SR613 Horizontal–Vertical Flame Retardancy Tester

Overview

The SR613 Horizontal–Vertical Flame Retardancy Tester is a precision-engineered benchtop combustion testing system designed to evaluate the flammability and self-extinguishing behavior of solid polymeric materials and electrical enclosures under standardized ignition conditions. It operates on the principle of controlled flame impingement using a calibrated Bunsen burner, in strict accordance with internationally recognized fire safety test standards—including UL 94 (2022 Edition), IEC 60950-1, IEC 695-2-2, UL 758, and UL 1060–1080. The instrument supports both horizontal (HB) and vertical (V-0, V-1, V-2, 5V) burning classifications, as well as classifications for foamed plastics (HF-1, HF-2, HBF) per UL 94 Annex A. Its core function is to quantify critical fire response parameters: afterflame time (t₁), afterglow time (t₂), and whether drips ignite cotton indicator placed beneath the specimen—thereby enabling objective pass/fail assessment against regulatory thresholds.

Key Features

• Adjustable Bunsen burner assembly with precise 0°, 20°, and 45° flame-angle positioning, each marked with engraved angular indicators for repeatable setup.
• Standardized burner tip: 9.5 mm ± 0.5 mm inner diameter, 100 mm effective length from air inlet—conforming to UL 94 Clause 9.2.1 and IEC 695-2-2 dimensional requirements.
• Dual-mode operation: fully manual or automated sequence control via integrated line-switch interface—enabling single-operator execution of multi-cycle tests (1–9999 repetitions).
• Integrated U-tube manometer mounted directly on the front panel for real-time gas pressure monitoring during methane, propane, or natural gas (37 MJ/m³ ± 1 MJ/m³) delivery.
• Auto-ignition module with piezoelectric spark generator eliminates manual lighting, enhancing repeatability and operator safety.
• Three interchangeable specimen holders: rigid horizontal clamp, vertical clamp, and motorized-adjustable flexible fixture with three-axis translation (X/Y/Z) on hardened linear rails.
• Temperature calibration subsystem compliant with UL 94 Annex B: includes K-type armored thermocouple (Ø0.5 mm, insulated, high-temp rated), certified copper reference mass (φ4 mm, 0.58 g ± 0.01 g), and programmable timing controller for 100 °C → 700 °C ramp validation (target: 45 s ± 1.0 s).
• Explosion-proof LED lighting and sealed chamber design ensure optical observation without ambient air ingress—meeting IEC 60068-2-2 environmental test housing integrity requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SR613 accommodates specimens up to 130 mm × 13 mm × 13 mm (vertical) or 125 mm × 13 mm × 13 mm (horizontal), including molded plastics, laminates, insulating composites, cable jackets, printed circuit board substrates, and foam sheets. It supports evaluation of both rigid and semi-flexible materials per ASTM D635, ISO 9773, and GB/T 2408. All test configurations—including specimen mounting geometry, ignition source distance (20 mm ± 1 mm), and cotton indicator placement (10 mm thick pine board covered with 12–30 g/m² silk paper)—are traceable to UL 94 Section 9 and IEC 695-2-2 Clause 4. The chamber’s stainless steel or powder-coated steel construction ensures long-term corrosion resistance and compliance with laboratory safety protocols. Optional exhaust ducting (Ø100 mm) facilitates integration with central fume hoods meeting EN 14175 Class I requirements.

Software & Data Management

While the SR613 operates via embedded digital timers and electromechanical controls (no proprietary software required), it supports full GLP/GMP documentation workflows. All test parameters—including flame application duration (1.0–999.9 s), post-ignition timing intervals, cycle count, and ambient temperature/humidity logs—are manually recorded in accordance with 21 CFR Part 11–compliant lab notebooks. Time relays and counters meet IEC 61812-1 Class A accuracy (±0.1% full scale). For audit readiness, users may integrate external data loggers (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO-5300) via analog voltage outputs to capture thermal profiles during calibration verification. Calibration certificates for thermocouples and copper mass are recommended annually per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 6.5.

Applications

This tester serves quality assurance laboratories in electronics manufacturing (PCB laminates, connector housings, power supply enclosures), wire & cable producers (insulation flammability grading), automotive component suppliers (interior trim, wiring harnesses), and polymer R&D centers developing halogen-free flame-retardant formulations. It is routinely deployed in pre-certification screening prior to third-party UL or TÜV testing, reducing submission risk and accelerating time-to-market. Regulatory bodies and notified bodies also utilize the SR613 for technical file review support under EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR) Annex ZA and RoHS Directive Annex II flammability annexes.

FAQ

What gases are compatible with the SR613, and where can they be sourced?
The system accepts 98% purity methane (certified reference gas), commercial propane (LPG), or natural gas with calorific value 37 MJ/m³ ± 1 MJ/m³. High-purity methane must be procured from accredited gas suppliers (e.g., Air Liquide, Linde, or local national metrology institute–certified vendors); LPG cylinders are widely available through industrial gas distributors.
Is the SR613 suitable for testing foamed polymers such as polyurethane or expanded polystyrene?
Yes—it supports HF-1, HF-2, and HBF classification per UL 94 Annex A, provided specimens meet thickness and density specifications outlined in Clause A.3.2 and are mounted using the flexible rail-mounted fixture to prevent deformation during flame exposure.
Does the instrument include traceable calibration documentation?
The base configuration includes factory verification reports for burner dimensions, timer accuracy, and angle scale linearity. Users must perform annual thermocouple calibration and copper mass verification using NIST-traceable equipment; calibration records should be retained per ISO/IEC 17025.
Can the SR613 be configured for ISO 5657 or ASTM D5048 radiant panel testing?
No—the SR613 is purpose-built for direct-flame impingement per UL 94 and IEC 695-2-2. Radiant panel testing requires separate instrumentation (e.g., cone calorimeter or radiant panel apparatus) compliant with ISO 5657 or ASTM E1321.
What electrical safety certifications does the SR613 hold?
The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and carries CE marking for EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. Full test reports are available upon request from the authorized distributor.