Overview
EN ISO 8205:2021 (ISO 8205:2021) specifies requirements and test procedures for water‑cooled secondary connection cables used in resistance welding equipment. The standard covers both single‑conductor and double‑conductor secondary connection cables and consolidates earlier parts (superseding EN ISO 8205‑1:2002, ‑2:2002 and ‑3:2012) into a single, up‑to‑date document adopted by CEN members.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard provides practical, testable specifications across electrical, mechanical and cooling domains, including:
- Classification and dimensions
- Form of end lugs, cross‑sectional areas, and length limits for single and double conductor cables.
- Marking and designation
- Requirements for cable identification to support traceability and procurement.
- Materials
- General material considerations affecting electrical and cooling performance.
- Electrical characteristics and requirements
- Permanent current ratings, resistance measurement, and impedance/power factor evaluation (double‑conductor cables).
- Type tests and routine tests such as insulation resistance and conductor resistance determination.
- Mechanical requirements and durability tests
- Leak tightness and pressure resistance of the water circuit, required water flow, flexibility at cable ends, torsion testing, and a defined endurance test cycle.
- Delivery conditions and test reporting
- Expectations for supplied product condition, documentation and test reports.
Practical applications
EN ISO 8205:2021 is essential for ensuring safe, reliable cooling and electrical performance of secondary cables in resistance welding and allied processes. Practical uses include:
- Designing and manufacturing water‑cooled welding cables and end fittings
- Specifying procurement requirements for welding equipment suppliers
- Creating quality control and acceptance test plans in production
- Performing compliance testing in independent labs or in‑house test facilities
- Supporting maintenance, replacement and safety documentation for welding shops and automotive manufacturing lines
Who should use this standard
- Welding equipment and cable manufacturers
- Welding engineers and production managers
- Quality assurance and compliance teams
- Test laboratories and certification bodies
- Purchasing specialists specifying welding consumables
Related standards and context
- Prepared by ISO/TC 44 (Welding and allied processes) in collaboration with CEN/TC 121.
- Supersedes EN ISO 8205‑1:2002, EN ISO 8205‑2:2002 and EN ISO 8205‑3:2012.
- Use alongside broader welding and electrical safety standards where applicable.
EN ISO 8205:2021 provides a consolidated, practical framework for ensuring that water‑cooled secondary connection cables meet consistent electrical, mechanical and cooling performance expectations in resistance welding installations.