Glow wire testing is used to test plastic sheets or components for their flammability. Here, the test sample is exposed to a selected high temperature load in a defined time window.
The glow wire test is a physical thermal testing test method for plastics. It belongs to the IEC 60695 series of standards "Tests for the assessment of fire hazard" and includes the standard parts 2-10, 2-11, 2-12, and 2-13.
- IEC 60695-2-10 – Glow wire test equipment and general test method. The requirements have been incorporated into EN 60695-2-10, DIN EN 60695-2-10 and VDE 0471-2-10.
- IEC 60695-2-11 – Tests with the glow wire for flammability of end products (GWEPT). The requirements of the IEC have been incorporated into EN 60695-2-11, DIN EN 60695-2-11, and VDE 0471-2-11.
- IEC 60695-2-12 – Testing with glow wire for flammability of materials (GWFI). The requirements of the IEC have been incorporated into EN 60695-2-12, DIN EN 60695-2-12, and VDE 0471-2-12
- IEC 60695-2-13 – Tests with the glow wire for the flammability of materials (GWIT). The requirements of the IEC have been incorporated into EN 60695-2-13, DIN EN 60695-2-13, and VDE 0471-2-13.
During the glow wire test, the start and end of ignition (duration) and the height of the flame are recorded. The test piece may drip onto a specified layer placed below it, but this must not ignite.
The glow wire tests according to IEC 60695-2-11 are carried out on an end product. In this case, the plastic components of the product are individually tested.
Annex A provides information on the test requirements of some product standards in a test sequence diagram. Glow wire tests on the final product are preferred as proof of testing, as these provide the final results on the formed plastic parts.
Some product standards have requirements with reduced test temperature and increased burning time, so some end products may require two or more glow wire tests.
The glow wire tests according to IEC 60695-2-12 are carried out on plastic plates. Different plate thicknesses of a plastic are tested individually. The test results allow material manufacturers to prove the quality of their plastic. The results can make selection easier for final processing in the finished product.
The glow wire tests according to IEC 60695-2-13 are carried out on plastic plates. Different plate thicknesses of a plastic are tested individually. The test results allow material manufacturers to prove the quality of their plastic. The results can make selection easier for final processing in the finished product.
The test results of the glow wire ignition temperature (GWIT) and glow wire flammability index (GWFI) are very often required as overall proof. The requirements depend on the individual product standards.
In some product standards, the proof of GWIT and GWFI are accepted as a substitute for the GWEPT tests. In this case, it is important to ensure that the individual thicknesses of the material plates correspond to the final product.
Testing insulating materials protects individuals from dangerous effects on the body and ensure the safe functioning of the end products.
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