Closed, back open on tuesday from 8h to 12h and from 13h to 18h - +32 (0)9 355 74 26 - info@welda.be
Inspection and calibration of welding equipment according to NEN-EN-IEC 60974-14
Published on 23/08/2022
Have your welding machine inspected, calibrated, verified or repaired by Welda
Does your welding equipment need to be inspected, calibrated, verified or maintained? Welda carries out inspections according to the applicable international standards, ensuring your welding machine remains completely safe, compliant and reliable for production.
These inspections are not only important for safety, but also for companies working according to standards such as EN 1090 (steel structures) or procedures compliant with NEN 3140 (electrical work equipment).
Quickly request your inspection using the form at the bottom of this page.
Why an inspection is mandatory and important
Welding equipment is intensively used and sensitive to wear, heat influences and cable damage. That is why an annual inspection is strongly recommended, and even mandatory within many quality and safety standards.
An inspection supports:
- Safe operation, in accordance with NEN 3140
- Consistent welding quality, crucial for EN 1090 (EXC1–EXC4)
- Compliance with quality standards within welding and construction companies
- Prevention of failures and defects
- Reduction of production downtime
Inspection according to the NEN-EN-IEC 60974-14 standard
It is important to periodically check welding equipment that is subject to wear. The guideline for this is at least once a year. Inspections are carried out according to the new international standard NEN-EN-IEC 60974-14 "Equipment for arc welding - Inspection in operation and testing". This standard replaces the old European standard NEN-EN 50504 "Validation of equipment for arc welding". The previous standard focused on “validation methods for arc welding equipment”, while the new standard specifies requirements for “verification of arc welding and external monitoring equipment”.
The most important points during the inspection are:
- Visual inspection
- Earthing of the safety circuit
- Insulation resistances of the primary circuit
- Open circuit voltage
This standard uses a checklist in which all important parts of the welding machine are checked. The welding machine can only be approved if it meets all the conditions. Moreover, problems such as pollution of the welding machine and defective or overloaded parts will no longer occur.
Relation to EN 1090
Companies working according to EN 1090 must ensure welding quality and the production process within an FPC system (Factory Production Control). A periodically inspected welding machine is essential in this context.
An inspection directly contributes to EN 1090 compliance through:
- Reliable operation of welding equipment
- Consistent welding parameters
- Traceable inspection and test reports
- Support during audits and external controls
Although EN 1090 does not prescribe the procedure itself, NEN-EN-IEC 60974-14 is used in practice as the correct inspection standard.
Relation to NEN 3140
NEN 3140 addresses the safety of electrical work equipment. Welding equipment is also included.
An inspection according to NEN-EN-IEC 60974-14 complements NEN 3140 inspections because it focuses specifically on:
- Welding safety
- Insulation resistance
- Open-circuit voltage
- Operation of welding circuits
Many companies incorporate both standards into their safety programme.
What is checked during the inspection?
During the visual inspection, the following items must be checked:
1. Torch
Torch/electrode holder, welding clamp
- Check for water leaks
- Check for gas leaks
- Insulation testing of the welding torch using a megohmmeter
- Check the power cable
- Check control circuit
- General maintenance (replacing wear parts)
2. Welding machine
Main supply
- Faulty, damaged power cable
- Deformed, defective plug
Welding circuit
- Cables and couplings not suitable for intended use and performance
Case
- Missing or damaged parts
- Unauthorized modifications
- Blocked cooling vents or missing filters
- Signs of overload or misuse
- Missing or defective protective means, such as for example gas cylinder holder
- Missing or defective wheels, lifting equipment, holders,...
- Defective wire reel suspension
- Conductive objects placed in the case
Controls and indicators
- Faulty switches, gauges and lights
- Defective pressure regulator or flow meter
- Incorrect fuses accessible from outside the case
General condition
- Excessive dust or dirt
- Leak in coolant circuit or incorrect coolant level
- Defective gas hoses and connections
- Poor readability of markings and labels
Calibration, verification and validation
A welding machine should not only be electrically inspected, it is also important to calibrate, verify and validate it. Below we briefly explain the difference between these terms:
- Calibration: Demonstrate that the values displayed on the screen and the reference values match by testing.
- Verification: Demonstrate that the welding equipment meets the specifications set for the device.
- Validation: Demonstrating that the set values comply with the reference values within the specific limits.
Standard test or precision test
Welding devices with a display showing actual current and voltage values can be easily calibrated. If the welding device does not have a display, it must be tested in another way. This is then done on the basis of the set value. If there is a scale on the welding device, but it is not directly traceable to current or voltage, the device can be tested for consistency.
The determined values can be assessed with a standard test or a precision test. The standard test is the most commonly used. The deviations within which a welding machine can be approved can be seen in the table below.
End result
The result of the test must be stated on the welding machine with a sticker or label after the inspection:
- Passed
- Precision or standard test
- Date of test or expiration date
- Name of inspection organization
- Welding device serial number
You will also receive an official inspection certificate with all measured values, essential for internal inspections and traceability.
Fill in the form and schedule your inspection, calibration or verification of welding equipment today.