Bunched Cable Vertical Flame Spread Tester

The Bundle Cable Combustion Tester is designed in accordance with the cable  bundle combustion test requirements specified in UL1685, GB/T 18380.31, and  related regulations. It also complies with IEC 60332-3-10, KS C IEC  60332-3-21~25 (Class A~D) standards. When supplied with a controlled amount of  gas and ignited using a standard ignition source, this instrument can test the  ability of vertically installed bundle cables or optical cables to suppress  vertical flame spread under standard test conditions.

Additionally, if the burner angle is adjusted to 20°, this tester can  reference the IEEE 383 (IEEE 1202) standard (note: combustion chamber differs).  If equipped with a heat release instrument, it can also measure dynamic  parameters such as H.R.R (Heat Release Rate) and S.P.R (Smoke Production  Rate).

Reference Standards

(1) UL1685

(2) IEC 60332-3-10

(3) EN 50399

(4) GB/T 18380.31

(5) EN 50266-2-4 (Cable Bundle Combustion Test)

(6) EN 50305 (Railway Applications – Cables with Special Fire Performance for  Railway Locomotives and Vehicles)

Chamber Features

(1) Stainless steel test chamber, dimensions: 1,000 ±100 mm (W) × 2,000 ±100  mm (D) × 4,000 ±100 mm (H). The chamber floor is raised above ground and the  rear is insulated.

(2) Standard stainless steel ladder as required by GB/T 18380.31: one set of  narrow ladder 500 mm, one set of wide ladder 800 mm.

(3) Two spare sample racks.

(4) Ladder material: stainless steel, corrosion-resistant, easy to clean.

(5) Air inlet located near the lower part of the chamber, 150 ±10 mm from the  front, size 800 ±20 mm (W) × 400 ±10 mm (D).

(6) K-type armored thermocouples, 2 mm diameter, installed inside the  chamber.

(7) Wind speed meter on the top of the chamber to monitor external airflow  (optional).

(8) Exhaust port on top: 300 ±30 mm (W) × 1,000 ±100 mm (D), adjustable wind  speed up to 10 m/s.

(9)Standard electrical control cabinet.

(10) Stainless steel smoke duct and related accessories.

Combustion System

(1) Burner: Band-type propane gas torch, size 257 mm × 4.5 mm, with 242 holes  arranged in three rows (81, 80, 81 holes), hole diameter 1.35 mm, center spacing  3.2 mm.

(2) High-precision ball valve for gas on/off control.

(3) Dual flow meters: air and gas flow meters with control valves. At 100  kPa, 20°C:

(4) Air flow: 77.7 ±4.8 L/min

(5) Propane flow: 13.5 ±0.5 L/min

(6) Flow meter range: 0–100 L/min adjustable.

(7) Flame arrestor installed at the front of the tester to prevent propane  backflow and ensure sample safety.

(8) Combustion angle: horizontal; automatic ignition device (20° adjustable  as optional).

(9) Band torch flame temperature up to 1100°C.

(10) Air and gas flow compensation for temperature and pressure is  automatically controlled via software to ensure accuracy.

(11) Real-time chamber temperature monitoring with high-temperature alarm and  automatic gas shutoff.

Control System

(1) PLC with large touchscreen control.

(2) Automatic ignition and timing; timer range: 0–999 min, accuracy 1 s.

(3) Automatic experimental data storage with free access.

(4) Countdown reminders at 40 minutes and 1 hour.

(5) Emergency safety cutoff.

(6) Standard parameters viewable on screen.

Equipment Parameters

(1) Chamber dimensions: 1,000 ±100 mm (W) × 2,000 ±100 mm (D) × 4,000 ±100 mm  (H)

(2) K-type armored thermocouple, 2 mm diameter; digital display.

(3) Chamber insulation coefficient: 0.7 W/m²·K.

(4) Gas: 95% pure technical-grade propane (customer-supplied).

(5) Gas and air flow at 100 kPa, 20°C:

(6) Air: 77.7 ±4.8 L/min

(7) Propane: 13.5 ±0.5 L/min

Optional Accessories

(1) Flue gas treatment device: acid-resistant, multi-stage dust removal, with  pump and fan accessories.

(2) Dual torch configuration.

(3) Wind speed meter.

Product Specifications

FAQ

1.What is a Bunched Cable Vertical Flame Spread Tester?

A Bunched Cable Vertical Flame Spread Tester is a device used to evaluate the flame propagation characteristics of bunched electrical cables under vertical fire conditions. It simulates a real-world scenario by assessing how fire can spread along cables when they are installed in bulk, which is important for safety standards in building and electrical installations.

2.Why is testing for vertical flame spread important?

Testing for vertical flame spread is crucial because it helps ensure that bunched cables do not contribute to the rapid spread of fire within buildings. By understanding how flames can travel along electrical cables, manufacturers, developers, and safety regulators can establish guidelines and improve safety measures to protect occupants and property in case of a fire.

3.What standards are used in Bunched Cable Vertical Flame Spread Testing?

Bunched Cable Vertical Flame Spread Testing is often conducted in accordance with international safety standards such as IEC 60332-3. These standards outline the test procedures, evaluation criteria, and performance requirements necessary to determine the flame spread characteristics of cables when grouped together.

4.How is the test conducted?

The test is typically conducted by vertically positioning a sample of bunched cables in a controlled environment. An ignition source, usually a flame, is applied to the base of the cable bundle. The time taken for flames to reach certain heights on the cables is measured, allowing for an evaluation of the flame spread rate and overall performance of the cable in fire scenarios.

5.Who needs to perform these tests?

Manufacturers of electrical cables, building contractors, and safety regulatory bodies are among those who need to perform Bunched Cable Vertical Flame Spread Tests. Compliance with fire safety regulations is essential in the production and installation of electrical systems, making these tests crucial for ensuring public safety and meeting legal requirements.