A Comprehensive Look at Flammability Testing Equipment: The Key Role of the Needle Flame Tester in Flammability Detection

"Flammability Testing Equipment" refers to testing equipment used to evaluate the combustion behavior of materials, components, or complete machines under ignition or combustion conditions. It encompasses various testing methods, such as horizontal combustion, vertical combustion, needle flame testing, and hot wire testing.

For example, in product categories, the "Flammability Testing Equipment" category includes: high-precision needle flame meters, horizontal/vertical combustion equipment, arc flame testing equipment, and hot wire testing equipment.

Its purpose is to assess the compliance and safety of materials or components by simulating ignition sources or faulty small flame conditions, detecting key indicators such as combustion, dripping, spread, combustion duration, flame height, and extinction time.

A needle flame tester is a testing device used to simulate a "tiny flame" scenario that may occur when an internal component or equipment malfunctions. It is designed and tested according to standards such as IEC 60695-11-5: "Test Flames – Needle-Flame Test Method".

The sample to be tested is placed in its normal operating condition or installed vertically/at an angle.

The device uses a needle-shaped gas flame (commonly dane or propane, purity ≥95%) with a height of approximately 12 mm ± 1 mm to apply flame impact to a specific part of the sample.

During the combustion process, the sample is observed for ignition, combustion duration, extinguishing, the presence of molten droplets, and whether it ignites the underlying paper or wood, etc.

If the sample does not continue to burn within the specified time and no molten droplets ignite the underlying paper, it is considered(qualified/acceptable).

The needle flame test is mainly used to assess the fire hazard of electrical equipment, electronic components, insulating materials, engineering plastics, etc., under the condition of fault or short circuit and potential ignition source.

With increasingly stringent global regulations on electrical safety, electronic equipment safety, and the risk of flame spread in plastics, the use of a needle flame tester to comply with standards such as IEC 60695-11-5 has become a necessary step.

This not only improves product performance but also facilitates relevant certifications and export compliance.

The needle flame test simulates small flame scenarios that may occur during real-world malfunctions, allowing for the early detection of weaknesses in materials or components under fire impact, such as flame spread and ignition by falling molten droplets. This helps prevent the risk of large-scale fires.

As an OEM/ODM manufacturer, equipping your product development or mass production process with advanced Flammability Testing Equipment, and demonstrating the material's performance through needle flame testing or flame suppression, will significantly enhance the product's safety image in the eyes of customers, thereby strengthening market competitiveness.

Confirm that the equipment meets the requirements of IEC 60695-11-5 or other relevant standards (such as IEC 60335-1, UL 94, etc.).

• Flame height: Typically 12 mm ± 1 mm.
• Needle burner inner diameter, outer diameter, and length specifications (e.g., inner diameter 0.5 mm ± 0.1 mm, outer diameter ≤ 0.9 mm, length ≥ 35 mm).
• Distance between sample and burner, such as 8 ± 1 mm.

The equipment should have a stable gas flow, adjustable flame height, tilt angle control (e.g., 0–45°), and a safety guard cabinet.

The test chamber or fume hood should have a volume of at least 0.5 m³, be equipped with smoke extraction capabilities, a dark background, and ensure no strong airflow interference.

The equipment should have functions such as a timer, flame height measurement ruler, temperature measurement and control, sample combustion duration recording, and flame/molten droplet observation to ensure accurate and comparable test data.

• Electronics and Electrical Manufacturing: Household appliances such as plugs, connectors, switches, and circuit boards may produce small flames if short circuits or component overheating occur during use. Needle flame testing can verify their safety performance.
• Automotive Parts: With the increasing prevalence of in-vehicle electronics, internal components may ignite due to malfunctions. As a type of Flammability Testing Equipment, the needle flame tester is particularly important for plastic parts and insulating components.
• Household Goods and Plastic Parts: For plastic casings and engineering plastic components, needle flame testing helps assess their reaction to a flame source, thus enabling the selection of safer materials.