IEC 60050-851:2008

Overview

IEC 60050-851:2008 – International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV), Part 851: Electric welding – is a critical standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This standard provides a comprehensive set of internationally-agreed terms and definitions specifically related to electric welding. Serving as a part of the broader IEV series, IEC 60050-851 supports clear communication, consistency, and interoperability across electric welding technologies and industries worldwide.

This second edition, published in 2008, is a technical revision that reflects recent advancements and standardization in electric welding. Significant updates include the expansion of terminology related to engine-driven equipment, arc striking and stabilizing devices, plasma welding equipment, consumables, wire feeders, cooling systems, gas consoles, and safety equipment.

Key Topics

IEC 60050-851:2008 organizes electric welding terminology into several key sections:

• General Terms (Section 11)
  Definitions foundational to the field of electric welding, including types of welding processes, types of joints, and related concepts such as fusion and resistance welding.

• Electric and Thermal Characteristics (Section 12)
  Terms addressing the electrical and thermal properties of welding equipment, including newly introduced terminology for engine-driven and arc control devices.

• Welding Power Sources (Section 13)
  Vocabulary specific to power sources used in various electric welding processes, with the inclusion of terms relevant to plasma welding equipment.

• Welding Accessories and Consumables (Section 14)
  Expanded definitions for welding consumables, wire feeders, cooling systems, and gas consoles, reflecting recent industry developments.

• Safety Equipment (Section 15)
  A newly introduced section (excluding two terms from previous editions) dedicated to defining safety equipment necessary for electric welding environments.

This structure ensures the standard covers the essential components, operations, and environments where electric welding takes place.

Applications

IEC 60050-851:2008 is a valuable resource across a broad spectrum of industries and applications:

• Manufacturing and Fabrication: Ensures a common understanding of electric welding terms, supporting the design, operation, and quality control of welded structures and products.
• Training and Certification: Provides authoritative definitions for use in technician and engineer training, certification examinations, and skill assessments in welding technology.
• Product Documentation and Labeling: Assists manufacturers in accurately describing welding equipment, accessories, and consumables for global markets.
• Standard Compliance and Safety: Supports regulatory compliance and the implementation of effective safety procedures in electric welding operations.
• R&D and Technical Communication: Facilitates effective technical writing, research, and international collaboration by standardizing terminology.

By providing multilingual definitions (including English, French, Russian, and additional languages), the standard is accessible to a global audience, reducing ambiguity in communication.

Related Standards

IEC 60050-851:2008 is part of the larger IEC 60050 vocabulary series, which standardizes terms across the electrotechnical spectrum. Key related standards include:

• IEC 60050 (IEV) Series – Covers terminology for various domains such as electromagnetic compatibility, rotating machines, and automation.
• IEC 60529 – Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code), referenced for applications involving electric welding equipment safety and classification.
• IEC Guide 108 – Guidance for the application and status of horizontal standards, which includes terminology standards like IEC 60050-851.
• ISO/IEC 2382 – Provides terms in information technology, sometimes referenced in multidisciplinary contexts.

For updated and harmonized welding terminology, organizations, educators, and professionals should regularly consult IEC 60050-851:2008 alongside these related international standards.

By establishing a clear, unified vocabulary for electric welding, IEC 60050-851:2008 drives enhanced safety, product consistency, and cross-border cooperation in the welding industry.