With the advancements made in technology with each passing day, we now have several appliances that are used at home to make our daily lives easier. These appliances range from power tools to lighting products. Now, to ensure they make it easier for us to perform tasks, various are conducted on home appliances to ensure their durability. The probability of short circuit failures, over current or even human misapplications led to putting fire protection measures in place for such products. These measures were put into place to test the flammability of the materials used in home appliances. This article will explore two flame resistance tests that look specifically at this issue, namely Glow Wire Test and Needle Flame Test as well as the requirements of such tests.
Contents
Glow Wire Test
Various methods pertaining to both direct and indirect flame combustion testing are undertaken for determining the flammability and fire resistance of materials. A glow wire test is an example of indirect testing that involves applying a heat source to the sample, where the results of these tests can be used to compare the flame retardant properties of the material. This testing helps check resistance to abnormal heat and conducts fire test on household appliances, lighting lamps as well as electronic products.
Glow Wire Test Method
Glow wire testing is comprised of a steel structure which has a high-temperature coating, and an imported instrument display. This system is easy to operate and provides a stable performance. This equipment can test the flame resistance of all QC department levels and uses simulation technology for assessing fire hazard that could be caused by thermal stress.
In Glow Wire Testing, an element is heated to a pre-determined temperature. The glow wire is the terminology used for the element being heated. After the pre-determined temperature is achieved, the element is then pressed into a sample material with a specified force of 1N for 30 seconds. At a given temperature, the results are either PASS or FAIL. To pass, the sample should not ignite or self-extinguish within 30 seconds after removal. If combustion occurs, the test is failed and recordings of duration, flame height, and if the material drip ignites the tissue are undertaken. These are then used to better the durability of the product being tested.
Needle Flame Test
The Needle Flame Test is used when the production of lighting products, power tools, or some other domestic appliance is taking place. It is used to maintain control over the quality of these appliances so they have efficient output. The apparatus of this test is also able to test out solid combustible and insulation material.
Flame Test Methods
To avoid a fire, it is vital to test and assess the products in a variety of ways like installation position and functioning manner. The temperature of equipment put on the surface of typical flammable materials must not exceed 90 degrees Celsius. As a result, this element should be considered while designing LED lighting devices.
To test out home appliances, LISUN’s needle flame tester requires a sample size is 125mm long, 13mm wide, and no thicker than 13mm to be taken. To maintain the flame position same, the sample is put horizontally, the sample clamp is secured to one end of the sample, and the ignition device is set at a 45-degree angle. The sample is then burned for around 30 seconds. Under the sample holder, a metal mesh and a freely movable fixed frame are installed so that when the sample burns, the free end, and metal mesh remain 10mm apart at least. If the test sample doesn’t result in a flame or the flame extinguishes thirty seconds after completion, the product passes the test. The failure of the test might take place due to overheating of parts or things like fault flow of current. This test is generally used as an alternate to the glow wire test when that cannot be used to obtain conclusive tests. As such, an ignited sample of the glow wire test needs to undergo a needle flame test as well.
