuit.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-57]
3.3
workpiece
metal piece or pieces on which welding or allied processes are performed
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-11-19]
3.4
protective clothing
protective accessories
protective clothing and accessories (e.g. gloves, hand shields, head masks and filter lenses)
used in order to diminish electric shock risks and the effects of fume and spatter and to protect
the skin and eyes against arc radiation
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-11-18]
3.5
environment with increased risk of electric shock
environment where the hazard of electric shock by arc welding is increased in relation to
normal arc welding conditions
Note 1 to entry: Such environments are found for example
a) locations in which freedom of movement is restricted, so that the operator is forced to perform the welding in a
cramped (for example kneeling, sitting, lying) position with physical contact with conductive parts;
b) in locations which are fully or partially limited by conductive elements and in which there is a high risk of
unavoidable or accidental contact by the operator;
c) in wet, damp or hot locations where humidity or perspiration considerably reduces the skin resistance of the
human body and the insulating properties of protective accessories.
Note 2 to entry: Environments with increased risk of electric shock are not meant to include places where
electrically conductive parts in the near vicinity of the operator which can cause increased hazard have been
insulated.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-15-09]
3.6
expert
competent person
skilled person
person who can judge the work assigned and recognize possible hazards on the basis of
professional training, knowledge, experience and knowledge of the relevant equipment
– 8 – IEC 60974-9:2018 © IEC 2018
Note 1 to entry: Several years of practice in the relevant technical field can be taken into consideration in
assessment of professional training.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-11-10]
3.7
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.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-851:2008, 851-14-39]
4 Installation
4.1 General
Welding equipment used in arc welding installations shall be intended for the purpose as given
on the rating plate.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements shall be taken into consideration during
installation, see Clause 5.
The requirements of national and local regulations shall be taken into consideration during
installation, including grounding or protective earth connections, fuses, supply disconnecting
device, type of supply circuit, etc.
Read the manufacturer's instruction manual before installing the equipment. Full use shall be
made of the technical information relevant to the welding equipment.
Specific advice may be obtained from the welding equipment manufacturer, if necessary.
4.2 Supply circuit
4.2.1 Selection of supply cables
Supply cables for welding equipment and their overload protection, if not provided by the
manufacturer, shall be selected in accordance with the information given in the manufacturer's
instruction manual.
NOTE Examples of local regulations are given in the Bibliography, e.g. EN 50525-2-21, Electrical code NFPA 70
(SE, SO, ST, STO or other extra hard usage cable) or CSA C22.1. PVC insulation has been proven not suitable for
the application.
Supply cables shall be placed so that they cannot be damaged in use. If that cannot be
achieved, a residual current device (RCD), capable of operating at a leakage current not
exceeding 30 mA in accordance with IEC 60755, shall be used to reduce the risk of electric
shock.
4.2.2 Supply disconnecting device
The installer shall ensure that a supply disconnecting device is fitted at the point of supply.
NOTE A plug can be used as supply disconnecting device in accordance with national or local regulation.
IEC 60974-9:2018 © IEC 2018 – 9 –
4.2.3 Emergency stopping device
When an emergency stopping device is required by a national regulation (e.g. automatic
welding equipment), it shall conform to the relevant IEC standard.
For welding in an environment with increased risk of electric shock, see 7.10.
4.3 Welding circuit
4.3.1 Isolation from the input supply
The welding circuit and circuits electrically connected to the welding circuit shall be
electrically isolated from the mains supply.
Verification shall be carried out by an expert.
4.3.2 Summation of no-load voltages
If more than one welding power source is in use at the same time, their no-load voltages can
be cumulative and could create an increased hazard of electric shock. Welding power sources
shall be installed so as to minimize this risk. Guidance is given in 7.9.
NOTE In the case of two welding transformers connected to the same lines, the resulting output voltage can be
the sum of both no-load voltages. This can be avoided by using a suitable input or output connection (see 7.9).
Where more than one welding power source is installed, individual welding power sources with
their separate controls and connections should be clearly identified to show which items belong
to any one welding circuit.
4.3.3 Welding cables
Welding cables shall comply with IEC 60245-6. Copper conductor welding cables shall be
selected in accordance with the duty cycle and national regulations or, when inexistant, the
current rating given in Table 1. Where long cable runs are involved, it can be necessary to
choose the cable size on the basis of voltage drop, see Annex B.
– 10 – IEC 60974-9:2018 © IEC 2018
Table 1 – Current ratings for copper welding cables
a
Current ratings for specified duty cycle at an ambient temperature of 25 °C
Nominal cross-
b
sectional area
100 % 85 % 80 % 60 % 35 % 20 % 8 %
mm A A A A A A A
10 100 100 100 101 106 118 158
16 135 136 136 139 150 174 243
25 180 182 183 190 213 254 366
35 225 229 231 243 279 338 497
50 285 293 296 316 371 457 681
70 355 367 373 403 482 602 908
95 430 448 456 498 606 765 1 164
120 500 524 534 587 721 917 1 404
150 580 610 622 689 853 1 090 1 676
185 665 702 717 797 995 1 277 1 971
a
For higher ambient temperatures, a correction factor shall be applied:
0,96 (30 °C); 0,91 (35 °C); 0,87 (40 °C); 0,82 (45 °C). No interpolation is allowed for duty cycle values.
b
For intermediate values of nominal cross-section areas, interpolation is allowed.
NOTE Table originates from EN 50565-1:2014.
4.3.4 Connection between the welding power source and the workpiece
When the welding current does not flow entirely in the welding circuit, stray currents, which
are components of the welding current, occur. These can cause damage to electrical systems
of buildings and to other sensitive systems in buildings and can be minimized by the following
means:
a) the electrical connection between the welding power source and the workpieces shall be
made as direct as practicable by means of an insulated return cable having an adequate
current-carrying capacity;
b) extraneous conductive parts, such as metal rails, pipes and frames shall not be used as
part of the welding circuit, unless they constitute the workpiece itself;
c) the welding clamp shall be as near as practicable to the welding arc;
d) the welding clamp disconnected from the workpiece shall be electrically isolated from parts
connected to earth, e.g. metallic enclosures with protective earth connection (class I), metal
floors, building services;
NOTE 1 The welding clamp can cause an electrical shock when welding current is flowing or when the
electrode circuit is in contact with the electrical ground circuit or work piece.
e) the welding circuit shall not be earthed unless required by national or local regulations
(see 4.3.5);
f) connection of the return cable to the workpiece shall be ensured by the use of devices
having suitable means for cable connection, a fastening system not liable to come loose
accidentally, and good electrical contact. Magnetic devices only present a good electrical
contact if the contact surfaces of the magnetic device and the contact area of the
workpiece are sufficiently large, even, conductive and clean (e.g. free from rust and
primer) and if the contact area of the workpiece is magnetic;
NOTE 2 If workpieces are on a welding bench or a work-handling device, the return cable can be connected
to the bench or the device.
g) connection devices for non-stationary flexible welding cables in the welding circuit shall:
IEC 60974-9:2018 © IEC 2018 – 11 –
1) have an adequate covering of insulating material to prevent inadvertent contact with live
parts, when connected, with the exception of the welding clamp at the workpiece itself;
2) be suitable for the sizes of cables used and the welding current;
3) be effectively connected to the welding cables and in good electrical contact with them.
h) Welding, control and mains cables shall be protected from spatter and heat to prohibit
unintentional damage to the insulation.
Both the welding cable and the connection device shall be used within their specified current
rating. The connection device shall not be fitted with a cable smaller in diameter than specified
by the manufacturer of the connection device.
When coupling devices or welding clamps are used, they shall comply with IEC 60974-12 or
IEC 60974-13, respectively.
4.3.5 Earthing of the workpiece
The welding circuit should not be earthed, since it can increase the risk of stray welding
currents (see 4.3.3). Earthing of the welding circuit can also increase the area of metal
through which a person in contact with the welding circuit (e.g. the welding electrode) could
receive an electric shock.
NOTE 1 There are workpieces that have an inherent connection to earth, e.g. steel structures, ships, pipelines.
When these are welded, the possibility of stray currents is increased.
NOTE 2 In some cases, the workpiece can be in permanent contact with earth, e.g. with protection class I
equipment which itself has protective conductors connected to earth. Such a workpiece is considered to be
inherently connected to earth.
An assessment of the welding circuit and the welding area shall be made to ensure that a
stray welding current will not flow through any object connected to earth that is not intended or
capable of carrying the welding current (e.g. protective earth connection).
If electrical hand tools are used that could come into contact with the workpiece, then those
tools shall be class II equipment (i.e. with double or reinforced insulation without protective
earth connection).
If earthing is required by national or local regulations, the earth connection shall be made by a
separate dedicated cable or conductor with a rating of at least that of the return cable and
connected directly to the workpiece.
Precautions shall be taken to insulate the operator from earth as well as from the workpiece
(see 7.7.2).
Where external radio frequency noise suppression networks are connected to the welding
circuit, an expert shall assess whether the welding circuit can still be regarded as insulated
from earth.
NOTE 3 External radio frequency noise suppression networks could consist of a number of different components,
for example, LCR filters (inductance/capacitance/resistance).
4.3.6 Location of gas cylinders
Care shall be taken to prevent gas cylinders in the vicinity of the workpiece from becoming
part of the welding circuit.
– 12 – IEC 60974-9:2018 © IEC 2018
5 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
5.1 General
The user is responsible for installing and using the arc welding equipment in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions. If electromagnetic disturbances are detected, then it shall be
the responsibility of the user of the arc welding equipment to resolve the situation with the
technical assistance of the manufacturer.
5.2 Assessment of area
Before installing arc welding equipment, the user shall make an assessment of potential
electromagnetic interferences in the surrounding area. The following shall be taken into
account:
a) other supply cables, control cables, signalling and telephone cables, above, below and
adjacent to the arc welding equipment;
b) radio and television transmitters and receivers;
c) computer and other control equipment;
d) safety-critical equipment, for example, guarding of industrial equipment;
e) the health of the people around, for example, the use of wearable medical devices and
implants;
f) equipment used for calibration or measurement;
g) the immunity of other equipment in the environment. The user shall ensure that other
equipment being used in the environment is compatible. This can require additional
protection measures;
h) the time of day that welding or other activities are to be carried out.
The size of the surrounding area to be considered will depend on the structure of the building
and other activities that are taking place. The surrounding area can extend beyond the
boundaries of the premises.
5.3 Methods of reducing emissions
5.3.1 Public supply system
The arc-welding equipment shall be connected to the public supply system in accordance with
the manufacturer’s recommendations. If interference occurs, it can be necessary to take
additional precautions, such as filtering of the supply system. Consideration shall be given to
shielding the supply cable of permanently installed arc-welding equipment, in a metallic conduit
or equivalent. Shielding shall be electrically continuous throughout its length. The shielding
shall be connected to the welding power source so that good electrical contact is maintained
between the conduit and the welding power source enclosure.
5.3.2 Maintenance of arc-welding equipment
The arc-welding equipment shall be routinely maintained in accordance with IEC 60974-4 and
the manufacturer’s instructions. All access and service doors and covers shall be closed and
properly fastened when the arc-welding equipment is in operation. The arc-welding equipment
shall not be modified in any way, except for those changes and adjustments covered in the
manufacturer’s instructions. In particular, the spark gaps of arc striking and stabilising devices
shall be adjusted and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
IEC 60974-9:2018 © IEC 2018 – 13 –
5.3.3 Welding cables
The welding cables shall be kept as short as possible and shall be positioned as close as
possible to each other, running at or close to the floor level. The welding cables shall never be
coiled during welding.
5.3.4 Equipotential bonding
Bonding of all metallic objects in the surrounding area should be considered for the purpose of
reducing emissions. However, metallic objects bonded to the workpiece will increase the risk
that the operator could receive an electric shock by touching these metallic objects and the
electrode at the same time. The operator shall be insulated from all such bonded metallic
objects.
5.3.5 Earthing of the workpiece
Where the workpiece is not bonded to earth for electrical safety, a connection bonding the
workpiece to earth can reduce emissions in some, but not all instances. Care should be taken
to prevent the earthing of the workpiece increasing the risk of injury to users, or damage to
other electrical equipment. Where necessary, the connection of the workpiece to earth should
be made by a direct connection to the workpiece, but in some countries where direct
connection is not permitted, the bonding should be achieved by suitable capacitance, selected
in accordance with national and local regulations.
5.3.6 Screening and shielding
Selective screening and shielding of other cables and equipment in the surrounding area can
alleviate problems of interference. Screening of the entire welding area may be considered for
special applications.
6 Electromagnetic fields (EMF)
6.1 General
Electric current flowing through any conductor causes localized electric and magnetic fields
(EMF). All welders should use the following procedures in order to minimize the risk associated
with exposure to EMFs from the welding circuit:
– route the welding cables together – secure them with tape when possible;
– place your body as far away as possible from the welding circuit;
– never coil welding cables around your body;
– do not place your body between welding cables. Keep both welding cables on the same
side of your body;
– connect the return cable to the workpiece as close as possible to the area being welded;
– do not work next to, sit or lean on the welding power source;
– do not weld whilst carrying the welding power source or wire feeder.
EMFs can also interfere with wearable medical devices and implants. Protective measures for
persons with wearable medical devices and implants shall be taken. For example, access
restrictions for passers-by or individual risk-evaluations for welders. Risk assessment and
recommendation for users of wearable medical devices and implants shall be made by a
medical expert.
– 14 – IEC 60974-9:2018 © IEC 2018
6.2 Assessment of exposure
When arc-welding equipment is configured an assessment of potential effects of
electromagnetic fields in the surrounding area shall be done. The following shall be taken into
account:
a) the datasheet regarding EMFs and special instructions in the user manual of the arc-
welding equipment;
b) busbars and other conductors carrying high voltages and/or currents;
c) other equipment generating high field strengths;
d) the health of the people around, for example the use of pacemakers and hearing aids.
The size of the surrounding area to be considered will depend on the structure of the building
and other activities that are taking place. The surrounding area can extend beyond the
boundaries of the premises.
7 Use
7.1 General requirements
User shall ensure that arc-welding equipment and accessories conform to the relevant parts of
IEC 60974, see Clause 2, as given on the rating plate. These documents contain necessary
information for health and safety to be included in instructions and manuals.
Before welding equipment is put into service, the user shall read and understand the
instructions provided by the manufacturer, national or local regulation, trade association and
occupational recommendations, national health and safety recommendations.
Consideration shall be given to the environment in which the welding equipment is used as
additional precautions can need to be taken e.g. increased hazard of el
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