IEC 60695-11-20:2015

Overview

IEC 60695-11-20:2015 is a globally recognized standard from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focusing on fire hazard testing for electrotechnical products. Specifically, it details the 500 W flame test method used for comparing the burning behaviour of different materials. The procedures outlined are essential for assessing ignitability, burning behaviour, and burn-through resistance in solid and cellular materials used within electrical and electronic equipment.

This standard is a vital tool for manufacturers, testing laboratories, and technical committees, ensuring a consistent and reliable approach to material flammability classification for quality assurance and pre-selection of component materials.

Key Topics

• Test Scope and Applicability:

  • Applies to both vertically oriented bar-shaped and horizontally oriented plate test specimens.
  • Targets materials already classified as V-0 or V-1 under IEC 60695-11-10.
  • Restricted to materials with an apparent density above 250 kg/m³ (per ISO 845).
  • Not suitable for materials that shrink away from the flame without igniting due to their thinness.

• Test Methods:

  • Bar Test Specimens: Used to assess both ignitability and burning behaviour.
  • Plate Test Specimens: Used to evaluate resistance to burn-through.
  • Exposes specimens to a 500 W flame for controlled assessment and classification.

• Classification and Quality Assurance:

  • Provides a framework for pre-selecting materials during product development.
  • Results support compliance and quality control processes, verifying minimum flammability classifications in end-use applications.

• Revisions in the 2015 Edition:

  • Clarified scope, terminology, and test procedures.
  • Added preferred specimen thickness values and updated test method descriptions.
  • Enhanced consistency with IEC 60695-11-10.
  • Includes a corrigendum published in January 2016.

Applications

• Material Pre-selection:
  Used during the design stage to select materials with proven fire-resistant characteristics, especially when electrical safety and fire prevention is critical.

• Quality Assurance:
  Manufacturers rely on the results for ongoing quality checks, ensuring that materials meet required flammability classifications before being incorporated into products.

• Compliance and Certification:
  Supports regulatory compliance across international markets, meeting safety requirements for a wide range of electrotechnical products such as enclosures, connectors, and internal components.

• Standard Development:
  Technical committees use IEC 60695-11-20 when preparing new standards, ensuring consistent fire safety criteria in related documents.

• Risk Assessment:
  The classification results contribute to overall fire hazard assessments within product safety engineering.

Related Standards

For comprehensive fire hazard testing and to ensure full compliance, IEC 60695-11-20:2015 should be used in conjunction with the following standards:

• IEC 60695-11-10: Test flames – 50 W horizontal and vertical flame test methods (for initial material classification).
• IEC 60695-11-3: Test flames – 500 W flames – Apparatus and confirmational test methods (required for burner specifications).
• ISO 845: Cellular plastics and rubbers – Determination of apparent density.
• ISO 291: Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing plastic materials.
• Other parts of IEC 60695: Cover broader fire hazard testing topics for electrotechnical products.

Practical Value

Implementing IEC 60695-11-20:2015 ensures a robust, internationally accepted approach to fire hazard testing of materials in electrotechnical applications. Its use directly supports:

• Safer product design and material selection.
• Demonstrable compliance with key flammability classifications.
• Streamlined and consistent testing procedures across industries.
• Confidence that products will meet essential fire safety criteria in global markets.

Keywords: IEC 60695-11-20, fire hazard testing, 500 W flame test, flammability testing, material classification, electrotechnical products, fire risk assessment, quality assurance, compliance standards, electrical safety.