EN IEC 60695-2-10:2026

Overview

EN IEC 60695-2-10:2026 is an international standard developed by CLC, focusing on fire hazard testing by means of glowing/hot-wire based test methods. The standard specifies the glow-wire apparatus and a common test procedure that simulates thermal stresses caused by heat sources such as glowing elements or overloaded resistors. This simulation is carried out using a standardized electrically heated wire as the ignition source, enabling the assessment of fire hazards for end products and solid electrical insulating or combustible materials.

The 2026 edition introduces technically significant changes, including:

• Revision of references in line with ISO 13943:2017
• Addition of a new Annex on the use of pyrometers for the glow-wire test
• Updates to apparatus descriptions and verification requirements

EN IEC 60695-2-10:2026 is regarded as a basic safety publication and serves as a horizontal standard for technical committees preparing safety requirements in the field of electrical engineering.

Key Topics

• Glow-Wire Apparatus: Defines requirements for the construction and operation of the glow-wire used as a standardized ignition source. This includes the wire composition, dimensions, current supply, and the mechanics of application to test specimens.
• Test Procedures: Details the step-by-step process for conducting glow-wire based fire hazard tests, encompassing specimen support, application force, temperature stabilization, and observation periods.
• Temperature Measurement: Specifies the use of thermocouples (per IEC 60584-1) or, as newly introduced, pyrometers (see Annex D) to provide accurate and reliable temperature readings at the wire tip.
• Specified Layer: Outlines requirements for the layer beneath specimens, typically a lightweight tissue over a wooden board, to assess the potential for ignition and the spread of burning debris.
• Test Environment: Mandates a draught-free test chamber with controlled ambient lighting and adequate volume to prevent oxygen depletion, with the goal of minimizing external influences on test results.
• Verification and Calibration: Provides procedures for verifying apparatus integrity and recalibrating temperature measurement systems, such as through one-point verification using silver foil.

Applications

EN IEC 60695-2-10:2026 is widely used in multiple sectors to assess the fire hazard properties of electrical and electronic products and their insulating materials:

• Product Compliance and Certification: Manufacturers of electrical and electronic devices use this standard to ensure compliance with international fire safety requirements, supporting regulatory submissions and product certification.
• Material Evaluation: Laboratories and quality assurance teams employ the glow-wire test to evaluate the flammability and ignitability of plastics and other solid materials, which is critical in safe product design.
• Component Qualification: Helps in determining the suitability of components and materials when subjected to thermal stress and potential ignition sources within electrical assemblies.
• Research and Development: R&D departments apply these tests to compare material performance, guide materials selection, and optimize product safety from early design stages.

The standard is invaluable for ensuring that products do not become a source of fire or contribute to the spread of fire under reasonable abnormal conditions, thereby helping safeguard people and property.

Related Standards

For comprehensive fire hazard assessment, EN IEC 60695-2-10:2026 should be used alongside related glow-wire based test methods:

• IEC 60695-2-11: Glow-wire flammability test method for end products (GWEPT)
• IEC 60695-2-12: Glow-wire flammability index (GWFI) test method for materials
• IEC 60695-2-13: Glow-wire ignition temperature (GWIT) test method for materials
• IEC 60584-1: Thermocouples - Specification and tolerances for accurate temperature measurement
• ISO 13943:2017: Fire safety - Vocabulary for harmonized definitions

Together, these standards provide a systematic approach to fire hazard testing, supporting statutory compliance and the advancement of fire-safe products and materials.

Keywords: EN IEC 60695-2-10:2026, fire hazard testing, glow-wire test, hot-wire, electrical safety standards, flammability testing, product compliance, IEC 60695 series, pyrometer, thermocouple, electrical product safety, combustible material testing.