EN 50505:2008

Basic standard for the evaluation of human exposure to electromagnetic fields from equipment for resistance welding and allied processes

Publication date:   Jul 25, 2008

Scope

This European Standard applies to equipment for resistance welding and allied processes designed for use in industrial or domestic environments. NOTE 1 Typical allied processes are resistance hard and soft soldering or resistance heating achieved by means comparable to resistance welding equipment. This European Standard establishes a suitable evaluation method for determining the electromagnetic fields in the space around the equipment and defines standardized operating conditions and measuring distances. It provides a method to show conformity with guidelines or requirements concerning human exposure to electromagnetic fields. The Directive 2006/95/EC of the European Parliament and the Council [1], Article 2, stipulates that the Member States take all appropriate measures to ensure that electrical equipment may be placed on the market only if, having been constructed in accordance with good engineering practice in safety matters in force in the Community, it does not endanger the safety of persons, domestic animals or property when properly installed and maintained and used in applications for which is was made. The principal elements of those safety objectives are listed in Annex I Clause 2.b. This standard may be used in conjunction with EN 50445 for demonstration of conformity to the Council Directive with reference to human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). There are additional requirements covered by Article 2 and Annex I Clause 2.b, which are not included in this document. The Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC [2] provides Basic Restrictions and Derived reference levels for exposure of the general public. This standard may be used for demonstration of resistance welding equipment conformity to the Council Recommendation on this basis, but there may be additional specific national or international requirements which are not included. The ICNIRP Guidelines [3], on limits of exposure to static magnetic fields as well as for limiting exposure in time varying electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields, provide Basic restrictions and Derived reference levels for both occupational and general exposure. This standard may be used for demonstration of equipment conformity to ICNIRP Guidelines on this basis, but there may be additional national or international requirements which are not included. It is also possible to use this document as a basis to demonstrate conformity of resistance welding equipment to other national and international guidelines or requirements with regard to human exposure from EMF, for example Council Directive 2004/40/EC [4] on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risk arising from physical agents (electromagnetic fields), or the requirements of the Directive 98/37/EC [5]. In these cases, other restrictions and levels than those referenced above may be used. Other standards may apply to equipment covered by this standard. In particular this standard can not be used to demonstrate electromagnetic compatibility with other equipment; nor does it specify any product safety requirements other than those specifically related to human exposure to electromagnetic fields. The frequency range covered is 0 Hz to 300 GHz.