IEC 60974-5:2013

IEC 60974-5


®


Edition 3.0 2013-05



INTERNATIONAL



STANDARD



NORME
INTERNATIONALE


Arc welding equipment –
Part 5: Wire feeders

Matériel de soudage à l’arc –
Partie 5: Dévidoirs


IEC 60974-5:2013

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IEC 60974-5



®



Edition 3.0 2013-05







INTERNATIONAL





STANDARD







NORME



INTERNATIONALE











Arc welding equipment –

Part 5: Wire feeders




Matériel de soudage à l’arc –

Partie 5: Dévidoirs

















INTERNATIONAL

ELECTROTECHNICAL

COMMISSION


COMMISSION

ELECTROTECHNIQUE

PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE

CODE PRIX S


ICS 25.160 ISBN 978-2-83220-825-0



Warning! Make sure that you obtained this publication from an authorized distributor.

Attention! Veuillez vous assurer que vous avez obtenu cette publication via un distributeur agréé.

® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission
Marque déposée de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale

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– 2 – 60974-5 © IEC:2013


CONTENTS



FOREWORD . 4

1 Scope . 6

2 Normative references . 6


3 Terms and definitions . 6

4 Environmental conditions . 7

5 Tests . 7


5.1 Test conditions . 7
5.2 Measuring instruments . 7
5.3 Conformity of components . 8
5.4 Type tests . 8
5.5 Routine tests . 8
6 Protection against electric shock . 8
6.1 Insulation . 8
6.2 Protection against electric shock in normal service (direct contact) . 8
6.2.1 Protection provided by the enclosure . 8
6.2.2 Capacitors . 9
6.2.3 Automatic discharge of supply circuit capacitors . 9
6.2.4 Isolation of the welding circuit . 9
6.2.5 Welding circuit touch current . 9
6.2.6 Touch current in normal condition . 9
6.3 Protection against electric shock in case of a fault condition (indirect contact) . 10
6.3.1 Protective provisions . 10
6.3.2 Isolation between windings of the supply circuit and the welding
circuit . 10
6.3.3 Internal conductors and connections . 10
6.3.4 Isolation of the welding circuit from the frame . 10
6.3.5 Touch current in fault condition . 10
6.4 Supply voltage . 10
6.5 Protective provisions . 10
6.6 Overcurrent protection of the supply circuit. 11
6.7 Cable anchorage . 11
6.8 Auxiliary power supply . 11

6.9 Inlet openings . 11
6.10 Control circuits . 11
6.11 Isolation of hanging means . 11
7 Liquid cooling system . 11
8 Shielding gas supply. 11
9 Thermal requirements . 12
10 Mechanical provisions . 12
10.1 Wire feeder . 12
10.2 Enclosure strength . 12
10.3 Handling means . 13
10.4 Drop withstand . 13
10.5 Tilting stability . 13
10.6 Filler wire supply . 13

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60974-5 © IEC:2013 – 3 –


10.6.1 Filler wire supply mounting . 13

10.6.2 Wire spool retaining device . 13

10.6.3 Filler wire over-run . 13

10.7 Feeding . 14

10.8 Protection against mechanical hazards . 14

11 Rating plate . 15

11.1 General . 15

11.2 Description . 15

11.3 Contents. 15


12 Indication of wire-feed speed . 16
13 Instructions and markings . 16
13.1 Instructions . 16
13.2 Markings . 17
Annex A (normative) Determination of the variation in wire-feed speed . 18
Annex B (informative) Example for a rating plate of a stand-alone wire feeder . 20
Bibliography . 21

Figure 1 – Principle of the rating plate of stand-alone wire feeder . 15

Table 1 – Minimum degree of protection . 9

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INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________



ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –



Part 5: Wire feeders





FOREWORD


1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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
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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 60974-5 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 26:

Electric welding.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2007 and constitutes a
technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
– changes induced by the publication of IEC 60974-1:2012;
– addition of a new symbol for hot surface (as specified in Clause 9);
– determination of the maximum load in accordance with 10.7.

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60974-5 © IEC:2013 – 5 –


The text of this standard is based on the following documents:

FDIS Report on voting


26/503/FDIS 26/507/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 shall be used in conjunction with IEC 60974-1.
The list of all the parts of IEC 60974, under the general title Arc welding equipment, can be
found on the IEC web site.
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.

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– 6 – 60974-5 © IEC:2013


ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT –



Part 5: Wire feeders








1 Scope


This part of IEC 60974 specifies safety and performance requirements for industrial and

professional equipment used in arc welding and allied processes to feed filler wire.
The wire feeder may be a stand-alone unit which may be connected to a separate welding
power source or one where the welding power source and the wire feeder are housed in a
single enclosure.
The wire feeder may be suitable for manually or mechanically guided torches.
This part of IEC 60974 is not applicable to spool-on torches that are covered by IEC 60974-7.
This part of IEC 60974 is not applicable to wire feeders which are designed mainly for use by
laymen and design in accordance with IEC 60974-6.
NOTE 1 Typical allied processes are electric arc cutting and arc spraying.
NOTE 2 This standard does not include electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements.
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 60050-195, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 195: Earthing and
protection against electric shock
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60974-1:2012, Arc welding equipment – Part 1: Welding power sources

IEC 60974-7, Arc welding equipment – Part 7: Torches
IEC 60974-10, Arc welding equipment – Part 10: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
requirements
IEC 61140, Protection against electric shock – Common aspects for installation and
equipment
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-195,
IEC 60974-1, and IEC 60974-7, as well as the following apply.

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60974-5 © IEC:2013 – 7 –


3.1

drive roll

roll in contact with the filler wire and which transfers mechanical power to the filler wire


3.2

filler wire supply

source of filler wire and means for dispensing filler wire to the feeding mechanism


3.3

liner

replaceable component that guides the filler wire

3.4
maximum load
maximum value of the force required to feed the specified types and sizes of filler wires over
the rated speed range
3.5
rated speed range
speed range of the filler wire assigned by the manufacturer for each specified size of filler
wire
3.6
rated supply current
I
1
r.m.s. value of an input current to the wire feeder at maximum load
3.7
wire-feed control
electrical or mechanical apparatus, or both, which control(s) the speed of the filler wire, the
sequence of operations and other services as required
Note 1 to entry: The wire feed control may be integral with the wire feeder or in a separate enclosure.
3.8
wire feeder
equipment that delivers filler wire to the arc or weld zone which includes means to apply
motion to the filler wire
Note 1 to entry: The wire feeder may also include the wire-feed control, the filler wire supply, devices for gas
control, indicators and remote connectors.

4 Environmental conditions
As specified in Clause 4 of IEC 60974-1:2012.
5 Tests
5.1 Test conditions
As specified in 5.1 of IEC 60974-1:2012.
5.2 Measuring instruments
The accuracy of measuring instruments shall be:

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– 8 – 60974-5 © IEC:2013


a) electrical measuring instruments: class 1 (±1 % of full-scale reading), except for the

measurement of insulation resistance and dielectric strength where the accuracy of the

instruments is not specified, but shall be taken into account for the measurement;

b) thermometer: ±2 K;


c) tachometer: ± 1 % of full-scale reading;

d) pressure measuring instruments: class 2,5 (±2,5 % of full-scale reading).


5.3 Conformity of components

As specified in 5.3 of IEC 60974-1:2012.


5.4 Type tests
All type tests given below shall be carried out on the same wire feeder.
As a condition of conformity the type tests given below shall be carried out in the following
sequence:
a) visual inspection (as defined in 3.7 of IEC 60974-1:2012);
b) insulation resistance (as specified in 6.1.4 of IEC 60974-1:2012 (preliminary check));
c) enclosure (as specified in 14.2 of IEC 60974-1:2012);
d) handling means (as specified in 10.3);
e) drop withstand (as specified in 10.4);
f) protection provided by the enclosure (as specified in 6.2.1);
g) insulation resistance (as specified in 6.1.4 of IEC 60974-1:2012);
h) dielectric strength (as specified in 6.1.5 of IEC 60974-1:2012);
i) visual inspection (as defined in 3.7 of IEC 60974-1:2012).
The other tests included in this standard and not listed here shall be carried out, but may be
completed in any convenient sequence.
5.5 Routine tests
All routine tests given below shall be carried out on each wire feeder in the following
sequence:
a) visual inspection in accordance with manufacturer’s specification;
b) continuity of the protective circuit, if applicable (as specified in 10.5.3 of IEC 60974-
1:2012);

c) dielectric strength (as specified in 6.1.5 of IEC 60974-1:2012);
6 Protection against electric shock
6.1 Insulation
As specified in 6.1 of IEC 60974-1:2012.
6.2 Protection against electric shock in normal service (direct contact)
6.2.1 Protection provided by the enclosure
Wire feeders shall have a minimum degree of protection in accordance with Table 1 using
IEC 60529 test procedures and conditions.

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60974-5 © IEC:2013 – 9 –


Table 1 – Minimum degree of protection


Designed for Designed for
Component

indoor use outdoor use

Motor and control supplied by a voltage ≤ SELV IP2X IP23S

IP21S IP23S
Motor and control supplied by a voltage > SELV

Live parts at welding potential for wire feeders used with

manually guided torches (for example, filler wire, wire spool, IPXX IPX3

drive rolls)

Live parts at welding potential for wire feeders used with

mechanically guided torches (for example, filler wire, wire IPXX IPXX

spool, drive rolls)
NOTE Additional requirement for mechanical hazards are given in 10.8.

Wire feeders with degree of protection IP23S may be stored but are not intended to be used
outside during precipitation unless sheltered.
Adequate drainage shall be provided by the enclosure. Retained water shall not interfere with
the correct operation of the equipment or impair safety. The quantity of water that may enter
the enclosure during the following test is not limited.
Conformity shall be checked by the following test:
The filler wire shall be fed into the drive system and all external connectors shall be
connected or covered.
The wire feeder shall be subjected to the appropriate water test without being energized.
Immediately after the test, the wire feeder shall be moved to a safe environment and
subjected to the insulation resistance test, listed in 5.4 g) and dielectric strength test, listed in
5.4 h).
When live parts at welding potential are protected against precipitation, the filler wire shall
show no visual wetness after the test.
6.2.2 Capacitors
As specified in 6.2.2 of IEC 60974-1:2012.
6.2.3 Automatic discharge of supply circuit capacitors

As specified in 6.2.3 of IEC 60974-1:2012.
6.2.4 Isolation of the welding circuit
As specified in 6.2.4 of IEC 60974-1:2012.
6.2.5 Welding circuit touch current
For Class I stand-alone wire feeders, as specified in 6.2.5 of IEC 60974-1:2012.
6.2.6 Touch current in normal condition
As specified in 6.2.6 of IEC 60974-1:2012.

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6.3 Protection against electric shock in case of a fault condition (indirect contact)


6.3.1 Protective provisions

Wire feeder shall be class I, class II or class III equipment in accordance with IEC 61140, with
the exception of the welding circuit.

6.3.2 Isolation between windings of the supply circuit and the welding circuit

As specified in 6.3.2 of IEC 60974-1:2012.


6.3.3 Internal conductors and connections

As specified in 6.3.3 of IEC 60974-1:2012.
6.3.4 Isolation of the welding circuit from the frame
Live parts at welding potential (for example, filler wire, wire spool, drive rolls) shall be isolated
from the wire feeder frame or other structure to which they are attached by basic insulation
(minimum clearances are specified in Tables 1 of IEC 60974-1:2012 and minimum creepage
distances are specified in Table 2 of IEC 60974-1:2012).
Conformity shall be checked as specified in 6.1.2 and 6.1.3 of IEC 60974-1:2012.
6.3.5 Touch current in fault condition
For Class I stand-alone wire feeders, as specified in 6.3.6 of IEC 60974-1:2012.
6.4 Supply voltage
The supply voltage shall be supplied from a welding power source as specified in 11.5 of
IEC 60974-1:2012 or from the supply network provided that 6.5 is met.
6.5 Protective provisions
Connection of exposed conductive parts to the protective conductor is not required if the
supply voltage is supplied by the welding circuit or safety extra low voltage (SELV).
Connection of exposed conductive parts to the protective conductor is required if the wire
feeder is rated for supply voltages above SELV. The protective conductor connection shall be
secured to the frame or enclosure by a screw or fastening that shall not require removal
during any servicing operation. Solder alone shall not be used for securing the protective
conductor terminals.

The welding circuit and conductive parts connected to the welding circuit shall not be
connected to the protective conductor.
Where a protective conductor is used, it shall be protected against damage by stray welding
currents, for example, by a device to sense welding current in the protective earth conductor
under a fault condition and to de-energize the welding circuit or by insulation of the relevant
metal parts, for example, by an enclosure.
Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection and performing the following fault
simulations:
a) applying a current not greater than the rated current value of the protective conductor;
b) passing the maximum rated welding current through the protective conductor without
damage.

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60974-5 © IEC:2013 – 11 –


6.6 Overcurrent protection of the supply circuit


Internal wiring shall be protected by an overcurrent protective device such as a fuse or circuit-

breaker.


If a wire feeder is designed for use with a specific welding power source, the overcurrent

protective device may be within the welding power source.


Conformity shall be checked by visual inspection.


6.7 Cable anchorage

The supply cable anchorage of wire feeders which are supplied by a voltage in excess of
safety extra low voltage (SELV) shall meet 10.6 of IEC 60974-1:2012, except for those
powered from the welding circuit.
6.8 Auxiliary power supply
As specified in 11.6 of IEC 60974-1:2012.
6.9 Inlet openings
As specified in 10.7 of IEC 60974-1:2012.
6.10 Control circuits
As specified in Clause 12 of IEC 60974-1:2012.
6.11 Isolation of hanging means
If an attachment is provided for hanging the wire feeder during welding, the attachment shall
be electrical
...