Standards commonly used in the UK joiningindustry: Welding Equipment

AWS A5.12M/A5.12: 2009Specification for tungsten and oxide dispersed tungsten electrodes for arcwelding and cuttingThe requirements for the classification of bare tungsten and oxide dispersed tungsten electrodes forgas tungsten arc welding and cutting and plasma arc welding and cutting are specified. Classificationis based upon the chemical composition of the electrode. Standard sizes, finish, lengths, quantities,product identification, color coding, and chemical composition limits are detailed.

AWS A10.1M: 2007Specification for calibration and performance testing of secondary currentsensing coils and weld current monitors used in single phase ACresistance weldingMethods for testing and describing the performance of Rogowski-type air core current sensing coils(CSC) and weld current monitors (WCM) used in the measurement of single-phase ac resistancewelding currents are specified. Relevant terms are defined. CSC and system tests and calibrationmethods are detailed and user information is prescribed.

AWS C2.21M/C2.21: 2003Specification for thermal spraying equipment. Acceptance inspectionThe requirements for acceptance inspection of plasma; flame powder, wire, rod and cord; wire arc;high velocity oxygen fuel type machines are specified.

AWS C4.3/C4.3M 2007Recommended practices for safe oxyfuel gas heating torch operationThe latest procedures and safety requirements for oxyfuel gas heating torch operation are presented.

AWS D8.6: 2005Specification for automotive resistance spot welding electrodesThe standard outlines the requirements for resistance spot welding electrodes as used in theautomotive industry. The various types are defined, and dimensions and specifications given. With theexception of face materials, only copper alloys are considered. An identification system is given.Numerous figures include dimensions in tabular form. An appendix gives examples of commerciallyavailable types.

BS 638Arc welding power sources, equipment and accessoriesPart 1: 1979 Specification for oil cooled power sources for manual, semi-automatic andautomatic metal arc welding and for TIG weldingSuperseded by BS 638-10

Part 2: 1979 Specification for manual metal arc welding with covered electrodes and for TIGweldingSuperseded by BS 638-10

Part 3: 1979 Specification for air cooled power sources for semi-automatic and automaticmetal arc weldingSuperseded by BS 638-10

Part 4: 1996 Specification for welding cablesSuperseded by BS EN 50525-1: 2011, BS EN 50525-2-81: 2011, but remains current

Part 5: 1988 Specification for accessoriesSuperseded by BS EN 60974-5:2002, BS EN 60974-12:1996 and BS EN 60974-13:2011

Part 6: 1984 Specification for safety requirements for constructionSuperseded by BS 638-10

Part 7: 1984 Specification for safety requirements for installation and useSuperseded by DD CLC/TS 62081

Part 8: 1984 Specification for electrode holders and hand held torches and guns for MIG,MAG, and TIG weldingSuperseded by BS EN 50078 and BS EN 60974-11

Part 9: 1990 Specification for power sources for manual arc welding with limited dutySuperseded by BS EN 60974-6

Part 10: 1990 Specification for safety requirements for arc welding equipment: weldingpower sourcesSuperseded by BS EN 60974-1

BS 7570: 2000Code of practice for validation of arc welding equipmentSuperseded by BS EN 50504

BS 8451: 2004Rubber hoses for gas welding, cutting and allied processes. High kinkresistant heavy duty welding hose (type H). SpecificationRequirements for two classes of flexible rubber hose for use up to a maximum working pressure of 20bar over a temperature range of -25°C to +70°C are specified. Type H hoses are mainly used in longlengths in the construction and military sectors.

BS EN 559: 2003Gas welding equipment. Rubber hoses for welding, cutting and applied processesSuperseded by BS EN ISO 3821

BS EN 560: 2005Gas welding equipment. Hose connections for equipment for welding,cutting and allied processesThe dimensions and characteristics of the constituent parts of hose connections, e.g. pressureregulators according to EN ISO 2503 and blow pipes, are specified. The design of the part of the hosetail inserted into the hose is not covered; this is specified in EN 1256.

BS EN 561: 2002Gas welding equipment. Quick-action coupling with shut-off valves forwelding, cutting and allied processes

Specifications and type tests are defined for quick-action couplings and shut-off valves as used inequipment for gas welding, cutting and allied processes to connect the hoses between the regulatorand the torch.

BS EN 562: 2003Gas welding equipment. Pressure gauges used in welding, cutting and applied processesSuperseded by BS EN ISO 5171

BS EN 730Gas welding equipment

Part 1: 2002 Incorporating a flame (flashback) arrestor

General requirements and tests for fuel gas, oxygen or compressed air safety devices incorporating aflame (flashback) arrestor for use downstream of the manifold, cylinder and/or pipeline outletregulators, and upstream of blowpipes are specified. Location of the devices in the gas system is notspecified. The use of safety devices with flashback arrestors for use with premixed oxy/fuel or air/fuelgas supply systems (downstream of a gas mixer or generator, for example) is not covered.

Part 2: 2002 Safety devices not incorporating a flame (flashback) arrestor

General requirements and tests for fuel gas, oxygen or compressed air safety devices notincorporating a flame (flashback) arrestor for use downstream of the manifold, cylinder and/orpipeline outlet regulators, and upstream of blowpipes are specified. Location of the devices in the gassystem is not specified.

BS EN 1256: 2006Gas welding equipment. Specification for hose assemblies for equipmentfor welding, cutting and allied processesThe standard specifies performance and test requirements of hose assemblies (hose tails and clamps)using rubber hose, if supplied in assembled condition for equipment for gas welding, cutting and alliedprocesses. It does not apply to assemblies upstream of the regulators. The tests prescribed are fortype test or quality control checks only, and cover gas tightness, and resistance to separation underpressure or axial load.

BS EN 13705: 2004Welding of thermoplastics. Machines and equipment for hot gas welding(including extrusion welding)Performance requirements for machines and equipment for the hot gas (including extrusion) weldingof semi-finished products made from thermoplastics are specified. General requirements are given onmarking, documentation and nozzles. Hot gas welding requirements cover the design, constructionand performance of manual welding equipment and accessories. Extrusion welding requirements aregiven for the plastification and preheating systems, the welding head and shoe and for the pressingtools; automatic shut down is also dealt with.

BS EN 13918: 2003Gas welding equipment. Integrated flowmeter regulators used on cylinders for welding,cutting and applied processes. Classification, specification and testsSuperseded by BS EN ISO 2503

BS EN 15339Thermal spraying. Safety requirements for thermal spraying equipment

Part 2: 2007 Gas control units

This standard specifies safety requirements of gas control units for thermal spraying.

BS EN 50078: 1994Torches and guns for arc weldingSuperseded by BS EN 60974-7; partially supersedes BS 638-8:1994

BS EN 50199: 1996Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Product standard for arc welding equipmentSuperseded by BS EN 60974-10

BS EN 50504:2008Validation of arc welding equipmentSupersedes BS 7570:2000; technically identical to BS 7570:2000

Validation methods for arc welding equipment constructed and used to the accuracy specified in EN60974-1 or other equivalent standards are specified. The accuracy of this equipment is designated asstandard grade. The standard is applicable to arc welding power sources, wire feeders, and weldinginstrumentation.

BS EN 50525Electric cables. Low voltage energy cables of rated voltages up to andincluding 450/750 V (U0/U)

Part 1: 2011 General requirements

Partially supersedes BS 638-4:1996

General requirements for rigid and flexible energy cables of rated voltages U0/U up to and including450/750 V a.c., used in power installations and with domestic and industrial appliances and equipmentare specified.

Part 2-81: 2011 Cables for general applications. Cables with crosslinked elastomericcovering for arc welding

Partially supersedes BS 638-4:1996

The standard applies to single core, cross-linked elastomer covered arc welding cables of rated voltageU0/U 100/100 V, intended for connections between the welding power source and the electrode holderand the work piece. Two types of cable are included, with respectively Class D and Class E conductors.These conductors are more flexible than Class 6 to EN 60228, with Class E having the greaterflexibility. Maximum conductor operating temperature for each of the cables is 85 °C.

BS EN 60974Arc welding equipment

Part 1: 2005 Welding power sources

Supersedes BS 638-10:1990; identical to IEC 60974-1

This standard can be applied to welding power sources for arc welding and allied processes, such aselectric arc cutting and arc spraying. Safety requirements for construction and performancerequirements of welding power sources are specified.

Part 2: 2008 Liquid cooling systems

Identical to IEC 60974-2

Safety and construction requirements for liquid cooling systems intended to cool arc welding torchesare specified. The cooling systems can be internal or external to power sources for arc welding andallied processes. The standard is not applicable to refrigerated cooling systems. Clauses coverenvironmental conditions, test conditions, protection against electric shock, mechanical requirements,cooling system and cooling power requirements, rating plate specifications, documentation andmarking.

Part 3: 2007 Arc striking and stabilising devices

Identical to IEC 60974-3

This standard specifies the safety requirements for arc striking and stabilising devices used in arcwelding and allied processes, such as plasma cutting and arc spraying. The devices may be stand-alone units or housed within the welding power source enclosure. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)requirements are excluded. Requirements cover test conditions, protection against electric shock,thermal requirements, abnormal operation, thermal protection, input supply connection, output,control circuits, and mechanical, rating plate, instructions and markings requirements.

Part 4: 2011 Periodic inspection and testing

Identical to IEC 60974-4

Test procedures are specified for in-service inspection and, after repair, to ensure electrical safety.These test procedures are also applicable for maintenance. The standard is applicable to powersources together with ancillary equipment for arc welding, cutting and allied processes built inconformity with BS EN 60974-1 (IEC 60974-1). It is not applicable to the testing of new power sourcesor engine-driven power sources.

Part 5: 2008 Wire feeders

Partially replaces BS 638-5:1988; identical to IEC 60974-5

Safety and performance requirements for wire feed systems for industrial and professional equipmentused for arc welding (manual or mechanically guided torches) are specified. Stand-alone units whichmay be connected to a separate power source, or where the power source and wire feed unit arehoused in a single enclosure are covered.

Part 6: 2011 Limited duty equipment

Supersedes BS 638-9:1990; identical to IEC 60974-6

Applicable to power sources with a thermal cut-out device for use in manual metal arc welding withlimited duty. Safety requirements for construction and performance requirements, limited to 160 Amaximum welding current are specified. The standard is not applicable to rotating or remotelycontrolled power sources or those incorporating frequency conversion.

Part 7: 2005 Torches

Supersedes BS EN 50078:1994; identical to IEC 60974-7

This standard specifies safety and construction requirements for torches for arc welding (MIG/MAG,FCA, TIG, plasma, submerged arc) and allied processes. It is not applicable to electrode holders formanual metal arc welding or torches for air-arc cutting or gouging. Clauses cover environmentalconditions, classification, test conditions, protection against electric shock, thermal rating, pressure ofthe cooling liquid system, resistance to hot objects, impact resistance, marking and instructions foruse.

Part 8: 2009 Gas consoles for welding and plasma cutting systems

Identical to IEC 60974-8

Safety and performance requirements for gas consoles for use with combustible gases or oxygen arespecified. The consoles are designed to supply gas for arc welding, plasma cutting, gouging and alliedprocesses in a non-explosive atmosphere, and can be external or internal to the power sourceenclosure. The latter are also regulated by this standard.

Part 9: 2010 Installation and use

Supersedes DD CLC/TS 62081:2001; identical to IEC 60974-9

This standard applies to the installation and use of equipment for arc welding and allied processesdesigned in accordance with safety requirements of BS EN ISO 60974-1 (IEC 60974-1), BS EN ISO60974-6 (IEC 60974-6) or equivalent. It is for guidance in the safe installation and use of equipmentfor arc welding and allied processes and the safe performance of welding and cutting operations.

Part 10: 2007 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements

Supersedes BS EN 50199:1996; identical to IEC 60974-10

Applicable to all equipment for arc welding and allied processes (power sources, wire feeders, liquidcooling systems, arc striking and stabilising devices, etc.). Equipment type tested in accordance with,and meeting the requirements of, this standard is considered to be in compliance for all applications.

Part 11: 2010 Electrode holders

Supersedes BS 638-8; identical to IEC 60974-11

This standard covers electrode holders for MMA welding with electrodes up to 10 mm diameter,excluding those for underwater welding. Requirements specified include designation of current rating,operation, insulation resistance and electric shock protection, thermal rating with resistance to heat orweld spatter, welding cable connection and impact resistance, marking and operating instructionrequirements. It is applicable to environments up to 40 deg.C and 90% humidity at 20 deg.C.

Part 12: 2011 Coupling devices for welding cables

Partially supersedes BS 638-5:1988; identical to IEC 60974-12

Requirements are presented for coupling devices for flexible welding cables which are designed to beconnected and disconnected manually without the use of tools. Tests, and electrical, thermal andmechanical properties required are outlined.

Part 13: 2011 Welding clamps

Partially supersedes BS 638-5:1988; identical to IEC 60974-13

Applicable to clamps for arc welding processes, designed to make an electrical connection to theworkpiece without using tools (not to clamps for underwater welding and plasma cutting). Safety andperformance requirements of welding clamps are specified.

BS EN 62135Resistance welding equipment

Part 1: 2008 Safety requirements for design, manufacture and installation

Supersedes BS 5924:1989; identical to IEC 62135-1:2008

Applicable to equipment for resistance welding and allied processes, including single and multiplewelding stations which may be manually or automatically loaded and/or started. The standard covers

stationary and portable equipment and specifies safety requirements for design, manufacture andinstallation. To comply with this standard, all safety risks involved in loading, feeding, operating andunloading the equipment, where applicable, are to be assessed and the requirements of relatedstandards observed.

Part 2: 2008 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements

Supersedes BS EN 50240:2004; identical to IEC 62135-2:2008

Applicable to equipment for resistance welding and allied processes which are connected to mainssupplies with rated voltages up to 1 000 V a.c. r.m.s. The frequency range covered is from 0 Hz to400 GHz. The standard specifies test methods to be used in conjunction with CISPR 11 to determineradiofrequency (r.f.) emission, and relevant standards and test methods for harmonic currentemission, voltage fluctuation and flicker. Safety requirements are not included.

BS EN ISO 2503: 2009Gas welding equipment. Pressure regulators and pressure regulators withflow-metering devices for gas cylinders used in welding, cutting and alliedprocesses up to 300 bar (30 MPa)Supersedes BS EN 585:1995; BS EN 13918:2003

Requirements for single or two-stage pressure regulators for connection to gas cylinders containingcompressed gases up to 300 bar are specified. The gases covered are dissolved acetylene; liquefiedpetroleum gases (LPG); methylacetylene-propadiene-mixtures (MPS) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) usedin welding, cutting and allied processes. The standard covers units of measurement; manufacturingrequirements; types of connections; physical characteristics such as pressures and flow rates;marking; instructions for use and type test procedures.

BS EN ISO 3821: 2010Gas welding equipment. Rubber hoses for welding, cutting and alliedprocessesRequirements for rubber hoses for normal duty of 2 MPa (20 bar) and light duty [limited to hoses formaximum working pressure of 1 MPa (10 bar) and with bore up to and including 6,3 mm], foroperating temperatures -20 °C to +60 °C, are specified.

BS EN ISO 5171: 2010Gas welding equipment. Pressure gauges used in welding, cutting andallied processesSupersedes BS EN 562:2003

Requirements for Bourdon-tube pressure gauges normally used with compressed gas systems inwelding, cutting and allied processes, at pressures up to 30 MPa (300 bar) are specified. The standardalso covers use for dissolved acetylene and for liquefied gases under pressure.

BS EN ISO 5172: 2006Gas welding equipment. Blowpipes for gas welding, heating and cutting.Specifications and testsThe standard specifies the characteristics of manual (not air aspirated) blowpipes for gas welding,cutting and heating of metals, and gives specifications and corresponding tests. It specifies hoseconnections, material, marking, safety and operational requirements, and test conditions for leaks,sustained backfire, overheating, stability in wind, valve endurance, and backflow.

BS EN ISO 5182: 2009Resistance welding. Materials for electrodes and ancillary equipmentSupersedes BS 4577:1970Implementation of EN ISO 5182 by amendment to BS ISO 5182:2008

The characteristics of materials for resistance welding electrodes and ancillary equipment which areused for carrying current and transmitting force to the work are specified.

BS EN ISO 5183Resistance spot welding. Electrode adaptors, male taper 1:10

Part 1: 2001 Conical fixing, taper 1:10

Supersedes BS EN 25183-1:1992

Dimensions, tolerances and materials are specified for resistance spot welding electrode adaptorswhere the fixing part for the electrode cap is a male taper and for which the electrode taper fitsconform to standard ISO 1089.

Part 2: 2001 Parallel shank fixing for end-thrust electrodes.

Supersedes BS EN 25183-2:1992

Dimensions, tolerances, designation, materials and marking are specified for resistance spot weldingelectrodes where the fixing part for the electrode cap has a male taper and a parallel shaft is used tofix the adaptor to the electrode holder.

BS EN ISO 5821: 2009Resistance welding. Spot welding electrode capsThe dimensions and tolerances of resistance spot welding electrode caps, where a female taper (seeISO 1089) is used to fix the cap to an electrode adaptor (see ISO 5183-1 and ISO 5183-2), arespecified.

BS EN ISO 5826: 2003Resistance welding equipment. Transformers. General specificationsapplicable to all transformersSupersedes BS 7125:1989

This standard specifies safety, construction and test requirements applicable to transformers forresistance welding equipment without a connected rectifier. Requirements are given for physicalenvironment, operating and test conditions, protection against electric shock, thermal specification,rated no-load output voltage, rated short-circuit voltage, cooling liquid circuit, dynamic behaviour,rating plate and instructions.

BS EN ISO 7291: 2010Gas welding equipment. Pressure regulators for manifold systems used inwelding, cutting and allied processes up to 30 MPa (300 bar)Supersedes BS EN 961:1996

This standard specifies requirements and test methods for pressure regulators in manifold systemsnormally used for compressed gases up to 300 bar (30 MPa) for welding, cutting and allied processes.Gases included are: dissolved acetylene, methylacetylene-propadiene-mixtures (MPS) and carbon

dioxide (CO 2 ). It covers regulation of the pressure at the outlet of high-pressure lines from manifoldgas cylinders.

BS EN ISO 9012: 2011Gas welding equipment. Air-aspirated hand blowpipes. Specifications andtestsRequirements and test methods for air-aspirated hand blowpipes are specified. The standard appliesto blowpipes for brazing, soldering, heating, fusion and other allied thermal processes, which use afuel gas and aspirated air (injector-type blowpipes), and are intended for manual use.

BS EN ISO 9539: 2010Gas welding equipment. Materials for equipment used in gas welding,cutting and allied processesSupersedes BS EN 29539:1992

General, and some special, requirements on materials used for the construction of equipment used ingas welding, cutting and allied processes are specified.

BS EN ISO 13918: 2008Welding. Studs and ceramic ferrules for arc stud weldingThe most important dimensions of studs and ceramic ferrules for arc stud welding are specified forcustomary applications. Further types may be specified as required for special application.

BS EN ISO 14113: 2008Gas welding equipment. Rubber and plastics hose and hose assembliesfor use with industrial gases up to 450 bar (45 MPa)The standard specifies requirements for rubber and plastics hose and hose assemblies for use withcompressed, liquefied and dissolved gases up to a maximum working pressure of 45 MPa (450 bar),within the ambient temperature range of -20 °C to +60 °C. It applies to hose assemblies used toconnect industrial gas cylinders to manifolds or bundles prior to any pressure reduction stage.

BS EN ISO 14744Welding. Acceptance inspection of electron beam welding machines

Part 1: 2008 Principles and acceptance conditions

Requirements for acceptance inspection of electron beam welding machines, preferably when firstinstalled on the user's premises, are specified.

Part 2: 2001 Measurement of accelerating voltage characteristics

This standard is intended for use when the characteristics of the accelerating voltage of electron beamwelding machines complying with EN ISO 14744-1 is to be measured in connection with an acceptanceinspection. It provides essential information on the procedure and apparatus to be used for makingthe measurements.

Part 3: 2001 Measurement of beam current characteristics

This standard is intended for use when the beam current of electron beam welding machinescomplying with EN ISO 14744-1:2000 is to be measured in connection with an acceptance inspection.It provides essential information on the procedure and apparatus to be used for making themeasurements.

Part 4: 2001 Measurement of welding speed

This standard is intended for use when the welding speed for electron beam welding machinescomplying with EN ISO 14744-1 is to be measured in connection with an acceptance inspection. Itprovides essential information on the procedure and apparatus to be used for making themeasurements.

Part 5: 2001 Measurement of run-out accuracy

This standard is intended for use when the run-out accuracy of the moving parts of electron beamwelding machines complying with EN ISO 14744-1 is to be measured in connection with an acceptanceinspection. It provides information on the procedure and apparatus to be used for making themeasurements. Given the great variety of electron beam welding machines, the scope ofmeasurements required for acceptance inspection purposes should be specified separately for themachine concerned.

Part 6: 2001 Measurement of stability of spot position

This standard is intended for use when the stability of spot stability of welding machines complyingwith EN ISO 14744-1 is to be measured in connection with an acceptance inspection. It providesessential information to the procedure and apparatus to be used for making the measurements.

BS EN ISO 15616Acceptance tests for CO2 laser beam machines for high quality weldingand cutting

Part 1: 2003 General principles, acceptance conditions

Requirements are provided for acceptance testing of CO2-laser beam machines prior to or duringinstallation at the user's premises. The acceptance tests are used to document the ability of CO2-laserbeam machines to produce welded joints and cuts of consistent quality. The standard is intended to beused for preparation of the technical specification for CO2-laser beam machines for high qualitywelding and cutting in two operating directions (2D), giving basic requirements. Additional tests andrequirements may be specified in the technical specification for the CO2- laser beam machine.

Part 2: 2003 Measurement of static and dynamic accuracy

The standard is applicable to the measurement of: the precision of the manipulation system;positioning accuracy; repeatability of positioning; and trajectory exactness, for the acceptance testingof CO2-laser beam machines for high quality welding and cutting in two operation directions (2D) inaccordance with EN ISO 15616-1. The testing procedure and equipment are specified.

Part 3: 2003 Calibration of instruments for measurement of gas flow and pressure

The standard is applicable to the measurement of the process oriented gas parameters for theacceptance tests for CO2-laser beam machines for high quality welding and cutting in two operationdirections (2D) in accordance with EN ISO 15616-1. Examination procedures for instruments used forcontrol of process oriented gas parameters are specified.

BS EN ISO 17662: 2005Welding. Calibration, verification and validation of equipment used forwelding, including ancillary activitiesRequirements are specified for the calibration, verification and validation of equipment used for:control of process variables during fabrication, or control of the properties of equipment used forwelding or allied processes, where the resulting output cannot be readily or economically documentedby subsequent monitoring, inspection and testing. This is relevant to process variables influencingfitness-for-purpose and in particular the safety of the fabricated product.

BS EN ISO 22829: 2008Resistance welding. Transformer rectifier for welding guns with integratedtransformers. Transformer rectifier units operating at 1000 Hz frequencyThis standard applies to transformer-rectifier units as used in electric resistance welding machinesoperating from a power supply with a frequency of 1 000 Hz, and of a rated value of the input voltageequal to or higher than 500 V. These transformer-rectifier units are primarily used in welding gunswith an integrated transformer. For these transformer units, this standard supplements therequirements given in ISO 5826 and ISO 10656, which remain applicable except where amended bythis standard.

BS ISO 12176Plastics pipes and fittings. Equipment for fusion jointing polyethylenesystems

Part 2: 2008 Electrofusion

This standard is applicable to electrofusion control units designed for use in the construction of jointsbetween PE pipes and fittings for the supply of gaseous fuels or for the conveyance of water, wherethe normal operating temperature of the control unit is in the range -10 °C to +40 °C.

DD CLC/TS 62081: 2002Arc welding equipment installation and useSuperseded by BS EN 60974-9:2010

ISO 7289: 2010Gas welding equipment. Quick-action couplings with shut off valves forwelding, cutting and allied processes

ISO 15616Acceptance tests for CO2 laser beam machines for high quality weldingand cutting

Part 4: 2008 Machines with 2-D moving optics

Supersedes ISO/TR 17477: 2003Will be implemented as an identical British Standard