Compliance / 02
Periodic inspection and safety test.
A welding set can pass a PAT test and still be unsafe. BS EN IEC 60974-4 is written for welding power sources, and it tests the things that hurt welders.
- Standard
- BS EN IEC 60974-4
- Typical interval
- Annual
- You get
- Inspection certificate
- Where
- On site or in our workshop
Why it matters
PAT testing wasn't written for welding sets.
A PAT test checks the mains side of an appliance. A welding power source has a second, very different circuit: the welding output, with open-circuit voltages a welder is in contact with all day.
BS EN IEC 60974-4 covers both. It checks the insulation between the mains and the welding circuit, the leakage currents a welder could be exposed to, and the no-load voltage at the torch or electrode holder.
It's the evidence that you've maintained the equipment under the Electricity at Work Regulations and PUWER, and it's the test an HSE inspector expects to see for welding plant.
What we check
The full BS EN IEC 60974-4 sequence.
- Visual inspection of casing, cables, plugs, torches, earth clamps and connectors
- Protective conductor continuity on Class I equipment
- Insulation resistance between supply, welding circuit and protective earth
- Leakage current in the welding circuit and touch current
- No-load voltage measured against the rated value
- Functional checks of switches, indicators and voltage reduction devices where fitted
What you get
Paperwork that stands up.
- Inspection certificate per machine with every measured value
- Pass label showing the next due date
- Certificates uploaded to OneArc for audit day
- Fails explained in plain English, with a repair quote
How it works
Booked, tested, certified, remembered.
Book
Call, email or use the form. We agree a date that suits production and confirm what's on site.
Test
Our engineers test on site, or in our Grimsby workshop if you'd rather send kit in.
Certify
Certificate and sticker per asset. Anything that fails comes with the reason and a repair quote.
Remind
Everything goes into OneArc. We remind you before it's due again.
Questions
Common questions
Anything else, call the workshop on 01472 469223.
Who's competent to do this test? Qualifications and competence
Read the guide: Is a PAT test enough for a welding machine?
Is a PAT test enough for a welding machine?
No. PAT covers the supply side only. BS EN IEC 60974-4 also tests the welding circuit, which is the part the welder touches. Use the right standard for the equipment.
How often is periodic inspection needed?
Annual is the usual interval. Heavy use, harsh environments or site work can justify more often. We'll advise based on how the kit is used.
What happens if a machine fails?
We label it, tell you why in plain English, and quote the repair. Most faults are fixed in our workshop, and as an approved partner we use manufacturer parts.
Book it with
The rest of the visit.
Bundle tests into one visit and the shop floor stops once. Two or more services together also brings the price down.
While we're there
Need wire, tips or discs? We'll bring it.
We supply the consumables as well as test the kit. Add them to the order and they come with the engineer, matched to the machines we've just tested.
Free site audit
Would your workshop pass an HSE inspection today?
Most firms find out when they fail one. We'll walk your site for free and tell you what's due, what's overdue and what's missing. No obligation, no hard sell.