Needle Flame Test Apparatus | IEC 60695-11-5 Needle Flame Tester
The Needle Flame Test Apparatus, model KP-FT401 , is designed for evaluating ignition hazard and small-flame fire risk of electrical and electronic components under controlled test conditions. It supports selected test methods related to IEC 60695-11-5, with reference to IEC 60335-1 and IEC 62368-1.
The system integrates precision needle flame generation, programmable ignition timing control, high-accuracy temperature monitoring, automatic afterflame recording and chamber ventilation into one enclosed needle flame testing platform.
- Model: KP-FT401
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Related standards: IEC 60695-11-5; IEC 60335-1; IEC 62368-1
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Test objects: Electrical and electronic components, enclosures, insulation materials and connectors
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Main test items: Needle flame ignition, afterflame duration, flame propagation behavior
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Burner: Stainless steel needle, >35 mm height, Φ0.5–0.9 mm diameter
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Flame height: 12 mm ± 1 mm (with measurement fixture)
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Control interface: Touch screen with independent electrical control system
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Applications: Electrical safety testing laboratories, household appliance manufacturers, ICT equipment manufacturers, certification bodies and research institutes
Needle Flame Test Apparatus Description
Standards and Test Method Support
The KP-FT401 Needle Flame Test Apparatus is designed for selected test methods related to IEC 60695-11-5 Fire hazard testing — Needle flame test method, with reference to IEC 60335-1 and IEC 62368-1.
IEC 60695-11-5 defines a standardized method using a controlled needle flame to simulate small ignition sources that may occur due to electrical faults or overheating components. The test evaluates whether a material or component can resist ignition and limit flame spread under defined exposure conditions.
This equipment is specifically configured for needle flame testing of electrical and electronic products. It should not be confused with glow wire testers or horizontal/vertical flame testers, which use different flame sources and test principles. The KP-FT401 focuses on precise needle flame application, accurate timing control and temperature verification required by IEC 60695-11-5.
System Configuration
The system is configured with a needle burner assembly, flame angle adjustment mechanism, temperature measurement subsystem, black-background test chamber, independent ventilation system and touch screen control interface.
Operators can set ignition time, flame angle and other parameters through the touch screen. The system performs automatic test execution with real-time temperature monitoring and automatic afterflame recording. The integrated design helps laboratories achieve more consistent and efficient needle flame testing.
Flame Control, Temperature Verification and Test Repeatability
The KP-ft03 is engineered for repeatable evaluation of ignition resistance under small flame conditions. It uses a precision stainless steel needle burner to generate a stable flame with adjustable angle (0° / 45°) and calibrated height of 12 mm ± 1 mm.
The system maintains strict thermal control through a K-type thermocouple (Φ0.5 mm, ±0.05% accuracy) and verifies the required temperature rise from 100 °C to 700 °C within 23.5 s ± 1 s. The black background test chamber and independent ventilation system ensure clear flame observation and safe exhaust management during testing.
One-touch automatic operation with programmable test procedures allows laboratories to execute standardized needle flame tests efficiently while maintaining high repeatability across multiple specimens.
KP-FT401 Needle Flame Test Apparatus Technical Specifications
General Configuration
| Item | Specification | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Model | KP-NFT Series | Needle flame test apparatus for IEC 60695-11-5 related testing |
| Product Type | Needle Flame Test Apparatus | Small-flame ignition hazard evaluation |
| Related Standards | IEC 60695-11-5; IEC 60335-1; IEC 62368-1 | Supports electrical and electronic product safety testing |
| Control System | Touch screen + independent electrical control | Parameter setting and automatic test execution |
| Operation Mode | One-touch automatic operation | Reduces manual operation steps |
| Test Chamber Volume | ≥ 0.5 m³ | Provides enclosed testing space |
| Test Background | Black background | Improves flame and specimen observation |
| Ventilation | Independent exhaust system | Supports safe exhaust management during combustion testing |
Flame and Measurement Parameters
| Item | Specification | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Burner Type | Needle-shaped stainless steel burner | Generates the controlled needle flame source |
| Needle Diameter | Φ0.5–0.9 mm | Supports standardized small-flame application |
| Burner Height | > 35 mm | Meets needle burner construction requirement |
| Flame Angle | 0° / 45° adjustable | Supports different flame application directions |
| Flame Height | 12 mm ± 1 mm | Defines calibrated test flame condition |
| Ignition Time | 0–9999 s ± 0.1 s adjustable | Controls flame exposure duration |
| Typical Ignition Time | 30 s | Common setting for standard test procedures |
| Afterflame Time | 0–9999.9 s automatic recording | Records burning duration after flame removal |
| Gas Type | Butane or propane, purity >95% | Provides stable combustion source |
| Temperature Range | 0–1000 °C | Supports flame temperature verification |
| Heating Requirement | 100 °C → 700 °C within 23.5 s ± 1 s | Confirms thermal performance of flame source |
| Thermocouple | K-type Φ0.5 mm, accuracy ±0.05% | Measures flame temperature response |
Testing Principle
The needle flame test applies a controlled small flame to a specimen for a specified duration to evaluate ignition behavior and flame persistence.
A stainless steel needle burner generates a stable flame at the required height of 12 mm ± 1 mm. The flame is applied to the specimen at a defined angle (0° or 45°) for the set ignition time. After flame removal, the system automatically records afterflame duration.
The evaluation usually focuses on whether the specimen ignites, whether flame spread occurs, and how long the specimen continues to burn after flame removal. Temperature monitoring with a calibrated K-type thermocouple ensures the flame source meets the thermal requirements of IEC 60695-11-5 throughout the test.
Test Workflow
1. Prepare the specimen and position it correctly in the test chamber.
2.Confirm gas purity (>95%) and burner condition.
3. Set the required flame angle (0° or 45°) and ignition time via the touch screen.
4. Verify flame height calibration (12 mm ± 1 mm) using the measurement fixture.
5. Start the automatic test sequence.
6. Observe ignition behavior during flame application.
7. The system automatically records afterflame duration after flame removal.
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Gauge to measure flame height
8. Review test results and specimen condition.
9. Complete the test and document results according to laboratory procedure.
10.Ensure proper ventilation and safe shutdown after testing.
Operation Notes for Needle Flame Testing
To maintain repeatable and safe test results, the following practices are recommended:
- Always verify gas purity (>95%) before starting a test series.
- Confirm burner stability and correct flame height (12 mm ± 1 mm) prior to each test.
- Ensure the specimen is properly positioned and the flame application area is clear.
- Use the correct ignition time and angle according to the applicable test method or internal procedure.
- Do not exceed the specified temperature rise verification requirements without proper calibration.
- Maintain adequate ventilation throughout testing.
- Stop the test immediately if abnormal combustion or equipment issues occur.
- Regularly inspect the thermocouple, burner needle and timing functions.
- For non-standard specimens or customized test conditions, confirm setup with the laboratory supervisor before testing.
Applications and Laboratory Use
The KP-ft401 Needle Flame Test Apparatus is used for small-flame ignition hazard evaluation of electrical and electronic products, especially where localized ignition may occur due to overheating, short circuits or component failure.
It is suitable for R&D verification, material screening, quality control and IEC 60695-11-5 related compliance testing.
Typical Test Objects
- Electrical and electronic enclosures
- Insulation materials and plastic parts
- Connectors and terminal blocks
- Cable assemblies and wire connection areas
- Household appliance and ICT equipment components
Typical Users
- Electrical safety testing laboratories
- Household appliance manufacturers
- ICT and AV equipment manufacturers
- Component and material suppliers
- Certification bodies, inspection organizations and QC departments
Metrological Integrity and Validation
Before delivery, KingPo performs factory verification of key functions including burner performance, flame height control, temperature measurement accuracy, timing system and automatic test execution.
Regular verification of the needle burner, thermocouple calibration, flame height fixture and ventilation system is recommended to maintain consistent test results. Documentation support for verification records can be discussed according to customer laboratory quality system requirements.
For formal testing programs, customers should confirm the applicable standard version, test clause and specimen preparation requirements before implementation.
Technical Inquiry & Expert Support
KingPo offers the KP-NFT Series Needle Flame Test Apparatus for IEC 60695-11-5 related flammability testing.Our engineering team can provide support for test setup, flame calibration, standard interpretation, specimen fixturing and test record format adaptation according to your laboratory workflow.
To recommend the correct configuration, please provide:
- Main test objects (enclosures, insulation materials, connectors, etc.)
- Applicable standard and test method
- Required flame angle and ignition time
- Whether temperature rise verification is needed
- Power supply and laboratory space requirements
- Required documentation or test record format
- Any customization for special specimen types
TReferenced Standards
* IEC 60695-11-5 — Fire hazard testing — Part 11-5: Test flames — Needle-flame test method — Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement and guidance
* IEC 60335-1 — Household and similar electrical appliances — Safety
* IEC 62368-1 — Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment — Safety requirements
Needle Flame Test Apparatus Video
Needle Flame Test Apparatus Detail Display
Needle Flame Test Apparatus FAQs | IEC 60695-11-5
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