Importance of Combustion Test for Cable Projects

Ⅰ. Why do cables need to be tested for combustion?

Photovoltaic is an energy source that is within reach. From large power stations to industrial and commercial roofs, and even household systems, if the cables that act as connections in systems have quality problems and cause fires, the losses will be far greater than purchasing cables of good quality. To standardize the use of cable products, related departments continue to launch newer cable combustion tests.

Ⅱ.?What are the recognized cable combustion tests?

Common cable flame retardant standards include VW-1 (UL), FT-1 (CSA) vertical combustion tests, etc. SUNKEAN Laboratory is equipped with professional vertical combustion detection equipment. The cable products manufactured in SUNKEAN will pass the severe flame retardant performance test before delivery. So how does this experiment work?

Ⅲ.?What is the specific process of the combustion test?

The experiment stipulates that the sample is kept vertical, and the test blowtorch (flame height 125mm, heat power 500W) is used to burn for 15 seconds, then stop for 15 seconds, and repeat 5 times.

· Qualified judgment criteria:

1. The burning mark (kraft paper) cannot be carbonized more than 25%

2. The burning time of 5 times of 15 seconds cannot exceed 60 seconds

3. The burning dripping cannot ignite cotton

The only difference between VW-1 and FT-1 is that FT-1 does not require the third point above, so VW-1 is more stringent than FT-1.

In addition to the vertical combustion tests, represented by 62930 IEC131/H1Z2Z2K, SUNKEAN's Cca cable has been rigorously tested by TUV and passed the bundled burning test IEC 60332-3. Unlike the above experiments that focus on burning time, burning height, and burning temperature, the IEC test focuses more on the smoke density test, gas toxicity content test, and cold bending test. In actual projects, you can choose the appropriate flame-retardant cable as needed.

If you are interested in the experimental process, welcome to search the keyword "vertical combustion test" on our Linkedin homepage to watch the video. We are also willing to answer related questions for you: [email protected]