IEC 62135-2:2015

Overview

IEC 62135-2:2015 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for resistance welding equipment and related processes. This standard applies to equipment connected to mains supplies with rated voltages up to 1,000 V AC RMS. The second edition, published in 2015, updates and replaces the first edition released in 2007, introducing significant technical revisions to enhance EMC performance and compliance.

It is important to note that IEC 62135-2:2015 focuses exclusively on electromagnetic compatibility and does not define safety requirements for resistance welding equipment.

Key Topics

This standard covers essential EMC aspects critical for resistance welding equipment:

• Updated Emission Limits: Aligns with the latest reference standards such as CISPR 11, IEC 61000-3-11, and IEC 61000-3-12 for controlling electromagnetic emissions, including harmonics and flicker.
• Immunity Requirements: Specifies immunity tests for voltage dips and electromagnetic fields, including a new EM field immunity test within the 1.4 GHz to 2.7 GHz frequency range.
• Equipment Classification: Defines Class A and Class B equipment distinctions, incorporating specific emission limits and electromagnetic field considerations, particularly for magnetic fields between 150 kHz and 30 MHz in Class B devices.
• Symbols and Identification: Introduces symbols to indicate RF equipment class and use restrictions, enhancing clarity for manufacturers and users.
• Testing Procedures: Details structured test setups for emission and immunity assessments, including requirements for ancillary equipment, measuring instruments, and artificial mains networks.
• Performance Criteria: Outlines immunity performance criteria (A, B, and C) that validate equipment resilience to electromagnetic disturbances.
• Documentation: Specifies documentation requirements for manufacturers to inform users and purchasers about EMC characteristics and compliance.

Applications

IEC 62135-2:2015 is indispensable for manufacturers, designers, and quality assurance teams involved with resistance welding equipment and allied processes. The standard ensures that:

• Resistance welding machines operate reliably without causing electromagnetic interference or malfunctioning due to external electromagnetic disturbances.
• Equipment meets regulatory compliance for EMC in industrial environments, facilitating market access and user safety.
• End-users can trust in the electromagnetic compatibility of welding units, minimizing disruptions to other devices and communication systems.
• Suppliers provide clear product information regarding EMC performance, enhancing transparency and supporting conformity assessments.

Industries benefitting from adherence to this standard include automotive manufacturing, aerospace, heavy machinery production, and metal fabrication sectors relying on resistance welding technologies.

Related Standards

IEC 62135-2:2015 references and aligns with several key international standards related to electromagnetic compatibility and electrical equipment performance:

• CISPR 11: International standard for industrial, scientific, and medical equipment electromagnetic disturbance limits.
• IEC 61000-3-11 & IEC 61000-3-12: Standards addressing harmonic current emissions and voltage flicker limits for equipment connected to low-voltage public power systems.
• IEC 61000-4-11 & IEC 61000-4-34: Electromagnetic compatibility testing and measurement techniques, focusing on voltage dips, short interruptions, and immunity testing.
• IEC 62135-1: Covers the general requirements and safety aspects for resistance welding equipment.
• IEC 61000 series: Comprehensive suite of EMC standards widely used in electrical and electronic equipment certification.

Compliance with IEC 62135-2:2015 combined with relevant IEC EMC and safety standards ensures robust resistance welding equipment that meets international quality and performance benchmarks.

Adhering to IEC 62135-2:2015 helps manufacturers implement effective electromagnetic compatibility strategies for resistance welding equipment, reducing interference risks and promoting dependable industrial welding operations worldwide.