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Glow Wire Tester

Qty Product
Glow Wire Tester
  • Price:
    $819115110111114112113121311171
Product Code
IDM-G0003-M1
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Glow Wire Tester

The Glow Wire Tester simulates the effect of thermal stresses. As these may be due to heat sources. For example, glowing elements or overloaded resistors, for short periods. This instrument assesses the fire hazard using a simulation technique.

The glow wire is a particular loop of resistance wire which is electrically heated to a certain temperature. After this, bringing the glow wire in contact with test sample completes the test. This test is useful to check quality of plastic materials. Especially those in electrical devices. It assesses the plastic material's capacity to resist ignition. And also self extinguish after ignition. It is a safety test. Thus, aims to avoid hazards. For instance, start of fire due to overheating of a component.

Many product standards call for a glow wire test, including household equipment. Such as luminaries, electrical control panels and distribution boards.

Individual product standards determine which glow wire test method to use. If you need to test your product, Glow Wire Tester can help.

Significance of Glow Wire Testing 

As it is not always possible to duplicate the exact conditions to access fire hazards of electrotechnical products, the best way to determine the fire hazards of such products is to simulate as close as possible the actual effects occurring in practice. Insulating material or other solid combustible material inside electrotechnical equipment, which is liable to propagate flames inside the equipment, should be assessed for fire hazard. Under certain conditions, for example a fault current flowing through a wire, overloading of components and a bad connection are all elements which may attain a temperature capable of igniting parts within their vicinity. The Glow Wire Tester has been designed and manufactured to evaluate the effect of thermal stresses which may be produced by heat sources such as glowing elements or overloaded resistors, for short periods, in order to assess the fire hazard by a simulation technique.

Glow Wire Tester Parts 

  • The Glow Wire Tester is essentially a fire tester using a non-flame ignition source.
  • Glow wire: a loop of nickle/chronium (80/20) wire, 4mm in diameter. Within the tip of the glow wire is housed a fine thermocouple, having a diameter of 0.5mm and capable of measuring the temperature of the glow, during a constant operation, up to 960°C sheathed in a metal resistant to temperatures of at least 1050°C.
  • Temperature display: is the means for measuring the thermovoltage and is accurate to 1%.
  • Temperature control: limits the voltage necessary to heat or cool the glow wire. The corresponding temperature is displayed on the temperature display when adequate time has been allowed for stabilisation.
  • Weight: enables the specimen to be applied to the glow wire with a force of 1.2N.
  • Hazard tray: is used to assess the possible spread of fire through burning or glowing particles falling from the specimen. It is constructed in such a way that the top layer of masonite is able to be replaced when necessary.
  • Timer: used to measure the application time of the specimen to the glow wire.
  • Specimen clamps: have been constructed with minimum surface area, therefore limiting the interference with heat displacement from the specimen under test.

Flow Wire Tester Parts

Summary of Test Method

a) Level the Glow Wire Tester using the adjustable feet.

b) Secure the specimen into the specimen clamps ensuring the surface, the one which is likely to be subject to thermal stresses in normal use, is perpendicular to the tip of the glow wire. The specimen clamp can be adjusted vertically for ease of placement.

c) Clean the tip of the glow wire to ensure the residue from previous testing has been removed. A wire brush is suitable.

d) Allow the sample to roll against the Glow Wire. Move the penetration depth, stop to the desired position of penetration and lock in place. Return carriage to resting-place and hold in position with the carriage stop.

e) Heat the glow wire to the nominated temperature, allowing adequate space from the specimen so it is not effected by heat radiation. Once the correct temperature is reached, mark the position for reference so next time you will know the correct position

f) Set the timer to the predetermined test time.

g) The test is initiated by removing the carriage stop and depressing the timer start button consecutively.

h) During the test, observe any flame and flame height.

i) When the timer has completed the predetermined time, a buzzer will sound, at which stage the carriage needs to be returned to its resting place and held in position.

j) To stop the buzzer and reset the timer, press the reset button (RST) on the bottom left corner of the timer.

k) Evaluate test results by recording information such as mentioned in relevant standards, ie: number of tests, conditioning of specimen, observations etc.

 

Applications

  • Electro technical equipment.
  • Solid combustible materials.
  • Solid electrical insulating materials.

Features

  • Adjustable specimen clamp
  • Calibrated thermocouple
  • Nickel/chromium (80/20) wire
  • Electrical: 220/240 VAC @ 50 HZ or 110 VAC @ 60 HZ
  • Dimensions: 500mm x 508mm x 232mm
  • Weight: 15kg

Benefits

  • Easy to use
  • Fast results
  • Accurate

Standards

  • AS/NZS 60695.2.10:2001 - Glowing/hot wire based test methods - Glow-wire apparatus and common test procedure
  • IEC 60695.2.10 - Glowing/hot wire based test methods—Glow-wire flammability test method for materials

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Qty Product
Glow Wire Tester
  • Price:
    $819115110111114112113121311171

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