Arc welding equipment - Part 6: Limited duty equipment

IEC 60974-6:2010 specifies safety and performance requirements applicable to limited duty arc welding and cutting power sources, and auxiliaries designed for use by laymen. Electrically powered equipment is intended to be connected to the single phase public low-voltage supply system. Engine driven power sources can not exceed output power of 7,5 kVA. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2003. It constitutes a technical revision. The main significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are the following:
- extension of the scope;
- amendment of the title;
- touch current at fault condition (see 6.3.7);
- new definition of thermal requirements based two independent devices, one for thermal protection and one for thermal control (see 7.1);
- new definition for thermal performances at 20 °C (see 7.2);
- thermal safety requirements are based on operating temperature for normal condition and maximum temperature in overload condition (see 7.4);
- addition of abnormal operation test for thermal control device (see 10.4);
- new requirement for auxiliaries (see Clause 16);
- new rating plate definition (see Clause 17);
- introduction of new mandatory warning symbols (see 12.1.117.3, Box 17b) and 19.2);
- induced changes due to publication of IEC 60974-1:2005.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 60974-1:2005.

Lichtbogenschweißeinrichtungen - Teil 6: Schweißstromquellen mit begrenzter Einschaltdauer

Matériel de soudage à l'arc - Partie 6: Matériel à service limité

La CEI 60974-6:2010 spécifie les exigences de sécurité et de performance qui s'appliquent aux sources de courant de soudage et de coupage à l'arc à service limité et dispositifs externes conçus pour être utilisées par des non professionnels. Le matériel électrique est prévu pour être connecté à un système d'alimentation public à basse tension et monophasé. Les sources de courant de soudage à moteur thermique ne peuvent pas dépasser une puissance de sortie de 7,5 kVA. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition parue en 2003. Elle constitue une révision technique. Les modifications techniques majeures par rapport à l'édition précédente sont les suivantes:
- élargissement du domaine d'application;
- changement du titre;
- courant de contact en cas de défaut (voir 6.3.7);
- nouvelle définition des exigences thermiques basée sur deux dispositifs indépendants, l'un pour la protection thermique et l'autre pour la commande thermique (voir 7.1);
- nouvelle définition pour performances thermiques à 20 °C (voir 7.2);
- les exigences pour la sécurité thermique sont basées sur la température de fonctionnement à l'état normal et la température maximale à l'état de surcharge (voir 7.4);
- ajout de l'essai de fonctionnement anormal des dispositifs de commande thermique (voir 10.4);
- nouvelle exigence pour les dispositifs auxiliaires (voir Article 16);
- nouvelle plaque signalétique (voir Article 17);
- introduction de nouveaux symboles d'avertissement obligatoires (voir 12.1.1, 17.3, case 17b) et 19.2);
- modifications induites en fonction de la pubilcation de la CEI 60974-1:2005.
Cette publication doit être lue conjointement avec la CEI 60974-1:2005.

Oprema za obločno varjenje - 6. del: Oprema za omejeno uporabo (IEC 60974-6:2010)

Ta del IEC 60974 določa varnostne zahteve in izvedbene zahteve, ki veljajo za obločno varjenje z omejeno uporabo in vire rezalne moči ter za dodatno opremo, načrtovano za uporabo laikov. Električno gnana oprema je namenjena povezavi z enofaznim javnim oskrbovalnim sistemom nizke napetosti. Gnani viri električne energije ne smejo preseči izhodne moči 7,5 kVA. Ta del IEC 60974 ne velja za vire obločnega varjenja in rezalno moč, ki jo potrebujejo za delovanje: – naprave za obločno varjenje in stabiliziranje; – sistemi za hlajenje s tekočino; – plinske konzole; – trifazna vhodna oskrba in tisti, namenjene le industrijski in strokovni uporabi. Ta del IEC 60974 ne velja za vire obločnega varjenja in rezalno moč ter pomožno opremo, ki se uporablja pri: – mehansko vodenih uporabah; – postopku obločnega varjenje pod praškom; – plazemskem postopku žlebljenja; – postopku plazemskega varjenja; ti so zajeti v drugih delih IEC 60974.

General Information

Status
Withdrawn
Publication Date
13-Jan-2011
Withdrawal Date
31-Dec-2013
Technical Committee
CLC/TC 26 - Electric welding
Drafting Committee
IEC/TC 26 - IEC_TC_26
Parallel Committee
IEC/TC 26 - IEC_TC_26
Current Stage
9960 - Withdrawal effective - Withdrawal
Start Date
27-Oct-2018
Completion Date
27-Oct-2018

Relations

Effective Date
28-Jan-2023
Effective Date
30-Jul-2014

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Frequently Asked Questions

EN 60974-6:2011 is a standard published by CLC. Its full title is "Arc welding equipment - Part 6: Limited duty equipment". This standard covers: IEC 60974-6:2010 specifies safety and performance requirements applicable to limited duty arc welding and cutting power sources, and auxiliaries designed for use by laymen. Electrically powered equipment is intended to be connected to the single phase public low-voltage supply system. Engine driven power sources can not exceed output power of 7,5 kVA. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2003. It constitutes a technical revision. The main significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are the following: - extension of the scope; - amendment of the title; - touch current at fault condition (see 6.3.7); - new definition of thermal requirements based two independent devices, one for thermal protection and one for thermal control (see 7.1); - new definition for thermal performances at 20 °C (see 7.2); - thermal safety requirements are based on operating temperature for normal condition and maximum temperature in overload condition (see 7.4); - addition of abnormal operation test for thermal control device (see 10.4); - new requirement for auxiliaries (see Clause 16); - new rating plate definition (see Clause 17); - introduction of new mandatory warning symbols (see 12.1.117.3, Box 17b) and 19.2); - induced changes due to publication of IEC 60974-1:2005. This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 60974-1:2005.

IEC 60974-6:2010 specifies safety and performance requirements applicable to limited duty arc welding and cutting power sources, and auxiliaries designed for use by laymen. Electrically powered equipment is intended to be connected to the single phase public low-voltage supply system. Engine driven power sources can not exceed output power of 7,5 kVA. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2003. It constitutes a technical revision. The main significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are the following: - extension of the scope; - amendment of the title; - touch current at fault condition (see 6.3.7); - new definition of thermal requirements based two independent devices, one for thermal protection and one for thermal control (see 7.1); - new definition for thermal performances at 20 °C (see 7.2); - thermal safety requirements are based on operating temperature for normal condition and maximum temperature in overload condition (see 7.4); - addition of abnormal operation test for thermal control device (see 10.4); - new requirement for auxiliaries (see Clause 16); - new rating plate definition (see Clause 17); - introduction of new mandatory warning symbols (see 12.1.117.3, Box 17b) and 19.2); - induced changes due to publication of IEC 60974-1:2005. This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 60974-1:2005.

EN 60974-6:2011 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 25.160.30 - Welding equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN 60974-6:2011 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 60974-6:2003, EN 60974-6:2016. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

EN 60974-6:2011 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2006/95/EC, 2014/35/EU, 2014/53/EU. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.

EN 60974-6:2011 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2011
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 60974-6:2003
2SUHPD]DREORþQRYDUMHQMHGHO2SUHPD]DRPHMHQRXSRUDER ,(&

Arc welding equipment - Part 6: Limited duty equipment (IEC 60974-6:2010)
Lichtbogenschweißeinrichtungen - Teil 6: Schweißstromquellen mit begrenzter
Einschaltdauer (IEC 60974-6:2010)
Matériel de soudage à l'arc - Partie 6: Matériel à service limité (CEI 60974-6:2010)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60974-6:2011
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 60974-6
NORME EUROPÉENNE
January 2011
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 25.160.30 Supersedes EN 60974-6:2003 + corr. May.2005

English version
Arc welding equipment -
Part 6: Limited duty equipment
(IEC 60974-6:2010)
Matériel de soudage à l'arc -  Lichtbogenschweißeinrichtungen -
Partie 6: Matériel à service limité Teil 6: Schweißstromquellen mit
(CEI 60974-6:2010) begrenzter Einschaltdauer
(IEC 60974-6:2010)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2011-01-01. 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 Central Secretariat 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 Central Secretariat 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, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels

© 2011 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 60974-6:2011 E
Foreword
The text of document 26/429/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 60974-6, prepared by IEC TC 26, Electric
welding, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and was approved by CENELEC as
EN 60974-6 on 2011-01-01.
This European Standard supersedes EN 60974-6:2003 + corr. May.2005.
The main significant technical changes with respect to EN 60974-6:2003 + corr. May.2005 are the
following:
– extension of the scope;
– amendment of the title;
– touch current at fault condition (see 6.3.7);
– new definition of thermal requirements based two independent devices, one for thermal protection and
one for thermal control (see 7.1);
– new definition for thermal performances at 20 °C (see 7.2);
– thermal safety requirements are based on operating temperature for normal condition and maximum
temperature in overload condition (see 7.4);
– addition of abnormal operation test for thermal control device (see 10.4);
– new requirement for auxiliaries (see Clause 16);
– new rating plate definition (see Clause 17);
– introduction of new mandatory warning symbols (see 12.1.117.3, Box 17b) and 19.2);
– induced changes due to publication of EN 60974-1:2005.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN and CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
The following dates were fixed:
– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
(dop) 2011-10-01
national standard or by endorsement
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
(dow) 2014-01-01
with the EN have to be withdrawn
Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC.
__________
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60974-6:2010 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 60127-1 NOTE  Harmonized as EN 60127-1.
IEC 60269-1 NOTE  Harmonized as EN 60269-1.
IEC 61558-1:2009 NOTE  Harmonized as EN 61558-1:2009 (not modified).
__________
- 3 - EN 60974-6:2011
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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  When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year

IEC 60529 - Degrees of protection provided by enclosures EN 60529 -
(IP Code)
IEC 60974-1 2005 Arc welding equipment - EN 60974-1 2005
Part 1: Welding power sources
IEC 60974-5 - Arc welding equipment - EN 60974-5 -
Part 5: Wire feeders
IEC 60974-7 - Arc welding equipment - EN 60974-7 -
Part 7:Torches
IEC 60974-10 - Arc welding equipment - EN 60974-10 -
Part 10: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
requirements
IEC 60974-11 - Arc welding equipment - EN 60974-11 -
Part 11: Electrode holders
IEC 61032 1997 Protection of persons and equipment by EN 61032 1998
enclosures - Probes for verification

ISO 2503 - Gas welding equipment - Pressure regulators - -
and pressure regulators with flow-metering
devices for gas cylinders used in welding,
cutting and allied processes up to 300 bar (30
MPa)
IEC 60974-6 ®
Edition 2.0 2010-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Arc welding equipment –
Part 6: Limited duty equipment

Matériel de soudage à l’arc –
Partie 6: Matériel à service limité

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
W
CODE PRIX
ICS 25.160.30 ISBN 978-2-88912-265-3
– 2 – 60974-6 Ó IEC:2010
CONTENTS
FOREW ORD . 6
1 Sc o pe . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 Environmental conditions. 10
5 Tests . 10
5.1 Test conditions . 10
5.2 Measuring instruments. 10
5.3 Conformity of components. 10
5.4 Type tests . 10
5.5 Routine tests . 11
6 Protection against electric shock . 11
6.1 Insulation . 11
6.1.1 General . 11
6.1.2 Clearances . 11
6.1.3 Creepage distances. 11
6.1.4 Insulation resistance. 12
6.1.5 Dielectric strength . 12
6.2 Protection against electric shock in normal service (direct contact). 12
6.2.1 Protection provided by the enclosure . 12
6.2.2 Capacitors . 12
6.2.3 Automatic discharge of input capacitors . 13
6.3 Protection against electric shock in case of a fault condition (indirect contact) . 13
6.3.1 Protective provisions . 13
6.3.2 Isolation of the supply circuit and the welding circuit . 13
6.3.3 Insulation between windings of the supply circuit and the welding
circuit . 13
6.3.4 Internal conductors and connections . 13
6.3.5 Additional requirements for plasma cutting systems . 13
6.3.6 Movable coils and cores. 13
6.3.7 Touch current in fault condition . 13
7 Thermal requirements . 15
7.1 Devices for thermal protection and thermal control . 15
7.2 Heating test . 15
7.2.1 Test conditions . 15
7.2.2 Tolerances of the test parameters . 15
7.2.3 Rated maximum welding current . 15
7.2.4 Calculation . 16
7.3 Temperature measurement . 16
7.3.1 Measurement condition . 16
7.3.2 Surface temperature sensor . 16
7.3.3 Resistance . 16
7.3.4 Embedded temperature sensor . 16
7.3.5 Determination of the ambient air temperature . 16
7.3.6 Recording of temperatures . 16
7.4 Limits of temperature . 16

60974-6 Ó IEC:2010 – 3 –
7.4.1 Windings, commutators and slip-rings . 16
7.4.2 External surfaces . 17
7.4.3 Other components . 17
7.5 Loading test . 17
7.6 Commutators and slip-rings . 17
8 Thermal control device . 18
8.1 Construction . 18
8.2 Location . 18
8.3 Operation . 18
8.4 Resetting . 18
8.5 Operating capacity . 18
8.6 Indication . 18
9 Thermal protection . 19
9.1 Construction . 19
9.2 Location . 19
9.3 Operation . 19
10 Abnormal operation . 19
10.1 General requirements . 19
10.2 Stalled fan test. 20
10.3 Short circuit test . 20
10.4 Overload test . 20
11 Connection to the input supply network . 20
11.1 Input supply . 20
11.1.1 Supply voltage . 20
11.1.2 Supply current . 20
11.1.3 Engine driven welding power source . 20
11.2 Multi supply voltage . 21
11.3 Means of connection to the supply circuit . 21
11.4 Supply circuit terminals . 21
11.5 Cable anchorage . 21
11.6 Inlet openings . 21
11.7 Supply circuit on/off switching device . 21
11.8 Supply cables . 21
11.9 Supply coupling device (attachment plug) . 21
12 Output . 22
12.1 Rated no-load voltage . 22
12.1.1 Rated no-load voltage for arc welding power source . 22
12.1.2 Rated no-load voltage for plasma cutting power source . 22
12.1.3 Additional requirements . 23
12.1.4 Measuring circuit . 23
12.2 Type test values of the conventional load voltage . 25
12.2.1 Manual metal arc welding with covered electrodes . 25
12.2.2 Tungsten inert gas . 25
12.2.3 Metal inert/active gas and flux cored arc welding . 25
12.2.4 Plasma cutting . 25
12.2.5 Additional requirements . 25
12.3 Mechanical switching devices used to adjust output . 25
12.4 Welding circuit connections . 25

– 4 – 60974-6 Ó IEC:2010
12.4.1 Protection against unintentional contact . 25
12.4.2 Location of coupling devices . 25
12.4.3 Outlet openings. 25
12.4.4 Marking . 25
12.4.5 Connections for plasma cutting torches . 25
12.5 Power supply to external devices . 25
12.6 Auxiliary power output . 26
12.7 Welding cables . 26
13 Control circuits . 26
14 Hazard reducing device . 26
15 Mechanical provisions . 27
15.1 General requirements . 27
15.2 Enclosure . 27
15.2.1 Enclosure materials . 27
15.2.2 Enclosure strength . 27
15.3 Handling means . 27
15.4 Drop withstand . 27
15.5 Tilting stability . 27
16 Auxiliaries . 27
16.1 General . 27
16.2 Wire feeder . 27
16.2.1 General . 27
16.2.2 Test conditions . 27
16.2.3 Thermal requirements . 27
16.2.4 Protection against unintentional contact . 27
16.3 Torch . 28
16.3.1 General . 28
16.3.2 Test conditions . 28
16.3.3 Thermal requirements . 28
16.4 Electrode holder. 28
16.5 Pressure regulator . 28
17 Rating plate . 28
17.1 General requirements . 28
17.2 Description . 28
17.3 Contents . 29
17.4 Tolerances . 31
18 Adjustment of the output . 31
19 Instructions and markings . 31
19.1 Instructions . 31
19.1.1 General . 31
19.1.2 Instruction manual . 32
19.1.3 Safety instructions . 32
19.2 Markings . 33
Annex A (informative) Test probes . 34
Annex B (informative) Examples of rating plates . 35
Annex C (informative) Symbols-only precautionary label . 36
Bibliography . 37

60974-6 Ó IEC:2010 – 5 –
Figure 1 – Measurement of touch current in fault condition . 14
Figure 2 – Measuring network for weighted touch current . 14
Figure 3 – Measurement of r.m.s values . 24
Figure 4 – Measurement of peak values . 24
Figure 5 – Principle of the rating plate . 29
Figure A.1 – Test probe 12 of IEC 61032 . 34
Figure A.2 – Test probe 13 of IEC 61032 . 34
Figure B.1 – Rating plate . 35
Figure C.1 – Example of precautionary label for engine driven manual metal arc
welding power sourceBibliography . 36

Table 1 – Temperature limits according to the class of insulation. 17
Table 2 – Summary of rated no-load voltages . 23
Table 3 – Hazard reducing device requirements for plasma cutting power source . 26

– 6 – 60974-6 Ó IEC:2010
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 6: Limited duty equipment

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 60974-6 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 26:
Electric welding.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2003. It constitutes a
technical revision.
The main significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are the following:
– extension of the scope;
– amendment of the title;
– touch current at fault condition (see 6.3.7);
– new definition of thermal requirements based two independent devices, one for thermal
protection and one for thermal control (see 7.1);
– new definition for thermal performances at 20 °C (see 7.2);
– thermal safety requirements are based on operating temperature for normal condition and
maximum temperature in overload condition (see 7.4);

60974-6 Ó IEC:2010 – 7 –
– addition of abnormal operation test for thermal control device (see 10.4);
– new requirement for auxiliaries (see Clause 16);
– new rating plate definition (see Clause 17);
– introduction of new mandatory warning symbols (see 12.1.117.3, Box 17b) and 19.2);
– induced changes due to publication of IEC 60974-1:2005.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
26/429/FDIS 26/437/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
This standard is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60974-1:2005.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
– conformity statements: in italic type.
A list of all the 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 publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication 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 publication using a colour printer.

– 8 – 60974-6 Ó IEC:2010
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 6: Limited duty equipment

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60974 specifies safety and performance requirements applicable to limited
duty arc welding and cutting power sources, and auxiliaries designed for use by laymen.
Electrically powered equipment is intended to be connected to the single phase public low-
voltage supply system. Engine driven power sources can not exceed output power of 7,5 kVA.
NOTE 1 This equipment is typically used by non-professionals in residential areas.
This part of IEC 60974 is not applicable to arc welding and cutting power sources that require
for operation:
· arc striking and stabilizing devices;
· liquid cooling systems;
· gas consoles;
· three-phase input supply;
and which are intended for industrial and professional use only.
This part of IEC 60974 is not applicable to arc welding and cutting power sources and
ancillary equipment used in:
· mechanically guided applications;
· submerged arc welding process;
· plasma gouging process;
· plasma welding process;
that are covered by other parts of IEC 60974.
NOTE 2 Power sources, wire feeders, torches and electrode holders designed for industrial and professional use
are respectively covered by IEC 60974-1, IEC 60974-5, IEC 60974-7 and IEC 60974-11.
NOTE 3 This part of IEC 60974 does not specify electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements that are given
in IEC 60974-10.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents are indispensable for the application 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 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60974-1:2005, Arc welding equipment – Part 1: Welding power sources
IEC 60974-5, Arc welding equipment – Part 5: Wire feeders
IEC 60974-7, Arc welding equipment – Part 7: Torches

60974-6 Ó IEC:2010 – 9 –
IEC 60974-10, Arc welding equipment – Part 10: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
requirements
IEC 60974-11, Arc welding equipment – Part 11: Electrode holders
IEC 61032:1997, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosure – Probes for verification
ISO 2503, Gas welding equipment – Pressure regulators and pressure regulators with flow-
metering devices for gas cylinders used in welding, cutting and allied processes up to 300 bar
(30 MPa)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60974-1, as well as
the following apply:
3.1
touch current
electric current passing through a human body or through an animal body when it touches one
or more accessible parts of an installation or equipment
[IEC 60050-195, Amendment 1:2001, 195-05-21]
3.2
limited duty welding power source
power source intended for use by a layman
3.3
layman
operator who does not weld in the performance of his profession and has little or no formal
instruction in arc welding
3.4
effective supply current
I
1eff
value of the effective input current, calculated from the rated maximum supply current
(I in A), the supply current at no-load (I in A) and the rated maximum welding time in
1max 0
intermittent mode ( in s) at the rated maximum welding current during an uninterrupted
t
ON
å
time of one hour by the formula:
æ ö
t t
å å
2 ON 2 ON
ç ÷
I = I ´ + I ´ 1-
1eff 1max 0
ç ÷
3600 3600
è ø
3.5
ON time
t
ON
period of welding operation as allowed by the thermal control device of the welding power
source
3.6
OFF time
t
OFF
period of non-welding operation as imposed by the thermal control device of the welding
power source
– 10 – 60974-6 Ó IEC:2010
3.7
rated welding time in 1 h
t
å
ON
summation of the ON times (t ) at the rated maximum welding current in a 60 min period
ON
following the first OFF time (t )
OFF
3.8
rated continuous welding time
t (max)
ON
ON time (t ) at the rated maximum welding current before the first OFF time (t )
ON OFF
4 Environmental conditions
Welding power sources and auxiliaries shall be capable of operating 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;
c) ambient air, free from abnormal amounts of dust, acids, corrosive gases or substances
etc. other than those generated by the welding process;
d) altitude above sea level up to 1 000 m;
e) base of the welding power source inclined up to 10°.
Welding power sources and auxiliaries shall withstand storage and transport at an ambient air
temperature of –20 °C to +55 °C without any damage to function and performance.
Welding power source and auxiliaries shall be capable of delivering the rated continuous
welding time and the rated welding time in 1 hour at an ambient temperature of 20 °C.
5 Tests
5.1 Test conditions
The thermal tests shall be carried out at an ambient temperature of 20 °C, see tolerances
in 7.2.2 e).
Other tests shall be carried out at an ambient air temperature between 10 °C and 40 °C.
5.2 Measuring instruments
See 5.2 of IEC 60974-1.
5.3 Conformity of components
See 5.3 of IEC 60974-1.
5.4 Type tests
Unless otherwise specified, the tests in this standard are type tests.
The welding power source shall be tested with any ancillary equipment fitted that could affect
the test results.
60974-6 Ó IEC:2010 – 11 –
All type tests shall be carried out on the same welding power source except where it is
specified that a test may be carried out on another welding power source.
As a condition of conformity the type tests given below shall be carried out in the following
sequence with no drying time between f),g) and h):
a) general visual inspection, see 3.7 of IEC 60974-1:2005;
b) insulation resistance, see 6.1.4 (preliminary check);
c) enclosure, see 15.2;
d) handling means, see 15.3;
e) drop withstand, see 15.4;
f) protection provided by the enclosure, see 6.2.1;
g) insulation resistance, see 6.1.4;
h) dielectric strength, see 6.1.5;
i) visual inspection, see 3.7 of IEC 60974-1:2005.
The other tests included in this standard and not listed in 5.4 shall be carried out in any
convenient sequence.
5.5 Routine tests
All routine tests shall be carried out on each welding power source. The following sequence is
recommended:
a) visual inspection, see 3.7 of IEC 60974-1:2005;
b) continuity of the protective circuit, see 10.4.2 of IEC 60974-1:2005;
c) dielectric strength, see 6.1.5;
d) no-load voltage
1) rated no-load voltage, see 12.1; or
2) for plasma cutting power source, rated reduced no-load voltage, see 13.2 of
IEC 60974-1:2005;
e) test to ensure rated minimum and maximum output values in accordance with 15.4 b) and
15.4 c) of IEC 60974-1:2005. The manufacturer may select conventional load, short circuit
load or other test conditions;
NOTE In short circuit and other test condition, the output values may differ from conventional load values.
6 Protection against electric shock
6.1 Insulation
6.1.1 General
See 6.1.1 of IEC 60974-1:2005.
6.1.2 Clearances
See 6.1.2 of IEC 60974-1:2005.
6.1.3 Creepage distances
See 6.1.3 of IEC 60974-1:2005.

– 12 – 60974-6 Ó IEC:2010
6.1.4 Insulation resistance
See 6.1.4 of IEC 60974-1:2005.
6.1.5 Dielectric strength
See 6.1.5 of IEC 60974-1:2005.
6.2 Protection against electric shock in normal service (direct contact)
6.2.1 Protection provided by the enclosure
6.2.1.1 General
Welding power sources shall have a minimum degree of protection of IP21S using IEC 60529
test procedures and conditions.
Remote controls for welding power sources shall have a minimum degree of protection of
IP2X using IEC 60529 test procedures and conditions.
6.2.1.2 Protection against ingress of water
Adequate drainage shall be provided by the enclosure. Retained water shall not interfere with
the correct operation of the equipment or impair safety.
Conformity shall be checked as follows:
A welding power source shall be subjected to the appropriate water test without being
energized. Immediately after the test, the welding power source shall be moved to a safe
environment and subjected to the insulation resistance and dielectric strength tests.
Adequate drainage of the enclosure shall be checked by visual inspection.
6.2.1.3 Side and top enclosure openings
The enclosure shall be such that a 50 mm long test pin cannot be inserted from all sides
except the underside to touch:
a) live parts of the input circuit or
b) in the case of Class II welding power sources, any metal part which is separated from live
parts of the input circuit by basic insulation.
Conformity shall be checked with test probe 12 of IEC 61032:1997 (see Figure A.1).
6.2.1.4 Bottom enclosure openings
The enclosure shall be such that a 15 mm long test pin cannot be inserted from the underside
to touch:
a) live parts of the input circuit and
b) in the case of Class II welding power sources, any metal part which is separated from live
parts of the input circuit by basic insulation.
Conformity shall be checked with test probe 13 of IEC 61032:1997 (see Figure A.2).
6.2.2 Capacitors
See 6.2.2 of IEC 60974-1:2005.

60974-6 Ó IEC:2010 – 13 –
6.2.3 Automatic discharge of input capacitors
See 6.2.3 of IEC 60974-1:2005.
6.3 Protection against electric shock in case of a fault condition (indirect contact)
6.3.1 Protective provisions
See 6.3.1 of IEC 60974-1:2005.
6.3.2 Isolation of the supply circuit and the welding circuit
See 6.3.2 of IEC 60974-1:2005.
6.3.3 Insulation between windings of the supply circuit and the welding circuit
See 6.3.3 of IEC 60974-1:2005.
6.3.4 Internal conductors and connections
See 6.3.4 of IEC 60974-1:2005.
6.3.5 Additional requirements for plasma cutting systems
See 6.3.5 of IEC 60974-1:2005.
6.3.6 Movable coils and cores
See 6.3.6 of IEC 60974-1:2005.
6.3.7 Touch current in fault condition
The weighted touch current shall not exceed 7 mA peak in the case of external protective
conductor failure or disconnection.
Conformity shall be checked using the measuring circuit as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2
under the following conditions:
a) the welding power source is:
– isolated from the ground plane;
– supplied by the highest rated supply voltage;
– not connected to the protective earth except through measurement components;
b) the output circuit is in the no-load condition;
c) interference suppression capacitors shall not be disconnected.
NOTE Caution! A qualified person should perform this test. The protective conductor is disabled for this test.

– 14 – 60974-6 Ó IEC:2010
PE
N/L L
A
I I I
PE Out In
B
IEC  2582/10
Key
1 measuring network
2 power source
3 circuit diagram of Figure 2
A, B connection terminals of measuring network
L line
N neutral
PE protective earth
Figure 1 – Measurement of touch current in fault condition

R C
S S
A
R
B
C U
R U
B 1 1 2
IEC  2583/10
Key
A, B test terminals C
0,22 mF
S
R R
1 500 W 10 000 W
S 1
R 500 W C 0,022 mF
B 1
U r.m.s. voltage
weighted touch current (perception/reaction)
U
= (peak value)
Figure 2 – Measuring network for weighted touch current

60974-6 Ó IEC:2010 – 15 –
7 Thermal requirements
7.1 Devices for thermal protection and thermal control
A welding power source with limited duty shall be fitted with two independent devices, one for
thermal protection and one for thermal control.
The thermal control device limits the temperature of its components by opening the circuits or
by reducing the currents, and is reset automatically and is designed in accordance with
Clause 8.
The thermal protection defined in Clause 9 shall be designed to operate if the thermal control
device fails.
7.2 Heating test
7.2.1 Test conditions
The welding power source shall be operated at the rated maximum welding current I and
2max
conventional load voltage given in 12.2, starting from the cold state.
If it is known that I does not give the maximum heating, then a worst case test shall
2max
additionally be made at the setting within the rated range which gives the maximum heating.
When placing the measuring devices, the only access permitted shall be through openings
with cover plates, inspection doors or easily removable panels provided by the manufacturer.
The ventilation in the test area and the measuring devices used shall not interfere with the
normal ventilation of the welding power source or cause abnormal transfer of heat to or from
it.
NOTE 1 The maximum temperature of components may be reached at the no-load condition.
NOTE 2 The rated maximum welding current test and the relevant worst case test may follow each other without
waiting for the welding power source to return to the ambient air temperature.
7.2.2 Tolerances of the test parameters
During the heating test in accordance with 7.2.3 the following tolerances shall be met:
+10
a) load voltage: % of the appropriate conventional load voltage;
-5
+10
b) welding current: % of the appropriate conventional welding current;
-5
c) supply voltage: ±5 % of the appropriate rated sup
...

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