Difference on test methods
The needle flame test uses a small flame generated by the burner as the ignition source to directly simulate the combustion of a small flame. The glow wire test uses an electrically heated glow wire as a heat source to generate high temperatures by contacting the sample to evaluate the ignition risk of electronic and electrical products.
Difference on application occasions
The needle flame test is suitable for small parts or components, especially those equipment that may produce a small flame under fault conditions; the glow wire test is usually used to test the stability of electrotechnical products under normal operating conditions.
Difference on assessment methods
The needle flame test mainly focuses on whether the sample will flame, whether it will continue to burn after ignition, and the duration of burning; the glow wire test focuses on whether the sample will ignite, how long it will continue to burn after ignition, and the flammability index.
In general, the needle flame test more directly simulates the combustion situation of a small flame and is suitable for evaluating the risk of fire of small parts or components under fault conditions. While the glow wire test is more used to evaluate the stability of electrotechnical products under normal working conditions.
