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IEC 62822-1:2016 – Electric Welding Equipment EMF Assessment
Assessment of restrictions related to human exposure to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz)
1. Scope and Application of IEC 62822-1
IEC 62822-1:2016 is a product family standard that applies to equipment for resistance welding, arc welding, and allied processes designed for both occupational use by professionals and use by laymen. Typical allied processes include resistance hard and soft soldering, resistance heating, electric arc cutting, and arc spraying. The standard covers the frequency range from 0 Hz to 300 GHz, addressing the assessment of restrictions related to human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by welding equipment.
This product family standard specifies assessment methods and criteria to evaluate EMF emissions from electric welding equipment with regard to national and international requirements for human exposure to EMF. Magnetic fields generated during welding operations, and the resulting non-thermal effects, are the primary assessment concern.
The standard does not define requirements and methods for workplace assessment regarding electromagnetic field risks. However, the EMF exposure data generated by applying this standard can be used to assist in workplace assessment. It cannot be used to demonstrate electromagnetic compatibility with other equipment, nor does it specify product safety requirements beyond those specifically related to human EMF exposure.
2. Assessment Methods and Exposure Limits
The standard defines comprehensive assessment methodologies including time averaging, spatial averaging, and evaluation of equipment with pulsed or non-sinusoidal welding currents. Equipment must be assessed under worst-case operating conditions, considering both single and multiple operating modes.
| Frequency Range | Parameter | Occupational | Public |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 Hz – 1 Hz | B-field | 200 mT | 40 mT |
| 1 Hz – 8 Hz | B-field | 200 mT / f² | 40 mT / f² |
| 8 Hz – 25 Hz | B-field | 25 mT / f | 5 mT / f |
| 25 Hz – 300 Hz | B-field | 1.0 mT | 0.2 mT |
| 300 Hz – 3 kHz | B-field | 300 mT / f | 60 mT / f |
| 3 kHz – 10 MHz | B-field | 100 μT | 20 μT |
Manufacturers must provide detailed documentation including product classification, applied limits, exposure indices, safe distances, and warnings for persons with pacemakers or medical implants.
3. Engineering Design Insights for EMF Compliance
Cable Management: Keeping welding cables short and close together (twisted or bundled) significantly reduces radiated magnetic fields.
Welding Current Waveform: For pulsed or non-sinusoidal currents, assessment must account for all frequency components up to 10 MHz.
Optimized cable layout and proper return current path management can reduce EMF emissions by 40-60% without compromising weld quality.
Product Documentation: Manufacturers must provide exposure indices, installation distances, and warnings about projectile risks and active medical implant interference.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does IEC 62822-1 apply to all welding equipment?
It applies to resistance welding, arc welding, and allied processes (soldering, cutting, arc spraying) for professional and laymen use, 0 Hz to 300 GHz.
It applies to resistance welding, arc welding, and allied processes (soldering, cutting, arc spraying) for professional and laymen use, 0 Hz to 300 GHz.
Q2: Can this standard be used for EMC compliance?
No. It addresses human EMF exposure, not EMC. EMC compliance requires IEC 60974-10.
No. It addresses human EMF exposure, not EMC. EMC compliance requires IEC 60974-10.
Q3: Most important EMF reduction factor?
Cable arrangement. Keeping welding and return cables close together dramatically reduces magnetic field strength.
Cable arrangement. Keeping welding and return cables close together dramatically reduces magnetic field strength.
Q4: Is field measurement required for every product?
No. Manufacturers may use simulation, reference data, or standardized test configurations.
No. Manufacturers may use simulation, reference data, or standardized test configurations.
