Flammability

What is flammability?

Flammability is a measure of how easily a test specimen can be ignited under certain conditions. Ignition occurs when a state of self-sustaining combustion is reached. In this case, the combustion provides enough heat to maintain the pyrolysis and combustion process.

UL94

Range of services of our fire laboratory

In our fire laboratory, we test how easily your product ignites or burns when exposed to a flame or heat. We can carry out many different flammability tests.

Flammability with flames

For these tests, we use defined ignition sources, starting with very small flames with a height of only 12 mm and an output of 5 W. A wide range of different test flames is available with flame lengths of 20 mm and power of 50 W in the range of a lighter flame. The upper end of the scale is marked by flames with a flame height of 125 mm and an output of 500 W. The following table gives you an overview of common classifications in flammability tests with flames.

Sauerstoffindex
ClassificationFlameMeaning
5VA125 mm
500 W
Rod-shaped test specimens are self-extinguishing within 60 seconds.
5VB125 mm
500 W
A combustible base is not ignited.
V-020 mm
50 W
No hole is burnt in plate-shaped test specimens.
V-120 mm
50 W
Rod-shaped test specimens are self-extinguishing within 60 seconds.
V-220 mm
50 W
A combustible base is not ignited.

Ignitability with a glowing wire

We also use a glowing wire with temperatures of up to 950 °C as an ignition source for our tests. In this way, we can simulate a wire heating up as a result of a short circuit, which the surrounding material should be able to withstand. The following table gives you an overview of the different glow wire tests and their significance.

Glühdraht
ParameterMethodMeaning
GWEPT: 850 °CMethod for testing the flammability of end products with glow wireAt a glow wire temperature of 850 °C, the tested end product does not ignite or self-extinguishes in less than 30 seconds without burning completely. A combustible base is not ignited.
GWFI 850/3,0Glow wire flammability index for materialsAt a glow wire temperature of 850 °C, the tested 3 mm thick material does not ignite or self-extinguishes in less than 30 seconds without burning completely. A combustible base is not ignited.
GWIT 850/3,0Glow wire ignition temperature for materialsAt a glow wire temperature of 850 °C, no ignitions greater than 5 seconds occur with the tested, 3 mm thick material. The material does not burn completely.

What are the advantages of flammability tests?

In almost all areas, there is a requirement for materials not to ignite when exposed to flames or a glowing wire. Because without ignition, there is no fire with all the associated dangers. Use our flammability tests and obtain the necessary proof that your materials and products resist ignition with our test reports.


Are you in need of flammability tests?

We would gladly support you. Contact us for testing.

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