In modern society, electrical equipment is everywhere, from small household appliances to large-scale equipment in industrial production. They bring great convenience to our lives and work. However, if there are defects in the design, manufacture, or use of electrical equipment, it may trigger safety accidents such as fires, threatening people’s lives and property. To ensure the safety of electrical equipment, a series of strict testing methods are required, and the glowing wire tester is one of the important devices.
1. Working Principle
The glowing wire test apparatus simulates the ignition ability of high-temperature heating elements generated by electrical equipment under fault conditions, such as overload and short circuit, on surrounding materials. Its core component is a glowing wire made of nickel-chromium alloy. The glowing wire is heated by a large current to reach the specified temperature. During the test, the glowing wire is applied to the surface of the tested material or product with a certain pressure and time. Observe whether the material is ignited and the burning duration after ignition, etc., so as to evaluate the flame retardant performance of the material and the safety of the electrical equipment.
2. Application Scenarios
In the Electronics and Electrical Appliance Industry, components like plastic casings and wires in products such as TVs, computers, etc., must pass the glowing wire test to prevent fire during abnormal heating. The Automotive Manufacturing Industry uses this test for interior materials and electrical components as vehicle electrical systems grow complex, avoiding potential fires. In the Aerospace Field, where safety is critical, the glowing wire test is applied to equipment, interior materials, etc. to ensure high – altitude flight safety, as any fire is hard to handle.
3. Operation
When operating the glow wire test apparatus, relevant safety operation procedures and test standards must be strictly followed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results and to guarantee the safety of operators. Different models and manufacturers of glow wire test apparatuses may have slight differences in specific operation steps. When operating, refer to the instruction manual of the equipment.
3.1 Preparation before the test
1) Equipment inspection: Check whether the glow wire test apparatus is working properly. This includes verifying the integrity of the heating element, the accuracy of the temperature control system, and the firmness of electrical connections. Ensure that all parameter – setting functions, display functions, etc. of the instrument can operate normally.
2) Sample preparation: Prepare the samples to be tested according to the test requirements. The samples should be representative, and their dimensions and shapes need to comply with the relevant standard regulations. For example, for plastic materials, sheet – shaped samples with a certain thickness and area may need to be prepared; for wires and cables, appropriate – length specimens should be cut.
3) Environmental condition control: Control the temperature and humidity of the test environment within the range required by the standards. Generally, the test environment temperature should be between 15°C and 35°C, and the relative humidity should be between 45% and 75% to ensure the accuracy and repeatability of test results.
3.2 Test operation process
1) Install the sample: Fix the prepared sample on the sample fixture of the tester, ensuring that the sample is firmly installed and in the correct position so that the glow wire can accurately contact the surface of the sample. Different fixtures or fixing methods may be required for samples of different shapes and sizes.
2) Parameters setting: Set the parameters of temperature, time, and current etc. Parameters on control panel.
3) Start the test: After confirming that the parameter settings are correct and the sample is properly installed, start the glow wire test apparatus. The instrument begins to heat the glow wire. When the set temperature is reached, the glow wire will automatically descend to contact the sample and start timing.
4) Observation and recording: Closely observe the state of the sample during the test, including whether there is ignition, the duration of the flame, whether there are drippings, etc., and make detailed records. For example, record the time when the sample starts to ignite, the time when the flame goes out, and whether the drippings ignite the absorbent cotton.
3.3 Post – test treatment
1) Shut down the equipment: After the test, turn off the power of the glow wire test apparatus in a timely manner and let the glow wire cool naturally. Avoid performing other operations when the glow wire is still at a high temperature to prevent accidents such as burns or damage to the equipment.
2) Remove the sample: After the glow wire has cooled, carefully remove the sample, observe the burning damage of the sample, and compare it with the state before the test. Further analysis of the sample can be carried out, such as measuring the burned – out area and checking the change of the internal structure.
3) Clean the equipment: Clean the sample debris, dust, and other sundries remaining on the tester to keep the equipment clean. For harmful gases or fumes that may be generated during the test, timely ventilation treatment should be carried out to ensure the safety of the test environment.
4. Importance
The glowing wire test apparatus is irreplaceable for ensuring electrical equipment safety and preventing fires. It offers scientific standards for electrical equipment design, manufacture, and inspection. By testing materials and products, it weeds out poor – performing materials and flawed designs, urging enterprises to enhance technology and quality. This reduces electrical fires at the source, protects consumers, raises industry safety, and promotes the healthy growth of the electrical industry.
In conclusion, as an important tool for electrical safety testing, the glowing wire test apparatus silently guards the safety of electrical equipment in our lives and work, and plays an indispensable role in ensuring social safety and stability. With the continuous progress of science and technology, the performance and detection accuracy of the glowing wire test apparatus will also be continuously improved, providing stronger support for the field of electrical safety.
