TESTech TTech-GB5169 Glow-Wire Test Apparatus (GWT)

Overview

The TESTech TTech-GB5169 Glow-Wire Test Apparatus is a precision-engineered instrument designed to evaluate the fire hazard potential of non-metallic materials and components used in electrical and electronic equipment. It operates in strict accordance with the fundamental principles of glow-wire ignition testing as defined in IEC 60695-2-10 through -13 and corresponding national standards including GB/T 5169.10–5169.13–2006 and UL 746A. The apparatus simulates thermal stress induced by overheated conductors or resistive fault elements—such as those arising from poor connections or overload conditions—by applying a standardized nickel-chromium glow-wire (4.0 mm diameter) heated to a precisely controlled temperature. During the test, the wire is brought into contact with the specimen under a defined mechanical load for a specified duration (typically 30 s), and the resulting ignition behavior—including flaming, after-flame time, and char propagation—is observed and recorded. This method provides critical data for comparative material evaluation and regulatory compliance verification in product safety certification workflows.

Key Features

• Integrated control-and-chamber architecture enables rapid commissioning and minimizes footprint in constrained laboratory environments.
• Stainless steel construction throughout the test chamber ensures long-term resistance to corrosive combustion by-products and maintains dimensional stability under repeated thermal cycling.
• Microprocessor-based temperature regulation using phase-angle controlled silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs) delivers stable, repeatable heating profiles across the full 500–1000 °C operating range.
• Dual digital displays provide real-time readouts of both setpoint temperature and actual thermocouple-measured temperature, with automatic cold-junction compensation.
• Precision force application mechanism maintains consistent 0.8–1.2 N loading during specimen contact, with mechanical stops ensuring minimum 7 mm penetration depth per standard requirements.
• Triple independent timing channels support simultaneous measurement of application time (Ta), flame duration (Ti), and extinction time (Te), all programmable within 0–99 min 99 s with ±1 s accuracy.
• K-type armored thermocouple (Ø0.5 mm, imported grade) mounted directly at the tip of the glow-wire ensures traceable, high-fidelity temperature feedback aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 metrological expectations.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TTech-GB5169 accommodates solid, non-metallic specimens up to 10 mm thick and 100 mm × 100 mm in planar dimension, including thermoplastics, thermosets, laminates, insulating foams, and elastomeric housings. Specimen mounting fixtures are designed to replicate standardized orientation and support conditions defined in IEC 60695-2-10. The apparatus satisfies essential requirements for inclusion in accredited laboratories performing tests under ISO/IEC 17025:2017, and supports documentation traceability needed for GLP-compliant reporting. Its validation protocol aligns with manufacturer-recommended calibration intervals and includes verification against reference materials per IEC 60695-2-11 Annex A. Full compliance documentation—including Declaration of Conformity, calibration certificate (traceable to NIM), and test report templates—is provided with each unit.

Software & Data Management

While the TTech-GB5169 operates via dedicated hardware controls for maximum reliability in safety-critical testing, optional RS-232 or USB interface modules enable connection to external PCs for automated data logging. When integrated with TESTech’s optional GWT-LogSuite software, users gain access to timestamped temperature/time event records, pass/fail flagging per IEC criteria, PDF report generation with embedded digital signatures, and audit trail functionality compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. All raw data files are stored in open CSV format to ensure long-term readability and interoperability with LIMS platforms. System-level configuration changes—including user access levels and calibration lockout—are password-protected and logged with operator ID and timestamp.

Applications

• Pre-certification screening of housing materials for household appliances (e.g., coffee makers, power tools, HVAC controllers) prior to submission to CB Scheme or CCC testing bodies.
• Comparative assessment of halogen-free flame-retardant (HFFR) compounds versus brominated alternatives in printed circuit board substrates and connector housings.
• Root cause analysis of field failures attributed to thermal runaway in power supply enclosures or battery management modules.
• Validation of material substitution strategies during design-for-manufacturing (DFM) phases, particularly where UL recognition or CE marking is required.
• Supporting technical documentation for IEC 60335-1, IEC 60950-1, and IEC 62368-1 compliance declarations.

FAQ

What standards does the TTech-GB5169 fully support?
It meets the mechanical, thermal, and procedural requirements of IEC 60695-2-10:2000, -11:2020, -12:2020, and -13:2020; GB/T 5169.10–5169.13–2006; UL 746A; DIN VDE 0471; and ASTM D635.
Is the glow-wire itself supplied with the apparatus?
Yes—each unit includes two certified 4.0 mm diameter Ni80/Cr20 glow-wires conforming to IEC 60695-2-10 Annex B specifications, along with replacement thermocouples and alignment jigs.
Can the instrument be calibrated in-house?
Initial calibration is performed at the factory using NIST-traceable reference standards. Users may perform periodic verification using a secondary calibrated thermocouple and certified reference block; full recalibration requires return to an authorized service center or accredited metrology lab.
Does the system support automated pass/fail evaluation?
The base model provides manual observation and timing; however, integration with GWT-LogSuite enables rule-based pass/fail logic based on Ti ≤ 30 s and Te ≤ 60 s thresholds, with configurable tolerance bands.
What electrical safety certifications apply to the instrument itself?
The TTech-GB5169 carries CE marking per EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, and complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical equipment safety.