IEC 60974-4:2016

IEC 60974-4 ®
Edition 3.0 2016-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Arc welding equipment –
Part 4: Periodic inspection and testing

Matériel de soudage à l’arc –
Partie 4: Inspection et essais périodiques

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IEC 60974-4 ®
Edition 3.0 2016-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Arc welding equipment –
Part 4: Periodic inspection and testing

Matériel de soudage à l’arc –
Partie 4: Inspection et essais périodiques

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 25.160 ISBN 978-2-8322-3528-7

– 2 – IEC 60974-4:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references. 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 General requirements . 6
4.1 Qualification of test personnel . 6
4.2 Test conditions . 6
4.3 Measuring instruments . 6
4.4 Periodic inspection and test . 7
4.5 Maintenance . 7
4.6 Repair . 7
4.7 Test sequence . 7
5 Protection against electrical shock . 8
5.1 Visual inspection . 8
5.2 Continuity of the protective circuit . 8
5.3 Insulation resistance . 9
5.4 Welding circuit touch current . 9
5.5 Touch current in normal condition . 10
5.6 Protective conductor current . 10
5.7 No-load voltage (U ) . 11
6 Functional test . 12
6.1 Function . 12
6.2 Supply-circuit on/off switching device . 12
6.3 Voltage-reducing device . 12
6.4 Magnetic gas valve . 13
6.5 Signal and control lamps . 13
7 Documentation . 13
7.1 Test report . 13
7.2 Labelling . 13
Annex A (informative) Check-list for the visual inspection . 14
Annex B (informative) Example of a test report after repair . 15
Annex C (informative) Equipment not built in accordance with IEC 60974-1. 16

Figure 1 – Measurement of welding circuit touch current . 9
Figure 2 – Measurement of touch current in normal condition . 10
Figure 3 – Principles of protective conductor current measurement for single phase
equipment . 11
Figure 4 – Measurement of peak values . 12

Table 1 – Test sequence on used arc welding equipment . 8
Table 2 – Insulation resistance . 9

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 4: Periodic inspection and testing

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
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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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
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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 60974-4 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 26:
Electric welding.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2010. It constitutes a
technical revision.
The main significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are the following:
• With regard to basic standards the term "leakage current" has been replaced by "touch
current" and "protective conductor current".
• Measurements of circuits connected in a non-galvanic way shall be tested according to the
information of the manufacturer.
• The order of the chapters dealing with measurements to be carried out has been changed.
• The example test report in Annex B has been adapted.

– 4 – IEC 60974-4:2016 © IEC 2016
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
26/597/FDIS 26/603/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.
The list of all the parts of the IEC 60974 series, under the general title Arc welding equipment,
can be found on the IEC website.
In this standard, the following print types are used:
• conformity statements: in italic type.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC website 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.
ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –
Part 4: Periodic inspection and testing

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60974 specifies test procedures for periodic inspection and, after repair, to
ensure electrical safety. These test procedures are also applicable for maintenance.
This standard is applicable to power sources for arc welding and allied processes designed in
accordance with IEC 60974-1 or IEC 60974-6. Stand-alone ancillary equipment designed in
accordance with other parts of IEC 60974 may be tested in accordance with relevant
requirements of this part of IEC 60974.
NOTE 1 The welding power source can be tested with any ancillary equipment fitted that can affect the test
results.
This standard is not applicable to testing of new power sources or engine-driven power
sources.
NOTE 2 For a power source not built in accordance with IEC 60974-1, see Annex C.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-151, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 151: Electrical and magnetic
devices
IEC 60050-195, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 195: Earthing and protection
against electric shock
IEC 60050-851, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 851: Electric welding
IEC 60974-1:2012, Arc welding equipment – Part 1: Welding power sources
IEC 60974-6, Arc welding equipment – Part 6: Limited duty equipment
IEC 61557-4, Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1 000 V a.c. and 1 500
V d.c. – Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures – Part 4:
Resistance of earth connection and equipotential bonding
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 the IEC 60050-151, the
IEC 60050-195, the IEC 60050-851, the IEC 60974-1, as well as the following, apply.

– 6 – IEC 60974-4:2016 © IEC 2016
3.1
expert
competent person
skilled person
a 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
Note 1 to entry: Several years of practice in the relevant technical field may be taken into consideration in
assessment of professional training.
[SOURCE: IEC 60974-1:2012, 3.3]
3.2
instructed person
person informed about the tasks assigned and about the possible hazards involved in
neglectful behaviour
Note 1 to entry: If necessary, the person has undergone some training
[SOURCE: IEC 60974-1:2012, 3.4]
3.3
periodic inspection and test
examination carried out at specified intervals to reduce the risk of hazard
3.4
maintenance
service carried out at specified intervals to reduce the risk of hazard and failure
3.5
repair
restore to a safe and intended operating condition
3.6
test personnel
instructed person or expert that has been trained and authorized to perform periodic
inspection and testing
4 General requirements
4.1 Qualification of test personnel
Tests of welding equipment can be hazardous and shall be carried out by an instructed
person or expert in the field of electrical repair, preferably also familiar with welding, cutting
and allied processes. Instructed persons should be considered qualified for simple periodic
testing and maintenance provided the equipment enclosure does not have to be opened.
NOTE Hazardous voltages and currents inside the equipment enclosure can cause shock, burn or death. Only
expert test personnel can open the equipment.
4.2 Test conditions
Tests shall be carried out at an ambient air temperature between 10 °C and 40 °C on dry and
cleaned welding equipment.
4.3 Measuring instruments
The accuracy of measuring instruments shall be class 2.5 as a minimum, except for the
measurement of insulation resistance, where the accuracy of the instruments is not specified
but shall be taken into account for the measurement.

4.4 Periodic inspection and test
The periodic inspection and test specified in Table 1 shall be carried out.
Tests shall be documented in a test report in accordance with 7.1.
During the tests, complementary instructions from the manufacturer shall be followed.
4.5 Maintenance
The manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and instructions shall be followed.
Tests shall be documented in a test report in accordance with 7.1.
4.6 Repair
After repair or replacement of a component which restores a welding or cutting function, an
expert shall select appropriate tests to be carried out, as specified in Table 1.
NOTE After a minor repair such as replacement of a lamp, wheel or under carriage, the tests given in Table 1 may
not be necessary.
Tests shall be documented in a test report in accordance with 7.1.
During the tests, complementary instructions from the manufacturer shall be observed (for
example, circuit diagrams, spare part list, functional test of power source and ancillary
equipment, etc.).
4.7 Test sequence
The test sequence is given in Table 1.

– 8 – IEC 60974-4:2016 © IEC 2016
Table 1 – Test sequence on used arc welding equipment
Periodic inspection and test After repair
a) Visual inspection in accordance with 5.1 a) Visual inspection in accordance with 5.1
b) Electrical test: b) Electrical test:
– protective conductor resistance in accordance – protective conductor resistance in accordance
with 5.2 with 5.2
– insulation resistance in accordance with 5.3 – insulation resistance in accordance with 5.3
(Optional: welding circuit touch current in (Optional: welding circuit touch current in
accordance with 5.4, touch current in normal accordance with 5.4, touch current in normal
b b
condition in accordance with 5.5 and condition in accordance with 5.5 and
protective conductor current in accordance protective conductor current in accordance
a a
with 5.6) with 5.6)
– no-load voltage in accordance with 5.7 – no-load voltage in accordance with 5.7
c) Functional test: c) Functional test:
– no requirement – function in accordance with 6.1
– supply-circuit on/off switching device in
accordance with 6.2
– voltage-reducing device in accordance with 6.3
– magnetic gas valve in accordance with 6.4
– signal and control lamps in accordance with
6.5
d) Documentation in accordance with Clause 7 d) Documentation in accordance with Clause 7
a
If the insulation resistance test cannot be carried out for without disconnection of any component of the
equipment to be tested (e.g. interference suppression networks, protection capacitors or surge protection
component), the insulation resistance test may be replaced by the optional tests specified in item b).
b
Only if there are accessible conductive surfaces not connected to the protective circuit.

5 Protection against electrical shock
5.1 Visual inspection
Visual inspection shall be carried out in accordance with the conditions of use of welding
equipment and the manufacturer’s instructions.
An example of items for a visual inspection is given in Annex A.
5.2 Continuity of the protective circuit
For mains-powered welding equipment of protection class I, including ancillary equipment (for
example, cooling system) having mains connecting cables up to a length of 5,0 m, the
maximum measured protective conductor resistance shall not exceed 0,3 Ω.
For cables longer than 5,0 m, the permissible value of the protective conductor resistance is
increased by 0,1 Ω per additional 7,5 m cable. The maximum permissible value of the
protective conductor resistance is 1 Ω.
Conformity shall be checked by measuring the resistance between the protective conductor
contact at the plug and exposed conductive parts with testing equipment according to
IEC 61557-4.
During the measurement, the cables shall be bent, flexed or twisted along the whole length,
especially in the vicinity of cable entries into the enclosure, in order to detect interruptions in
the protective conductor.
5.3 Insulation resistance
The insulation resistance shall not be less than the values given in Table 2.
Table 2 – Insulation resistance
a
Measurement Resistance Insulation

Supply circuit to welding circuit 5,0 MΩ Double or reinforced

Welding circuit to protective circuit Basic
2,5 MΩ
Supply circuit to protective circuit Basic
2,5 MΩ
b
Supply circuit of Class II equipment to accessible surfaces 5,0 MΩ Double or reinforced
a
Control circuits are tested together with the circuit to which they are galvanically connected. Accessible

control circuits separated from all other circuits are tested according to the manufacturer’s specification.
b
For measurement to accessible non-conductive surfaces, such surfaces shall be considered to be covered by
metal foil.
Conformity shall be checked by the stabilized measurement of the insulation resistance by
application of a d.c. voltage of 500 V at room temperature.
During the measurement, torches shall be disconnected, solid-state electronic components
and their protective devices may be short-circuited, and liquid cooling units shall be tested
without liquid.
5.4 Welding circuit touch current
The touch current between the welding circuit connections and the protective conductor
terminal shall not exceed 10 mA r.m.s.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection and measurement of the touch current with a
circuit as shown in Figure 1 at the rated supply voltage(s) and no-load condition.
The measuring network shall be connected as shown in Figure 1.
mA
2kΩ
IEC
NOTE For class II equipment, use the PE-terminal of earthed supply network.
Figure 1 – Measurement of welding circuit touch current

– 10 – IEC 60974-4:2016 © IEC 2016
5.5 Touch current in normal condition
The touch current for accessible conductive surfaces, not connected to the protective circuit,
shall not exceed 0,5 mA r.m.s under normal conditions.
2kΩ
mA
L N PE
IEC
Figure 2 – Measurement of touch current in normal condition
Conformity shall be checked as shown in Figure 2.
a) The welding power source is:
– isolated from the ground plane;
– supplied by the highest rated supply voltage;
b) the welding circuit is in the no-load condition;
c) interference suppression capacitors are not disconnected.
5.6 Protective conductor current
For class 1 equipment, the protective conductor current shall not exceed 10 mA r.m.s except
for equipment with permanent connection by a reinforced protective conductor in accordance
with IEC 61140.
Equipment for permanent connection with a reinforced protective conductor may have a
leakage current up to 5 % of the rated supply current per phase.
Conformity shall be checked using the measuring circuit as shown in Figure 3 under the
following conditions:
1) 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;

2) the welding circuit is in the no-load condition;
3) interference suppression capacitors shall not be disconnected.
The measurement of the protective conductor current may be performed directly or in the form
of a difference current measurement (see Figure 3). The tolerance of the component values in
the measurement circuit shall not exceed ±5 %.
Equipment for permanent connection with a reinforced protective conductor shall be tested
according to the manufacturer’s specification.
L N PE
L N PE
mA mA
L N PE L N PE
IEC IEC
Principle of direct measurement Principle of measurement according to the difference
current procedure
Figure 3 – Principles of protective conductor current measurement
for single phase equipment
NOTE Caution! This test is performed by a qualified person.
5.7 No-load voltage (U )
The peak values of the maximum no-load voltage at all possible settings of the power source
should not be higher than ±15 % of no-load voltage U and shall not exceed the values given
in Table 13 of IEC 60974-1 when the power source is supplied at rated supply voltage and
frequency.
Before testing, arc striking and stabilizing devices shall, if necessary, be removed or by-
passed according to the manufacturer’s instructions (see also instructions for use or
manufacturer’s testing instructions).
The no-load voltage is measured between welding output terminals. If this is not possible for
safety or control reasons, the no-load voltage is measured between torch and welding return
cable connection. This test is not required for plasma cutting power sources.
If rated reduced no-load voltage (U ) or rated switched no-load voltage (U ) are defined on
R S
the rating plate, U or U shall be measured instead of U .
R S 0
Conformity shall be checked by measurement of

– 12 – IEC 60974-4:2016 © IEC 2016
a) r.m.s. values
A true r.m.s. meter is used with a resistance of the external welding circuit of 5 kΩ.
b) peak values
To obtain reproducible measurements of peak values, omitting impulses which are not
dangerous, a circuit as shown in Figure 4 is used.
1 kΩ
0,2 kΩ
U
0 10 nF
6,8 µF V
0-5 kΩ
1 = Diode 1N4007 or similar
IEC
Figure 4 – Measurement of peak values
The voltmeter shall indicate mean values. The measurement range chosen shall be as near
as possible to the actual value of the no-load voltage. The voltmeter shall have an internal
resistance of at least 1 MΩ.
The tolerance of the component values in the measurement circuit shall not exceed ±5 %. The
minimum power for the resistor of 0,2 kΩ is 65 W. The rheostat shall withstand a current value
of 0,6 A. The capacitors shall have a minimum voltage rating of 200 V.
6 Functional test
6.1 Function
Each safety-related function judged as relevant by the test personnel shall be checked for
correct operation.
Conformity shall be checked by operating the device and by checking whether the welding
power source operates correctly.
6.2 Supply-circuit on/off switching device
Where an integral supply-circuit on/off switching device (for example, switch, contactor or
circuit-breaker) is fitted, this shall:
a) open or close all ungrounded mains conductors;
b) clearly indicate whether the circuit is open or closed.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection and measurement.
6.3 Voltage-reducing device
Where a voltage-reducing device is fitted, it shall be checked for correct operation.
Conformity shall be checked by measurement of reduced no-load voltage (see 5.7) and visual
inspection of indicator in load and no-load condition.

6.4 Magnetic gas valve
Each magnetic gas valve (for example, TIG, MIG/MAG, plasma power sources), shall be
checked for correct operation.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection and the following operations or by a test
specified by the manufacturer.
a) Function
Operate the trigger of the torch and check by means of the gas flow whether the magnetic
gas valve operates.
b) Leakage
Pressurize the system and verify there is no leak, for example, there is no pressure drop.
NOTE Flexible gas tubes and their connections can be sources of leaks.
6.5 Signal and control lamps
Signal or control lamps shall be checked for correct operation if possible.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.
7 Documentation
7.1 Test report
The test report shall include
a) identification of tested arc welding equipment;
b) date of testing;
c) supply voltage;
d) test results;
e) signature, identification of the test personnel and his organization;
f) identification of testing equipment.
The test report, after repair, shall include all the tests given in Table 1 and an indication shall
be made if a particular test has not been carried out.
An example of a test report is given in Annex B.
7.2 Labelling
A label shall be attached to the equipment to indicate that it has passed the test.
The label shall state the date of testing or recommended date for next inspection depending
on local regulation.
– 14 – IEC 60974-4:2016 © IEC 2016
Annex A
(informative)
Check-list for the visual inspection
During visual inspection, the following listed items should be checked.
a) Torch/electrode holder, welding clamp
• missing or defective insulation
• defective connections
• defective, damaged switches
• other damage
b) Mains supply
• defective, damaged cable
• deformed, faulty plug
• broken or thermally damaged plug pins
• ineffective cable anchorage
• cables and plugs unsuitable for the intended use and performance
c) Welding circuit
• defective, damaged cable
• deformed, faulty or thermally damaged coupler/sockets
• ineffective cable anchorage
• cables and couplers unsuitable for the intended use and performance
d) Enclosure
• missing or damaged parts
• unauthorized modifications
• cooling openings blocked or missing air filters
• signs of overload and improper use
• missing or defective protective devices, for example, gas cylinder holder
• missing or defective wheels, lifting means, holder, etc.
• defective wire reel mounting means
• conductive objects placed in the enclosure
e) Controls and indicators
• defective switches, meters and lamps
• defective pressure regulator or flowmeter
• incorrect fuses accessible from outside the enclosure
f) General condition
• excessive dust or pollution
• cooling liquid circuit leaking or incorrect cooling liquid level
• defective gas hoses and connections
• poor legibility of markings and labelling
• other damage or signs of improper use

Annex B
(informative)
Example of a test report after repair
Test report
Company: Sample Ltd. Location: London Torchham WH15 B4
Equipment: Arc welding power source Type: Freefried S/N: 123456
Manufacturer: Freefried Electric Ltd. Protection class: I
Testing equipment: TESTDEVICE D6, Metaframe, measuring circuits as given in IEC 60974-4.

Mains voltage  230
V
r.m.s
Test point: Limit Measured values
Visual inspection --- OK
Protective conductor resistance ---
R ≤ 0,3 Ω 0,02 Ω
PE
Insulation resistance ---
- Supply circuit/ R ≥ 2,5 MΩ ≥ 20 MΩ
S-P
Protective circuit (500 V)
- Welding circuit, control R ≥ 2,5 MΩ ≥ 20 MΩ
W,C-P
circuit/
Protective circuit (500 V)
- Supply circuit/ R ≥ 5 MΩ ≥ 20 MΩ
S-W,C
Welding circuit, control
circuit (500 V)
Protective conductor I 2 mA
≤ 10 mA
PE
r.m.s
a
current
Touch current in normal I ≤ 0,5 mA

T r.m.s
a
condition
0,04 mA
- Equipment with I N/A
≤ 0,05 I A
1max
T
reinforced protective
a
conductor
a
Welding circuit touch current
I 0,056 mA
≤ 10 mA
T
r.m.s
No-load voltage ---
U ≤68 V N/A
S
0 peak
With mark
U N/A
≤113 V
peak
U ≤113 V 110 V
S
0 peak
Without mark
U N/A
≤113 V
peak
Functional test  --- ok
Test passed
Test personnel name --- Myself
Test personnel signature --- Me
Date --- 03-03-14
Remarks (result of visual inspection or functional test): None ________________________________________________
Testing company: Checkmates Limited ___________________________________________________________________
Address: London Weldshire WG3 A7 _____________________________________________________________________
Repair: replacement of broken main switch ________________________________________________________________
N/A: Not applicable to the repair according to the investigator _______________________________________________
a
optional measurements
– 16 – IEC 60974-4:2016 © IEC 2016
Annex C
(informative)
Equipment not built in accordance with IEC 60974-1
Welding equipment not built in accordance with IEC 60974-1 (for example, built prior to the
publication date of the first edition (1989)) may not meet all requirements of this standard.
In this case, the investigator should state in his report as follows:
• the requirements which have not been met;
• the extent to which the requirement has not been met;
• the assessment of the risk deriving there of;
• the corrective measures when necessary.
The report should enable the owner to make the appropriate decision regarding continued use
of the equipment.
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– 18 – IEC 60974-4:2016 © IEC 2016
SOMMAIRE
AVANT-PROPOS . 19
1 Domaine d’application. 21
2 Références normatives . 21
3 Termes et définitions . 22
4 Exigences générales. 22
4.1 Qualification du personnel d’essai . 22
4.2 Conditions d’essai . 23
4.3 Instruments de mesure . 23
4.4 Inspection périodique et essai . 23
4.5 Maintenance . 23
4.6 Réparation . 23
4.7 Séquence d’essai . 23
5 Protection contre les chocs électriques . 24
5.1 Examen visuel . 24
5.2 Continuité du circuit de protection . 24
5.3 Résistance d’isolement . 25
5.4 Courant de contact du circuit de soudage . 25
5.5 Courant de contact en conditions normales . 26
5.6 Courant du conducteur de protection . 27
5.7 Tension à vide (U ) . 28
6 Essai fonctionnel . 29
6.1 Fonction . 29
6.2 Dispositif de coupure marche/arrêt du circuit d’alimentation . 29
6.3 Dispositif réducteur de tension . 29
6.4 Électrovanne à gaz . 30
6.5 Lampes témoins et lampes de contrôle . 30
7 Documentation . 30
7.1 Rapport d’essai . 30
7.2 Étiquetage . 30
Annexe A (informative) Liste de contrôle pour l’examen visuel . 31
Annexe B (informative) Exemple de rapport d’essai après réparation . 32
Annexe C (informative) Matériel non construit conformément à l’IEC 60974-1 . 33

Figure 1 – Mesure du courant de contact du circuit de soudage . 26
Figure 2 – Mesure du courant de contact en conditions normales . 26
Figure 3 – Principes de mesure du courant du conducteur de protection pour les
équipements monophasés . 28
Figure 4 – Mesure des valeurs crêtes . 29

Tableau 1 – Séquence d’essai sur le matériel de soudage à l’arc utilisé . 24
Tableau 2 – Résistance d’isolement . 25

COMMISSION ÉLECTROTECHNIQUE INTERNATIONALE
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MATÉRIEL DE SOUDAGE À L’ARC –
Partie 4: Inspection et essais périodiques

AVANT-PROPOS
1) La Commission Electrotechnique Internationale (IEC) est une organisation mondiale de normalisation
composée de l'ensemble des comités électrotechniques nationaux (Comités nationaux de l’IEC). L’IEC a pour
objet de favoriser la coopération internationale pour toutes les questions de normalisation dans les domaines
de l'électricité et de l'électronique. A cet effet, l’IEC – entre autres activités – publie des Normes
internationales, des Spécifications techniques, des Rapports techniques, des Spécifications accessibles au
public (PAS) et des Guides (ci-après dénommés "Publication(s) de l’IEC"). Leur élaboration est confiée à des
comités d'études, aux travaux desquels tout Comité national intéressé par le sujet traité peut participer. Les
organisations internationales, gouvernementales et non gouvernementales, en liaison avec l’IEC, participent
également aux travaux. L’IEC collabore étroitement avec l'Organisation Internationale de Normalisation (ISO),
selon des conditions fixées par accord entre les deux organisations.
2) Les décisions ou accords officiels de l’IEC concernant les questions techniques représentent, dans la mesure
du possible, un accord international sur les sujets étudiés, étant donné que les Comités nationaux de l’IEC
intéressés sont représentés dans chaque comité d’études.
3) Les Publications de l’IEC se présentent sous la forme de recommandations internationales et sont agréées
comme telles par les Comités nationaux de l’IEC. Tous les efforts raisonnables sont entrepris afin que l’IEC
s'assure de l'exactitude du contenu technique de ses publications; l’IEC ne peut pas être tenue responsable de
l'éventuelle mauvaise utilisation ou interprétation qui en est faite par un quelconque utilisateur final.
4) Dans le but d'encourager l'uniformité internationale, les Comités nationaux de l’IEC s'engagent, dans toute la
mesure possible, à appliquer de façon transparente les Publications de l’IEC dans leurs publications nationales
et régionales. T
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