The IEC 60695 series, titled Fire Hazard Testing, forms a comprehensive framework developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to evaluate and mitigate fire risks associated with electrotechnical products, components, and materials. This multi-part series addresses ignition sources, flame propagation, heat effects, and overall fire safety in electrical and electronic equipment, aligning with global safety regulations such as those in IEC 60335 (household appliances), IEC 60950/IEC 62368 (IT equipment), and automotive/medical standards.
The series is organized into guidance documents (IEC 60695-1-xx), terminology (IEC 60695-4), glowing/hot-wire based methods (IEC 60695-2-xx), test flames (IEC 60695-11-xx), and specialized phenomena like smoke or corrosion. As of 2026, the series continues to evolve with updates, including recent technical reports like IEC TR 60695-2-16:2025 on pyrometer measurements for glow-wire tests.
Guidance parts (IEC 60695-1 series) provide foundational principles. For example, IEC 60695-1-10:2016 outlines strategies to reduce fire risk to tolerable levels by preventing ignition, limiting flame spread, and considering end-use conditions. IEC 60695-1-11 emphasizes hazard-based engineering approaches, while IEC 60695-1-30 guides material selection for end products. These parts stress a risk-based methodology: identify potential ignition sources (e.g., overheating wires, short circuits), assess consequences, and select appropriate tests.
Detailed Overview of Key Test Methods in IEC 60695 Series
Glowing/Hot-Wire Based Test Methods (IEC 60695-2 Series)
These simulate scenarios where electrical faults cause glowing or hot elements to contact insulating materials.
- IEC 60695-2-10: Defines the glow-wire apparatus and common test procedure. The glow-wire (NiCr alloy) is heated to 550–960°C ±10°C using controlled current. A force of 0.8–1.0 N is applied for 30 s. Temperature is measured via a fine-wire thermocouple. The standard ensures repeatability through calibration and specifies enclosure requirements for safety.
IEC 60695-2-10 Glow Wire Tester | Glow Wire Test Apparatus …
- IEC 60695-2-11 (GWEPT – Glow-Wire End-Product Test): Applies to finished products or assemblies. The heated wire contacts the specimen; criteria include no ignition of surrounding tissue paper (placed 200 mm below), flame duration ≤2 s after removal, and no flaming droplets. This test evaluates real-world product behavior under fault conditions.
- IEC 60695-2-12 (GWFI – Glow-Wire Flammability Index): Material-level test determining the highest temperature (in 25°C increments) at which a 3 mm thick specimen does not ignite or self-extinguishes within 30 s after wire removal, with no flaming drips igniting cotton below.
- IEC 60695-2-13 (GWIT – Glow-Wire Ignition Temperature): Measures the lowest temperature causing ignition (flaming >5 s) of the material. GWIT is typically 25–75°C higher than GWFI for the same material.
Key differences: GWFI/GWIT are pre-material qualification indices (often required for raw plastics), while GWEPT verifies the assembled product. GWIT focuses on ignition onset, GWFI on sustained burning resistance.
Needle Flame Test (IEC 60695-11-5)
This simulates small, localized flames from internal electrical faults (e.g., arcing, overloaded resistors).
- Procedure: A 0.5 mm internal diameter burner produces a 12 mm ±1 mm flame (using butane/propane at 50 W equivalent) applied at 45° for 5–120 s (typically 10 s or 30 s depending on product standard).
- Acceptance criteria: No ignition of surrounding parts, after-flame ≤30 s, no flaming drips igniting cotton 100 mm below.
- Differences from glow-wire: Direct open flame vs. radiant/conduction heat; targets small components where glow-wire is impractical.
Horizontal and Vertical Burning Tests (IEC 60695-11-10)
These classify plastic materials’ flammability, harmonized with UL 94 (equivalent ratings: HB, V-0, V-1, V-2).
- Method A (Horizontal): Specimen (125 mm × 13 mm) horizontal; 50 W or 500 W flame applied 30 s; measures linear burning rate (mm/min). Classification HB if rate ≤40 mm/min for 3–13 mm thickness.
- Method B (Vertical): Specimen vertical; flame applied twice (10 s each); evaluates after-flame/afterglow times, dripping. V-0: ≤10 s after-flame, no drips igniting cotton; V-1: ≤30 s; V-2 allows drips.
- 500 W flame (IEC 60695-11-3/20) for higher severity in thick materials or enclosures.
Differences: Horizontal assesses spread rate on flat surfaces; vertical evaluates upward propagation and dripping risk. IEC versions specify precise flame calibration (e.g., copper block for 500 W).
Other notable parts include IEC 60695-11-20 (tubular materials) and confirmation tests for flame sources.
In-Depth Comparison of Test Methods
| Standard | Ignition Source | Orientation/Application | Specimen Type | Key Parameters | Pass/Fail Criteria | Typical Use Case | Severity Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IEC 60695-2-11 (GWEPT) | Glow-wire (hot wire) | End-product/assembly | Finished product | 550–960°C, 30 s contact, 1 N force | No flame >2 s, no tissue ignition | Appliances, enclosures | Medium-High |
| IEC 60695-2-12 (GWFI) | Glow-wire | Material | 3 mm plaque | Max non-ignition temp (25°C steps) | No ignition or ≤30 s extinguish, no drips | Material qualification | Material index |
| IEC 60695-2-13 (GWIT) | Glow-wire | Material | 3 mm plaque | Min ignition temp | Ignition onset temperature | Material selection | Material index |
| IEC 60695-11-5 (Needle) | 0.5 mm needle burner | Component/small part | Product/component | 12 mm flame, 5–120 s, 45° angle | ≤30 s flame, no surrounding ignition | Internal faults in electronics | Low-Medium |
| IEC 60695-11-10 A (Horiz) | 50W/500W premixed flame | Horizontal material | Bar specimen | Burning rate after 30 s | Rate ≤40–75 mm/min (thickness dependent) | Plastics in non-vertical positions | Low |
| IEC 60695-11-10 B (Vert) | 50W/500W premixed flame | Vertical material | Bar specimen | After-flame/glow, drips | V-0/V-1/V-2 based on times/drips | Enclosures, vertical parts | Medium-High |
These distinctions allow targeted risk assessment: glow-wire for resistive heating, needle for arcing, flame for direct exposure.
Advanced Considerations in Test Selection and Interpretation
Selecting the appropriate test requires understanding product context: enclosure vs. internal component, potential ignition source (overheating vs. short circuit), and regulatory requirements (e.g., GWFI ≥850°C for unattended appliances per IEC 60335).
Repeatability depends on precise calibration: glow-wire thermocouple accuracy ±10°C, flame height/velocity confirmation. Environmental factors like humidity affect results; preconditioning (e.g., 48 h at 23°C/50% RH) is mandatory.
Material behavior varies: thermoplastics may drip (V-2), thermosets char (better in vertical). Composites or thin films require special fixtures.
Test Equipment Selection and KINGPO Brand Recommendations
Accurate testing demands compliant, calibrated equipment with safety features (interlocks, exhaust), digital controls, and traceability.
KINGPO (KingPo Technology Development Limited) excels as a premier manufacturer of IEC 60695-compliant equipment, trusted by labs, certification bodies (TÜV, UL, SGS), and industries like appliances, automotive, and batteries. KINGPO devices feature precision engineering, user-friendly PLC interfaces, robust construction, and calibration certificates.
Flammability Test Chamber – Flammability Testing Equipment …
• KINGPO Glow Wire Tester: Complies with IEC 60695-2-10/11/12. Includes temperature control ±2°C, auto force application, safety enclosure, thermocouple calibration port. Ideal for GWEPT/GWFI/GWIT.
• KINGPO Needle Flame Tester: Meets IEC 60695-11-5. Precise gas flowmeter, adjustable burner, timer, observation window, cotton tray. Table-type for lab efficiency.
• KINGPO Horizontal/Vertical Flame Chamber: Supports IEC 60695-11-10 (50W/500W). Enclosed chamber with exhaust, adjustable burners/angles, digital timers, safety interlocks. Supports both methods with calibration tools.
KINGPO’s advantages include durable stainless steel construction, compliance documentation, global support, and customization for high-throughput labs. Investing in KINGPO ensures reliable data, reduced downtime, and compliance confidence.
Best Practices and Emerging Trends
• Conduct pre-testing material screening (GWFI/GWIT) before product-level (GWEPT).
• Use video recording for post-analysis of flame behavior.
• Integrate with other tests (e.g., smoke per IEC 60695-6).
• Trends: Automation for data logging, AI-assisted result interpretation, sustainable flame-retardant materials.
In summary, mastering IEC 60695 differences enables proactive fire safety design. Selecting KINGPO equipment provides professional-grade precision, ensuring products meet stringent global standards and minimizing fire hazards.
