Why is resistance welding equipment duty cycle rated at 50%?

The Resistance Welding Manufacturing Alliance “RWMA” has defined duty cycle in the Resistance Welding Manual, 4th Edition, Section 19-3.  It reads “Since resistance welding equipment is used intermittently, the rating is based on a 50 percent duty cycle over a one minute (60 sec) integrating period”.  This value was determined long ago and has served the industry well.  ISO 5826 also specifies the same 50% duty cycle one minute integration period.

 

Transformer and machine designers design to a 50% duty cycle. Since most resistance welders operate in the 20% range, equipment has proven to be very robust. Duty cycle is actually a heat rating to protect the insulation in the transformer.

In other industries and specific applications transformers are manufactured at various other duty cycles ranging from 20 – 100%.

For additional information on DUTY CYCLE see the article:

WHAT IS DUTY CYCLE?

Calculate Duty Cycle

Reference: RWMA – Resistance Welding Manual Section 19.3

                  ISO - ISO 5826

Have a Question?

Do you have a question that is not covered in our knowledgebase? Do you have questions regarding the above article? Click here to ask the professor.

Did you find this answer helpful?