Glow Wire Testing Apparatus
Fire Hazard & Flammability Testing System
Sensotech Instruments Inc. offers a highly precise and advanced Glow Wire Testing Apparatus designed for evaluating the fire hazard characteristics and flammability performance of electrical insulating materials, plastics, polymers, and other solid non-metallic materials. The equipment is specially developed for fire hazard testing according to international and Indian testing standards including IS 11000 (Part 2/Sec 1) and IEC 60695-2-10, ensuring reliable and standardized testing results. The testing principle involves a specially manufactured 80/20 Nickel-Chromium (Ni/Cr) glow wire loop which is electrically heated to a specified temperature, typically up to 960°C or higher, for simulating thermal stress caused by overheated electrical components. During the test procedure, the test specimen is brought into contact with the glowing wire under a precisely controlled force for a specified duration, generally 30 seconds, in order to evaluate the ignition behavior and burning characteristics of the material. The apparatus allows observation of whether the material ignites, the duration of flame persistence (Flame Time), and whether the specimen continues glowing after removal of the wire, helping determine the Glow Wire Flammability Index (GWFI). The system is equipped with a high-quality 4 mm diameter Nickel-Chromium wire loop capable of operating at temperatures up to 1000°C with highly accurate temperature control. A large draught-free stainless steel test chamber with a minimum volume of approximately 0.5 m³ ensures that air currents do not affect the testing conditions or flame behavior. The apparatus incorporates advanced PID temperature controllers, precision force application mechanisms, accurate timing systems, and adjustable specimen movement arrangements for highly repeatable and reliable testing performance. Modern versions of the equipment are available with PLC automation, HMI touch screen controls, digital temperature display, and automated specimen movement systems for enhanced operational consistency and easy test parameter setup. The Glow Wire Testing Apparatus is widely used in electrical industries, plastic industries, appliance manufacturing units, cable industries, R&D laboratories, testing laboratories, and certification centers for evaluating material fire safety and achieving product safety certifications.
Technical Features
- Designed according to IS 11000 (Part 2/Sec 1) and IEC 60695-2-10 standards.
- Uses an 80/20 Nickel-Chromium (Ni/Cr) glow wire heating loop.
- 4 mm diameter glow wire capable of operating up to 1000°C.
- Precision PID temperature control system for accurate heating performance.
- Controlled specimen contact force between 0.8 N and 1.2 N.
- Accurate timing system for maintaining standard test duration.
- Large draught-free stainless steel chamber prevents airflow disturbances during testing.
- PLC automation and HMI touch screen available for automatic test operation.
Testing Procedure
- The Nickel-Chromium glow wire is electrically heated to a specified test temperature.
- The material specimen is brought into contact with the heated glow wire under controlled force.
- Standard contact duration is generally maintained for approximately 30 seconds.
- The chamber environment remains draught-free to ensure accurate flame behavior observation.
- The test evaluates ignition behavior, flame duration, and glowing characteristics.
- Glow Wire Flammability Index (GWFI) and flame persistence are observed and recorded.
Applications & Purpose
- Used for fire hazard testing of plastics, polymers, and electrical insulation materials.
- Determines whether materials ignite, self-extinguish, or continue burning.
- Widely used in electrical, electronics, appliance, and cable manufacturing industries.
- Suitable for testing laboratories, R&D centers, and certification agencies.
- Helps manufacturers achieve product safety certifications and compliance standards.
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