Insment KS-54D Single-Wire Vertical Flame Test Chamber
| Brand | Insment |
|---|---|
| Model | KS-54D |
| Power Supply | 220 V AC |
| Sample Diameter Range | Ø1–70 mm |
| Burner Power | 1 kW |
| Fuel Gas Flow Rate | 0.1–1 L/min |
| Air Flow Rate | 0.1–1 m³/h |
| Compatible Fuels | Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Propane |
| Flame Calibration | Blue inner cone height 50–60 mm, outer flame height 170–190 mm, thermocouple rise from 100 °C to 700 °C in 40–50 s |
| Compliance Basis | IEC 60332-1-2, GB/T 18380.12, UL 1581 §1080, ASTM D3801 |
Overview
The Insment KS-54D Single-Wire Vertical Flame Test Chamber is an engineered solution for evaluating the flame propagation resistance of individual insulated wires and cables under controlled vertical orientation conditions. Designed in strict alignment with international fire safety test standards—including IEC 60332-1-2, GB/T 18380.12, UL 1581 Section 1080, and ASTM D3801—the instrument subjects specimens to a defined propane or LPG-fueled flame for a pre-set duration, then assesses post-ignition behavior including flame spread, char length, and self-extinguishment time. The system operates on the principle of standardized burner impingement: a calibrated diffusion flame is applied to the lower end of a vertically suspended specimen; flame height, thermal profile, and gas flow dynamics are maintained within tolerances specified by each referenced standard to ensure measurement reproducibility across laboratories.
Key Features
- Digital programmable timer with ±0.1 s resolution for precise ignition duration control (e.g., 60 s per IEC 60332-1-2), enabling automatic flame cutoff at endpoint
- Integrated pulse-ignition system eliminating manual match lighting—reducing operator variability and enhancing repeatability
- Dual digital mass flow controllers for independent regulation of fuel gas (0.1–1 L/min) and combustion air (0.1–1 m³/h), supporting fine-tuned flame calibration
- Thermocouple-based flame intensity verification subsystem (Type K, 100–700 °C range) with real-time digital display, aligned to ISO/IEC 17025 traceable calibration protocols
- Modular stainless-steel combustion chamber with integrated specimen support rod and adjustable burner positioning mechanism compliant with specimen centerline alignment requirements
- Electrical control cabinet featuring isolated power relays, emergency stop circuitry, and status-indicating LED panel for operational transparency
- Ventilation interface compatible with externally mounted fume hoods (user-supplied or optional add-on), meeting OSHA 1910.1200 and local industrial hygiene requirements
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The KS-54D accommodates single insulated conductors with outer diameters from 1 mm to 70 mm—covering low-voltage control cables, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) power cables, elevator cables, marine-grade wiring, and mining cables. Specimen mounting follows standardized vertical suspension geometry per IEC 60332-1-2 Clause 8.2: fixed at top only, free-hanging, with lower end positioned 40 mm above burner tip. All mechanical and thermal parameters—including flame geometry, heat flux profile, and airflow uniformity—are validated against reference methods described in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited interlaboratory studies. The system supports full audit readiness for GLP and GMP environments through documented calibration records, maintenance logs, and user-accessible firmware revision history.
Software & Data Management
The KS-54D operates as a standalone hardware platform without embedded software or cloud connectivity. All timing, ignition, and shutdown functions are managed via hardwired digital logic circuits, ensuring deterministic response and immunity to firmware failure. Time-stamped test records—including start/stop timestamps, gas flow settings, and thermocouple verification data—are manually logged by the operator into laboratory notebooks or LIMS-integrated spreadsheets. For facilities requiring electronic record retention, the device includes RS-232 output (optional adapter) for integration with third-party data acquisition systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated software layers.
Applications
- Quality assurance testing of wire insulation materials (PVC, PE, LSZH, EPR, XLPE) during incoming material inspection
- R&D validation of flame-retardant compound formulations prior to extrusion pilot runs
- Production line conformance checks for cable manufacturers supplying to rail, maritime, and building infrastructure sectors
- Third-party certification testing in accredited laboratories pursuing CNAS, UKAS, or A2LA accreditation scopes
- Root cause analysis of field failures involving thermal runaway or flame propagation in installed cable trays
FAQ
What fuel gases are compatible with the KS-54D?
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and propane are approved fuels. Natural gas is not supported due to differing stoichiometric combustion characteristics and flame temperature profiles.
Is the flame calibration procedure mandatory before each test?
Yes—flame verification using the supplied thermocouple assembly must be performed prior to every test series to confirm compliance with the 100 °C → 700 °C rise time (40–50 s) and dimensional flame specifications.
Does the KS-54D include a fume hood?
No—the unit interfaces with external ventilation systems. A Class I or II fume hood meeting ASHRAE 110 performance criteria is required and must be procured separately or configured as an optional accessory.
What electrical safety certifications does the device carry?
The KS-54D complies with GB/T 12113 (equivalent to IEC 61000-4-5) for surge immunity and meets China’s CCC mandatory safety marking requirements for laboratory electrical equipment.
Can the KS-54D be used for multi-conductor cable testing?
No—this model is strictly designated for single-wire evaluation per IEC 60332-1-2. Multi-core or bundled cable assessments require the KS-54E variant or equivalent horizontal tray flame test systems.
