Overview
EN ISO 5175-1:2017 (ISO 5175-1:2017) sets out the general requirements and type-test methods for safety devices for fuel gases and oxygen or compressed air that incorporate a flame (flashback) arrestor. It applies to devices used downstream of manifold, cylinder and/or pipeline outlet regulators and upstream of blowpipes in welding, cutting and allied processes. The standard does not prescribe device location in a gas system, and it excludes non‑flame‑arrestor devices (see ISO 5175‑2) and premixed oxy/fuel or air/fuel supply systems downstream of gas mixers or hydrogen/oxygen generators.
Keywords: EN ISO 5175-1:2017, ISO 5175-1, gas welding equipment, flame arrestor, flashback arrestor, welding safety.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Design and materials: guidance on suitable construction, connections and materials to withstand welding environments.
- Gas tightness and pressure resistance: mandatory tests for leakage and mechanical integrity under service pressures.
- Flame arrestor performance: criteria and tests for arresting flame fronts (examples include sintered metal elements).
- Additional safety functions: requirements for non‑return valves, temperature‑sensitive and pressure‑sensitive cut‑off valves, and multifunctional combinations.
- Type testing methods: defined procedures including gas tightness, pressure resistance, non‑return valve, flame arrestor, temperature‑ and pressure‑sensitive cut‑off valve tests.
- Manufacturer responsibilities: instructions, marking and production/third‑party testing information to ensure safe use and traceability.
These elements collectively define performance, test methods and marking expected of compliant safety devices.
Applications and Who Uses This Standard
- Manufacturers of flame arrestors, multifaceted safety devices and welding gas equipment to design and certify products.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies performing type testing and conformity assessment.
- Welding and safety engineers specifying equipment for workshops, fabrication plants and oxy/fuel installations.
- Procurement and compliance teams ensuring purchased devices meet EN ISO 5175-1:2017 requirements.
Practical benefits include reduced flashback risk, harmonized safety testing, clear marking and safer downstream use of fuel gas and oxygen/air supplies.
Related Standards
- ISO 5175-2 - Safety devices not incorporating flame arrestors.
- ISO 15296 - Vocabulary for gas welding equipment.
- ISO 9090, ISO 9539, ISO 10225, ISO 554 - Related tests, materials, marking and conditioning standards.
- Supersedes EN 730-1:2002 (previous edition).
EN ISO 5175-1:2017 is essential for anyone involved in the specification, manufacture, testing or selection of flame arrestors and safety devices for gas welding and allied processes.
