Welder testing across Bunbury and the South West
Electrical safety testing for welding power sources. We inspect and test mains-powered welders to AS 60974.4:2025, including the voltage reduction device (VRD) where fitted and applicable.
Tell us how many welders you have, the makes and models, and where they are. We'll quote and plan the visit around your work.
What is welder testing?
Welder testing checks the electrical safety of your welding equipment. We inspect and test welding power sources so they are safe to connect, use and handle.
It is not weld-quality testing, which checks a finished weld, and it is not welder qualification testing, which assesses a person's welding skill. Our service is about the machine and its electrical safety.
We test to AS 60974.4:2025, the Australian Standard for periodic inspection and testing of arc welding equipment.
Welding equipment we test
- Mains-powered single-phase welding power sources
- Mains-powered three-phase welding power sources
- MIG, TIG, stick (MMA) and multi-process welders
- Welding leads, torches and earth clamps
Engine-driven welders: AS 60974.4:2025 does not cover engine-driven welding power sources. If you have engine-driven welders, ask us and we will confirm what testing approach applies before booking.
What welder testing checks
Each welding power source goes through a set of electrical safety checks. The checks that apply depend on the machine and how it is built.
Insulation and earthing
Insulation and earthing- Insulation resistance
- Protective earth continuity
Voltage reduction device
Voltage reduction device- VRD operation, where fitted and applicable
- Peak output voltage measurements
Leads and accessories
Leads and accessories- Condition of the power source and leads
- Torches and earth clamps
What is VRD testing?
When a welder is switched on but not welding, there can still be voltage between its output terminals. This is called open-circuit voltage.
A voltage reduction device, or VRD, lowers that voltage while the welder is idle and lets the machine supply full output once welding starts. It helps reduce the risk of electric shock to the operator.
Where a VRD is fitted and applicable, we check that it operates correctly and take measurements to confirm the output voltage is within the required limits.
Read our guide to what VRD testing is for more detail.
Is welder testing the same as electrical test and tag?
No. General appliance testing to AS/NZS 3760 does not necessarily cover all the checks required for a welding power source.
Welder testing follows AS 60974.4:2025 and includes checks specific to welding equipment, such as VRD operation where fitted and applicable.
Your other plug-in equipment is covered by our electrical test and tag service. Ask us to quote for both if you need them.
Why choose Harvey Test & Tag for welder testing?
Specialist welder test equipment
We use dedicated equipment to test welding power sources, including measurements of VRD operation where fitted and applicable.
Electrical trade experience
Owner and manager Kris Urwin is electrical trade-qualified, with more than twenty years of experience across electrical safety testing, fire equipment servicing and workplace safety.
Welder testing reports
Each machine is recorded with its test result, VRD status and next test date in a barcoded report for your equipment records.
Single-phase and three-phase welders
We test mains-powered single-phase and three-phase welding power sources, including MIG, TIG, stick and multi-process machines.
Clear quotes
We quote on your equipment, quantity, location and testing scope, and you receive the quote before booking.
Scheduling around your work
Tell us your production hours and access requirements, and we will plan the visit around them.
How often should welders be tested?
AS 60974.4:2025 does not set one interval for every welder. The right schedule depends on the manufacturer's instructions, the equipment's condition, how and where it is used, and any requirements that apply on your site.
A welder used every day in a busy workshop or on site faces different risks from one used occasionally in a clean environment.
We can help you plan a schedule for your equipment. Arrange testing sooner after damage, a suspected fault or a repair.
Your site rules, contracts or insurer may also set testing requirements.
How welder testing works
Tell us about your welders
Send the makes, models and quantities, the power connections and your site location.
We test onsite
We inspect and test each welding power source to AS 60974.4:2025, including the VRD where fitted and applicable.
Receive your report
You receive a barcoded report for your records and a reminder when the next test is due.
Preparing for welder testing
A few details help us quote accurately and plan the visit:
- The make and model of each welder
- How many welders you need tested
- The power connections they use, such as single-phase or three-phase plugs
- Your site location
- Access requirements, such as inductions, permits or restricted hours
Photos of the machines and their plugs can also help.
Welder testing reports for your equipment records
After testing, you receive a barcoded report. Each machine is recorded with its test result, its VRD status and its next test date.
A report is provided for each machine, following the sample report format in AS 60974.4:2025.
You can use the report to track your welding equipment and keep records for workplace safety reviews.
What affects the cost of welder testing?
We quote for your equipment and site. The main factors are:
- The number and type of welders.
- Single-phase or three-phase power sources.
- Your location and site access.
- The testing scope, including any other equipment tested in the same visit.
Send us the makes, models and quantities to get started.
Welder testing for workshops and sites across the South West
Industry guides: Heavy diesel and mechanical workshops · Fabrication and welding workshops
Our routine service area covers the South West, from Waroona to Dunsborough and inland to Collie, including Harvey, Bunbury, Australind, Busselton and Collie.
Welder testing beyond the South West, including Perth, is available by arrangement. Tell us your site address and we will confirm availability and travel.
Common questions about welder testing
We test welding power sources to AS 60974.4:2025, the Australian Standard for periodic inspection and testing of arc welding equipment. It is separate from AS/NZS 3760, the standard used for general electrical test and tag.
A voltage reduction device lowers the open-circuit voltage at a welder's output while it is idle, and lets the machine supply full output once welding starts. It helps reduce the risk of electric shock. Where a VRD is fitted and applicable, we check that it operates correctly.
AS 60974.4:2025 does not cover engine-driven welding power sources. Contact us with the make and model, and we will confirm what testing approach applies before booking.
The make, model and number of welders, the power connections they use, your site location and any access requirements. Photos of the machines and their plugs can also help.
There is no single interval for every welder. The schedule depends on the manufacturer's instructions, the equipment's condition, how and where it is used, and your site requirements. We can help you plan it.
Yes. We test onsite across the South West, and beyond the region, including Perth, by arrangement.
Yes. You receive a barcoded report recording each machine's test result, VRD status and next test date.
Standards and guidance
- AS 60974.4:2025 (Standards Australia) The standard for periodic inspection and testing of arc welding equipment.
- Welding processes: code of practice (WorkSafe WA) Guidance on managing the risks of welding in the workplace, including electrical risks.
Request a welder testing quote
Tell us about your welders and where they are. We'll reply with a quote and a suggested time for the visit.
Reviewed by Kris Urwin, Owner and Manager of Harvey Test & Tag. Kris is electrical trade-qualified with more than 20 years of experience in electrical safety testing, fire equipment servicing and workplace safety across the South West.
Ready to book welder testing?
Tell us the makes, models and number of welders and where they are. We'll quote and plan a time for your visit. Local to the Harvey Shire, onsite across the South-West including Bunbury, Australind, Busselton and Collie.
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