Insment KS-18380D Single-Wire Vertical Flame Test Chamber

Overview

The Insment KS-18380D Single-Wire Vertical Flame Test Chamber is a precision-engineered apparatus designed for evaluating the flame propagation resistance of individual insulated wires and cables under controlled, standardized ignition conditions. It implements the vertical flame test principle defined in GB/T 18380.11–2022 and IEC 60332-1, wherein a calibrated burner applies a defined thermal flux at a fixed 45° angle to the vertically suspended specimen. The test quantifies whether the flame self-extinguishes within prescribed time limits after removal of the ignition source—thereby determining compliance with “non-propagating” (non-flame-spreading) performance criteria essential for low-risk electrical installations. This method is specifically intended for wires with conductor diameters ≥ 0.8 mm or cross-sectional areas ≥ 0.5 mm²; smaller conductors are excluded due to premature conductor melt-out, which invalidates assessment of insulation-only flammability behavior.

Key Features

• Compliant dual-burner configuration: primary Φ12 mm ± 0.5 mm burner per GB/T 18380.11 and auxiliary Φ9.5 mm ± 0.5 mm Bunsen-type burner for method flexibility and verification.
• Precise flame geometry control: adjustable flame height (20–190 mm ± 1 mm), fixed 45° impingement angle relative to specimen axis, and certified temperature ramp profile (100 °C → 700 °C in 46 s ± 6 s).
• Integrated dual-flow regulation system: independent digital mass flow meters and pressure gauges for propane (or LPG) and combustion air ensure repeatable stoichiometric flame conditions.
• Automated timing architecture: microprocessor-controlled ignition duration (0.1–999.9 s ± 0.1 s) and afterflame monitoring with automatic start/stop triggers and manual override capability.
• Robust thermal measurement: high-stability Ø0.5 mm K-type armored thermocouple calibrated to ±1.5 °C across 0–1000 °C range, mounted per standard positioning requirements.
• Environmentally isolated test chamber: 0.16 m³ enclosed workspace constructed from weld-free powder-coated steel or optional stainless steel, engineered to minimize ambient airflow interference during testing.
• Standard-compliant specimen handling: dedicated fixtures for rigid vertical suspension of 600 ± 25 mm samples within a three-sided metal enclosure, ensuring consistent thermal boundary conditions.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KS-18380D is validated for use with single insulated conductors made of common polymeric insulations including PE, PVC, and SR-PVC. Specimens must meet dimensional prerequisites: minimum conductor diameter of 0.8 mm or minimum cross-sectional area of 0.5 mm². Surface coatings (e.g., lacquers or paints) require pre-conditioning at (60 ± 2) °C for 4 h prior to standard (23 ± 5) °C / (50 ± 20)% RH equilibration (≥16 h). The system fully supports test execution per GB/T 18380.11–2022 (equivalent to IEC 60332-1-1), GB/T 18380.12–2022 (IEC 60332-1-2), GB/T 18380.21–2008 (IEC 60332-2-1), GB/T 18380.22–2008 (IEC 60332-2-2), and GB/T 5169.14–2017 (fire hazard testing — glow-wire ignitability). All operational parameters—including burner dimensions, flame temperature profile, gas composition, and timing tolerances—are traceably aligned with these standards’ metrological requirements.

Software & Data Management

The KS-18380D operates via embedded firmware with no external PC dependency. All test parameters (ignition time, afterflame duration, gas flow rates) are set and logged directly on the front-panel interface. Timing data is stored internally with timestamping and retains the last 100 test records. While the base unit does not include GLP/GMP-compliant audit trail or electronic signature functionality, it supports full manual documentation per ISO/IEC 17025 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines when used in conjunction with laboratory-controlled SOPs and paper-based test reports. Optional RS-232 or USB data export modules (available separately) enable integration into centralized LIMS environments for automated report generation and long-term data archiving.

Applications

• Quality assurance of wire and cable insulation materials during R&D and production release.
• Pre-certification screening for regulatory submissions targeting CCC, CE, UL, and CSA listings.
• Root-cause analysis of flame-retardant formulation efficacy in polymer compounding labs.
• Comparative evaluation of halogen-free versus halogenated flame-retardant systems under identical thermal stress profiles.
• Verification of batch-to-batch consistency in extrusion lines producing building wire (e.g., BV, BLV, RV types).
• Supporting fire safety engineering assessments for low-voltage power distribution systems in commercial infrastructure projects.

FAQ

What standards does the KS-18380D explicitly support?
GB/T 18380.11–2022, GB/T 18380.12–2022, GB/T 18380.21–2008, GB/T 18380.22–2008, IEC 60332-1, and GB/T 5169.14–2017.
Can liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) be used instead of propane?
Yes—LPG is permitted as an alternative fuel per GB/T 18380.11–2022 Clause 6.2.3, provided its composition meets calorific value and combustion stability requirements equivalent to 95% pure propane.
Is the chamber equipped with forced exhaust or fume extraction?
No—the KS-18380D operates in a closed-loop, non-ventilated configuration per standard requirements; external fume hoods or ducted exhaust systems must be installed separately by the user.
Does the system include calibration certificates for the thermocouple and flow meters?
Factory calibration certificates are supplied with each unit; NIST-traceable recalibration services are available through authorized Insment service centers.
What is the minimum sample length required?
600 mm ± 25 mm, as specified in all referenced standards for vertical flame testing of single wires.