In a rapidly changing eco-friendly world, your business must be in-line with the latest EU requirements. The process of welding traditionally generates a lot of fumes, so you must be conscious of the effect that welding can have on the environment – and the recent EU regulation on the eco-friendly performance of welding machines can help you to achieve this. With these regulations being taken into effect from 1st January 2021, it is crucial that your business has everything it needs to adhere to these guidelines.
‘Welding equipment’ are products that are used for manual, automated or semi-automated welding, brazing, soldering or cutting and is the process of joining two metal pieces by the application of heat.
New regulations from the EU addresses the ecodesign requirements of welding equipment which includes the environmental aspects of welding equipment (such as energy consumption when the product is being used) and ensuring a level of efficiency with your resources.
By 2030, it is estimated that the ecodesign requirements in this Regulation will result in annual energy savings of 1,09 TWh, corresponding to total annual savings of about 0,27 Mt CO2 equivalent – better for the environment and cost-efficient.
Engweld: The new EU requirements for welding equipment includes new design requirements which will come into effect from January 2021
Eco Design Requirements
To comply with energy efficiency requirements, your welding equipment must be in-line with the power source efficiency and idle state power consumption:
- Welding equipment powered by three-phase power sources with direct current (DC) output. Minimum power source efficiency must be at 85%, and maximum idle state power consumption must be at 50W.
- Welding equipment powered by single-phase power sources with direct current (DC) output. Minimum power source efficiency must be at 80% and maximum idle state power consumption must be at 50W.
- Welding equipment powered by single-phase and three-phase power sources with alternating current (AC) output. Minimum power source efficiency must be at 80% and maximum idle state power consumption must be at 50W.
Resource efficiency and information requirements
Your business is also expected to adhere to the updated resource efficiency requirements. Due to this, distributors, such as Engweld, will have the resources available to replace any spare parts that you may need for a minimum period of 10 years after the production of the unit.
This includes providing spare parts for; control panels, power sources, equipment housing, batteries and welding torches just to name a few. These parts shall indicate the use of welding wire or filler material in grams per minute or equivalent standardised units of measurement.
Engweld: Updated resource efficiency and information requirements to ensure your welding equipment is more eco-friendly
The updated regulations also allow you to gain access for any repair and maintenance information that you need. All distributors, including Engweld, will now have to state the power source efficiency and power source consumption making it easier for you to ensure that your welding equipment is eco-friendly and compliant with these EU regulations.
For the full breakdown of the latest EU requirements regarding eco-friendly welding equipment, visit: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1784/oj
