Glow Wire Tester IEC 60695
Product Overview
The Glow Wire Tester is a specialized instrument designed to evaluate the fire hazard of electrical and electronic products when exposed to thermal stress caused by glowing components. During the test, a nickel–chromium glow wire (Φ4 mm, Ni80/Cr20) is electrically heated to a specified temperature between 500°C and 1050°C, then applied to the test specimen under a constant force of 0.95 N for 30 seconds.
This process simulates conditions that may occur due to overheated components, poor electrical connections, or overload faults. By observing ignition behavior, flame duration, and glowing characteristics, the tester determines key flammability parameters including the Glow-Wire Ignition Temperature (GWIT) and Glow-Wire Flammability Index (GWFI).
Engineered for precision and repeatability, the tester uses a microcomputer-based control system and a 7-inch touch screen interface. It is widely used in electrical safety testing, material development, engineering plastics production, and regulatory compliance laboratories.
Application
The Glow Wire Tester is suitable for evaluating the ignition tendency and fire hazard of:
(1) Electrical and electronic equipment components
(2) Engineering plastics used in appliance enclosures, switches, terminals, plugs, sockets and connectors
(3) Solid insulating materials and polymeric materials
(4) Components in household appliances subject to abnormal heat conditions
(5) Lighting equipment housings and fittings
(6) Automotive electrical modules and internal wiring components
(7) Solid combustible materials requiring GWIT, GWFI or glow-wire compliance certification
The tester is widely applied in industries such as home appliances, low-voltage electrical devices, power electronics, automotive electronics, polymer materials, safety certification bodies and research laboratories.
Compliance Standards
The Glow Wire Tester meets or exceeds the following international and national glow-wire fire hazard testing standards:
(1) GB/T 5169.10-2017 Fire hazard testing for electrotechnical products – Glow-wire flammability
(2) GB 4706.1 Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety
(3) IEC 60695 Fire hazard testing – Glow-wire methods
(4) UL 746A Polymeric materials – Short-term property evaluations
(5) IEC 829 Insulating material flammability testing
(6) DIN 695 Glow wire flammability test
(7) VDE 0471 Glow-wire test methods for electrical insulation materials
These standards ensure the instrument’s compatibility with global certification requirements for electrical safety and material flammability testing.
Technical Parameters
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Glow wire temperature range | 500–1050°C ±2°C (continuous adjustable) |
| Glow application time | 0–999.9 s ±0.1 s (typical: 30 s) |
| Ignition time | 0–999.9 s ±0.1 s (automatic recording) |
| Flame-extinguish time | 0–999.9 s ±0.1 s (automatic recording) |
| Thermocouple | Φ1 mm armored K-type thermocouple |
| Glow wire material | Φ4 mm Ni80/Cr20 nickel–chromium wire |
| Penetration depth | 7 mm ±0.05 mm |
| Applied force | 0.95 ±0.1 N |
| Test movement speed | 14 mm/s |
| Limit switch system | Red-line photoelectric stop for precise positioning |
| Temperature control | SCR-based PID heating regulation |
| Display | 7-inch color touch screen |
| Background brightness | ≤20 Lux (black background) |
| Control system | Fully automatic program with independent exhaust |
| Test chamber volume | >0.5 m³ (approx. 900 × 590 × 1050 mm) |
| Overall dimensions | 1160 × 600 × 1310 mm (W × D × H) |
FAQ
Q1. What is the purpose of a glow-wire test?
A glow-wire test simulates ignition conditions caused by overheating or electrical faults in electronic components. It evaluates whether a material can ignite, sustain burning or self-extinguish, helping manufacturers ensure product safety.
Q2. Which materials require glow-wire testing?
Materials used in electrical and electronic equipment, including insulating materials, engineering plastics, connectors, relay components, appliance housings and automotive modules.
Q3. What are GWIT and GWFI?
GWIT (Glow-Wire Ignition Temperature) and GWFI (Glow-Wire Flammability Index) are indices used to classify a material’s fire resistance and ignition tendency under glow-wire exposure.
Q4. Does this tester meet European and North American regulatory requirements?
Yes. The tester complies with IEC 60695, UL 746A, DIN 695 and VDE 0471, making it suitable for CE, UL, TÜV and other global certification processes.
Q5. What gas supply is required for operation?
No external gas supply is required. Heating is performed electrically using a controlled high-current system.
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