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1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
In its conception, specification of parts and production, this machine is in compliance with the regulation in
force, namely the European Standards (EN) and internationals (IEC).
There are applicable the European Directives “Electromagnetic compatibility” and “Low voltage”, as well as the
standards IEC 60974-1 / EN 60974-1 and IEC 60974-10 / EN 60974-10.
1.1 ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
The user is responsible for installing and using the arc welding equipment according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. If electromagnetic disturbances are detected, then it shall be the responsibility of the user of the arc
welding equipment to resolve the situation with the technical assistance of the manufacturer. In some cases this action
may be as simple as connect to earth the welding circuit. In other cases it could involve constructing electromagnetic
screens enclosing the welding power source and the work complete with associated input filters. In all cases,
electromagnetic disturbances shall be reduced to the minimum to avoid troubles.
Before installing arc welding equipment the user shall make an assessment of potential electromagnetic
problems in the surrounding area. The following shall be taken into account:
a) Supply cables, control cables, signalling and telephone cables, above, below and adjacent to the arc welding
equipment;
b) Radio and television transmitters and receivers;
c) Computer and other control equipment;
d) Safety critical equipment, e.g. guarding of industrial equipment,;
e) The health of the people around, e.g. the use of pacemakers and hearing aids;
f) Equipment used for calibration or measurement;
g) The immunity of other equipment in the environment. The user shall ensure that other equipment being used in the
environment is compatible. This may require additional protection measures;
h) The hour of day when welding or other activities are to be carried out.
1.1.1 Methods of reducing emissions
Connection to mains
Arc welding equipment should be connected to the input supply system according to the manufacturer’s
recommendations. If interference occurs, it may be necessary to take additional precautions such as filtering of the
supply system. Consideration should be given to shielding the supply cable of permanently installed arc welding
equipment, in metallic conduit or equivalent. Shielding should be electrically continuous throughout its length. The
shielding should be connected to the welding power source so that good electrical contact is maintained between the
conduit and the welding power source enclosure.
Welding cables
The welding cables should be kept as short as possible and should be positioned close together, running at or
close to the floor level.
Equipotential bonding
Bonding of all metallic components in the welding installation and adjacent to it should be considered.
However, metallic components bonded to the work piece will increase the risk that the operator could receive an electric
shock by touching these metallic components and the electrode at the same time. The operator should be insulated from
all such bonded metallic components.
Earthing of the workpiece
When the workpiece is not bonded to earth for electrical safety, nor connected to earth because of its size and
position, e.g. ships hull or building steelwork, a connection bonding the workpiece to earth may reduce emissions in
some, but not all instances. Care should be taken to prevent the earthing of the workpiece increasing the risk of injury to
users, or damage to other electrical equipment. Where necessary, the connection of the workpiece to earth should be
made by a direct connection to the workpiece, but in some countries where direct connection is not permitted, the
bonding should be achieved by suitable capacitance, selected according to national regulations.
