Standards commonly used in the UK joining

industry: Welding Equipment

AWS A5.12M/A5.12: 2009
Specification for tungsten and oxide dispersed tungsten electrodes for arc
welding and cutting
The requirements for the classification of bare tungsten and oxide dispersed tungsten electrodes for
gas tungsten arc welding and cutting and plasma arc welding and cutting are specified. Classification
is 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: 2007

Specification for calibration and performance testing of secondary current
sensing coils and weld current monitors used in single phase AC
resistance welding
Methods 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 resistance
welding currents are specified. Relevant terms are defined. CSC and system tests and calibration
methods are detailed and user information is prescribed.

AWS C2.21M/C2.21: 2003

Specification for thermal spraying equipment. Acceptance inspection
The 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 2007

Recommended practices for safe oxyfuel gas heating torch operation
The latest procedures and safety requirements for oxyfuel gas heating torch operation are presented.

AWS D8.6: 2005

Specification for automotive resistance spot welding electrodes
The standard outlines the requirements for resistance spot welding electrodes as used in the
automotive industry. The various types are defined, and dimensions and specifications given. With the
exception 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 commercially
available types.

BS 638
Arc welding power sources, equipment and accessories
Part 1: 1979 Specification for oil cooled power sources for manual, semi-automatic and
automatic metal arc welding and for TIG welding
Superseded by BS 638-10
Part 2: 1979 Specification for manual metal arc welding with covered electrodes and for TIG
welding
Superseded by BS 638-10

Part 3: 1979 Specification for air cooled power sources for semi-automatic and automatic
metal arc welding
Superseded by BS 638-10
Part 4: 1996 Specification for welding cables
Superseded by BS EN 50525-1: 2011, BS EN 50525-2-81: 2011, but remains current
Part 5: 1988 Specification for accessories
Superseded 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 construction
Superseded by BS 638-10
Part 7: 1984 Specification for safety requirements for installation and use
Superseded by DD CLC/TS 62081
Part 8: 1984 Specification for electrode holders and hand held torches and guns for MIG,
MAG, and TIG welding
Superseded by BS EN 50078 and BS EN 60974-11
Part 9: 1990 Specification for power sources for manual arc welding with limited duty
Superseded by BS EN 60974-6
Part 10: 1990 Specification for safety requirements for arc welding equipment: welding
power sources
Superseded by BS EN 60974-1
BS 7570: 2000
Code of practice for validation of arc welding equipment
Superseded by BS EN 50504

BS 8451: 2004
Rubber hoses for gas welding, cutting and allied processes. High kink
resistant heavy duty welding hose (type H). Specification
Requirements for two classes of flexible rubber hose for use up to a maximum working pressure of 20
bar over a temperature range of -25C to +70C are specified. Type H hoses are mainly used in long
lengths in the construction and military sectors.
BS EN 559: 2003
Gas welding equipment. Rubber hoses for welding, cutting and applied processes
Superseded by BS EN ISO 3821

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

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

Specifications and type tests are defined for quick-action couplings and shut-off valves as used in
equipment for gas welding, cutting and allied processes to connect the hoses between the regulator
and the torch.
BS EN 562: 2003
Gas welding equipment. Pressure gauges used in welding, cutting and applied processes
Superseded by BS EN ISO 5171

BS EN 730
Gas welding equipment
Part 1: 2002 Incorporating a flame (flashback) arrestor
General requirements and tests for fuel gas, oxygen or compressed air safety devices incorporating a
flame (flashback) arrestor for use downstream of the manifold, cylinder and/or pipeline outlet
regulators, and upstream of blowpipes are specified. Location of the devices in the gas system is not
specified. The use of safety devices with flashback arrestors for use with premixed oxy/fuel or air/fuel
gas 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 not
incorporating a flame (flashback) arrestor for use downstream of the manifold, cylinder and/or
pipeline outlet regulators, and upstream of blowpipes are specified. Location of the devices in the gas
system is not specified.

BS EN 1256: 2006
Gas welding equipment. Specification for hose assemblies for equipment
for welding, cutting and allied processes
The 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 allied
processes. It does not apply to assemblies upstream of the regulators. The tests prescribed are for
type test or quality control checks only, and cover gas tightness, and resistance to separation under
pressure or axial load.

BS EN 13705: 2004
Welding of thermoplastics. Machines and equipment for hot gas welding
(including extrusion welding)
Performance requirements for machines and equipment for the hot gas (including extrusion) welding
of semi-finished products made from thermoplastics are specified. General requirements are given on
marking, documentation and nozzles. Hot gas welding requirements cover the design, construction
and performance of manual welding equipment and accessories. Extrusion welding requirements are
given for the plastification and preheating systems, the welding head and shoe and for the pressing
tools; automatic shut down is also dealt with.
BS EN 13918: 2003
Gas welding equipment. Integrated flowmeter regulators used on cylinders for welding,
cutting and applied processes. Classification, specification and tests
Superseded by BS EN ISO 2503

BS EN 15339
Thermal 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: 1994
Torches and guns for arc welding
Superseded by BS EN 60974-7; partially supersedes BS 638-8:1994
BS EN 50199: 1996
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Product standard for arc welding equipment
Superseded by BS EN 60974-10

BS EN 50504:2008
Validation of arc welding equipment
Supersedes BS 7570:2000; technically identical to BS 7570:2000
Validation methods for arc welding equipment constructed and used to the accuracy specified in EN
60974-1 or other equivalent standards are specified. The accuracy of this equipment is designated as
standard grade. The standard is applicable to arc welding power sources, wire feeders, and welding
instrumentation.

BS EN 50525
Electric cables. Low voltage energy cables of rated voltages up to and
including 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 including
450/750 V a.c., used in power installations and with domestic and industrial appliances and equipment
are specified.

Part 2-81: 2011 Cables for general applications. Cables with crosslinked elastomeric
covering for arc welding
Partially supersedes BS 638-4:1996
The standard applies to single core, cross-linked elastomer covered arc welding cables of rated voltage
U0/U 100/100 V, intended for connections between the welding power source and the electrode holder
and 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 greater
flexibility. Maximum conductor operating temperature for each of the cables is 85 C.

BS EN 60974
Arc 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 as
electric arc cutting and arc spraying. Safety requirements for construction and performance
requirements 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 torches
are specified. The cooling systems can be internal or external to power sources for arc welding and
allied processes. The standard is not applicable to refrigerated cooling systems. Clauses cover
environmental conditions, test conditions, protection against electric shock, mechanical requirements,
cooling system and cooling power requirements, rating plate specifications, documentation and
marking.

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 arc
welding and allied processes, such as plasma cutting and arc spraying. The devices may be standalone 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 power
sources together with ancillary equipment for arc welding, cutting and allied processes built in
conformity with BS EN 60974-1 (IEC 60974-1). It is not applicable to the testing of new power sources
or 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 equipment
used for arc welding (manual or mechanically guided torches) are specified. Stand-alone units which
may be connected to a separate power source, or where the power source and wire feed unit are
housed 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 with
limited duty. Safety requirements for construction and performance requirements, limited to 160 A
maximum welding current are specified. The standard is not applicable to rotating or remotely
controlled 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 for
manual metal arc welding or torches for air-arc cutting or gouging. Clauses cover environmental
conditions, classification, test conditions, protection against electric shock, thermal rating, pressure of
the cooling liquid system, resistance to hot objects, impact resistance, marking and instructions for
use.

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 are
specified. The consoles are designed to supply gas for arc welding, plasma cutting, gouging and allied
processes in a non-explosive atmosphere, and can be external or internal to the power source
enclosure. 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 processes
designed in accordance with safety requirements of BS EN ISO 60974-1 (IEC 60974-1), BS EN ISO
60974-6 (IEC 60974-6) or equivalent. It is for guidance in the safe installation and use of equipment
for 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, liquid
cooling 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 or
weld spatter, welding cable connection and impact resistance, marking and operating instruction
requirements. 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 be
connected and disconnected manually without the use of tools. Tests, and electrical, thermal and
mechanical 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 the
workpiece without using tools (not to clamps for underwater welding and plasma cutting). Safety and
performance requirements of welding clamps are specified.

BS EN 62135
Resistance 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 multiple
welding 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 and
installation. To comply with this standard, all safety risks involved in loading, feeding, operating and
unloading the equipment, where applicable, are to be assessed and the requirements of related
standards 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 mains
supplies with rated voltages up to 1 000 V a.c. r.m.s. The frequency range covered is from 0 Hz to
400 GHz. The standard specifies test methods to be used in conjunction with CISPR 11 to determine
radiofrequency (r.f.) emission, and relevant standards and test methods for harmonic current
emission, voltage fluctuation and flicker. Safety requirements are not included.

BS EN ISO 2503: 2009

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)
Supersedes BS EN 585:1995; BS EN 13918:2003
Requirements for single or two-stage pressure regulators for connection to gas cylinders containing
compressed gases up to 300 bar are specified. The gases covered are dissolved acetylene; liquefied
petroleum gases (LPG); methylacetylene-propadiene-mixtures (MPS) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) used
in welding, cutting and allied processes. The standard covers units of measurement; manufacturing
requirements; types of connections; physical characteristics such as pressures and flow rates;
marking; instructions for use and type test procedures.

BS EN ISO 3821: 2010

Gas welding equipment. Rubber hoses for welding, cutting and allied
processes
Requirements for rubber hoses for normal duty of 2 MPa (20 bar) and light duty [limited to hoses for
maximum working pressure of 1 MPa (10 bar) and with bore up to and including 6,3 mm], for
operating temperatures -20 C to +60 C, are specified.

BS EN ISO 5171: 2010

Gas welding equipment. Pressure gauges used in welding, cutting and
allied processes
Supersedes BS EN 562:2003
Requirements for Bourdon-tube pressure gauges normally used with compressed gas systems in
welding, cutting and allied processes, at pressures up to 30 MPa (300 bar) are specified. The standard
also covers use for dissolved acetylene and for liquefied gases under pressure.

BS EN ISO 5172: 2006

Gas welding equipment. Blowpipes for gas welding, heating and cutting.
Specifications and tests
The 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 hose
connections, 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: 2009

Resistance welding. Materials for electrodes and ancillary equipment
Supersedes BS 4577:1970
Implementation of EN ISO 5182 by amendment to BS ISO 5182:2008
The characteristics of materials for resistance welding electrodes and ancillary equipment which are
used for carrying current and transmitting force to the work are specified.

BS EN ISO 5183
Resistance 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 adaptors
where the fixing part for the electrode cap is a male taper and for which the electrode taper fits
conform 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 welding
electrodes where the fixing part for the electrode cap has a male taper and a parallel shaft is used to
fix the adaptor to the electrode holder.

BS EN ISO 5821: 2009

Resistance welding. Spot welding electrode caps
The dimensions and tolerances of resistance spot welding electrode caps, where a female taper (see
ISO 1089) is used to fix the cap to an electrode adaptor (see ISO 5183-1 and ISO 5183-2), are
specified.

BS EN ISO 5826: 2003

Resistance welding equipment. Transformers. General specifications
applicable to all transformers
Supersedes BS 7125:1989
This standard specifies safety, construction and test requirements applicable to transformers for
resistance welding equipment without a connected rectifier. Requirements are given for physical
environment, 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: 2010

Gas welding equipment. Pressure regulators for manifold systems used in
welding, 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 systems
normally 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 manifold
gas cylinders.

BS EN ISO 9012: 2011

Gas welding equipment. Air-aspirated hand blowpipes. Specifications and
tests
Requirements and test methods for air-aspirated hand blowpipes are specified. The standard applies
to blowpipes for brazing, soldering, heating, fusion and other allied thermal processes, which use a
fuel gas and aspirated air (injector-type blowpipes), and are intended for manual use.

BS EN ISO 9539: 2010

Gas welding equipment. Materials for equipment used in gas welding,
cutting and allied processes
Supersedes BS EN 29539:1992
General, and some special, requirements on materials used for the construction of equipment used in
gas welding, cutting and allied processes are specified.

BS EN ISO 13918: 2008

Welding. Studs and ceramic ferrules for arc stud welding
The most important dimensions of studs and ceramic ferrules for arc stud welding are specified for
customary applications. Further types may be specified as required for special application.

BS EN ISO 14113: 2008

Gas welding equipment. Rubber and plastics hose and hose assemblies
for use with industrial gases up to 450 bar (45 MPa)
The standard specifies requirements for rubber and plastics hose and hose assemblies for use with
compressed, 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 to
connect industrial gas cylinders to manifolds or bundles prior to any pressure reduction stage.

BS EN ISO 14744
Welding. 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 first
installed 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 beam
welding machines complying with EN ISO 14744-1 is to be measured in connection with an acceptance
inspection. It provides essential information on the procedure and apparatus to be used for making
the measurements.

Part 3: 2001 Measurement of beam current characteristics

This standard is intended for use when the beam current of electron beam welding machines
complying 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 the
measurements.

Part 4: 2001 Measurement of welding speed

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

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 beam
welding machines complying with EN ISO 14744-1 is to be measured in connection with an acceptance
inspection. It provides information on the procedure and apparatus to be used for making the
measurements. Given the great variety of electron beam welding machines, the scope of
measurements required for acceptance inspection purposes should be specified separately for the
machine 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 complying
with EN ISO 14744-1 is to be measured in connection with an acceptance inspection. It provides
essential information to the procedure and apparatus to be used for making the measurements.

BS EN ISO 15616
Acceptance tests for CO2 laser beam machines for high quality welding
and cutting
Part 1: 2003 General principles, acceptance conditions
Requirements are provided for acceptance testing of CO2-laser beam machines prior to or during
installation at the user's premises. The acceptance tests are used to document the ability of CO2-laser
beam machines to produce welded joints and cuts of consistent quality. The standard is intended to be
used for preparation of the technical specification for CO2-laser beam machines for high quality
welding and cutting in two operating directions (2D), giving basic requirements. Additional tests and
requirements 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 testing
of CO2-laser beam machines for high quality welding and cutting in two operation directions (2D) in
accordance 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 the
acceptance tests for CO2-laser beam machines for high quality welding and cutting in two operation
directions (2D) in accordance with EN ISO 15616-1. Examination procedures for instruments used for
control of process oriented gas parameters are specified.

BS EN ISO 17662: 2005

Welding. Calibration, verification and validation of equipment used for
welding, including ancillary activities
Requirements 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 for
welding or allied processes, where the resulting output cannot be readily or economically documented
by subsequent monitoring, inspection and testing. This is relevant to process variables influencing
fitness-for-purpose and in particular the safety of the fabricated product.

BS EN ISO 22829: 2008

Resistance welding. Transformer rectifier for welding guns with integrated
transformers. Transformer rectifier units operating at 1000 Hz frequency
This standard applies to transformer-rectifier units as used in electric resistance welding machines
operating from a power supply with a frequency of 1 000 Hz, and of a rated value of the input voltage
equal to or higher than 500 V. These transformer-rectifier units are primarily used in welding guns
with an integrated transformer. For these transformer units, this standard supplements the
requirements given in ISO 5826 and ISO 10656, which remain applicable except where amended by
this standard.

BS ISO 12176
Plastics pipes and fittings. Equipment for fusion jointing polyethylene
systems
Part 2: 2008 Electrofusion
This standard is applicable to electrofusion control units designed for use in the construction of joints
between PE pipes and fittings for the supply of gaseous fuels or for the conveyance of water, where
the normal operating temperature of the control unit is in the range -10 C to +40 C.
DD CLC/TS 62081: 2002
Arc welding equipment installation and use
Superseded by BS EN 60974-9:2010

ISO 7289: 2010

Gas welding equipment. Quick-action couplings with shut off valves for
welding, cutting and allied processes
ISO 15616
Acceptance tests for CO2 laser beam machines for high quality welding
and cutting
Part 4: 2008 Machines with 2-D moving optics
Supersedes ISO/TR 17477: 2003
Will be implemented as an identical British Standard