The Hartford test involves an inspection of welds for insurance purposes. It is primarily a procedure qualification test in which sample welds are made using the same material, same equipment and same type of welding wire which are to be used on the job under construction. Even when this combination has been tested and approved, it is necessary before actual work can be started to satisfy the Hartford inspector that the welding operator who is to do the work is capable of producing welds equal in quality to those obtained in the procedure qualification test.
This qualification test remains valid for the individual welder only as long as he continues to work in the same shop with the same equipment and the same welding wire. If the manufacturer should wish to change any of the details of the welding procedure, the welder may be required to repeat the entire qualification program.