IEC 60695-2-10:2021

Overview

IEC 60695-2-10:2021 is an international standard from the IEC that specifies the glow-wire apparatus and a common test procedure for small‑scale fire hazard testing. The glow‑wire test simulates short‑term thermal stresses produced by hot elements (for example, glowing filaments or overloaded resistors) using a standardized electrically heated wire as an ignition source. This edition (3rd, 2021) is a technical revision and includes the January 2024 corrigendum.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Defines a common procedure for assessing ignition and flaming behaviour of end products and solid combustible materials using a glow‑wire simulation technique.
• Apparatus description: Requirements and configuration for the glow‑wire, electrical test circuit, temperature measuring system (thermocouples), timing device and test chamber.
• Specimen handling: Defined specimen support, conditioning and application of the glow‑wire to reproduce repeatable test conditions.
• Verification and calibration: Procedures for verifying glow‑wire tip temperature and the temperature measuring system, including correlation between heating current and wire temperature.
• Observations and evaluation: Guidance on observing ignition, flaming, and post‑application behaviour; Annex A (now normative) gives requirements for ignition/flaming observations. Annex C provides visualization of times/durations and example evaluations.
• Normative links: Intended to be used in conjunction with IEC 60695-2-11 (GWEPT), IEC 60695-2-12 (GWFI), and IEC 60695-2-13 (GWIT).
• Changes from previous edition: New terms for times/durations, Annex A reclassified as normative, deletion of previous equipment suppliers annex, addition of Annex C.

Applications

• Product safety testing: Used by manufacturers and test labs to evaluate whether components, enclosures or materials can ignite under localized overheating.
• Material selection and R&D: Guides material engineers assessing insulating materials and other solids for glow‑wire flammability or ignition temperature behaviour.
• Compliance and certification: Supports conformity assessment for electrical and electronic equipment where glow‑wire methods are referenced in product standards.
• Standards development: Serves as a basic safety publication for technical committees preparing safety standards (per IEC Guide 104 and ISO/IEC Guide 51).

Who should use it

• Test laboratories and certification bodies
• Product safety engineers and compliance teams
• Standards developers and technical committees
• Manufacturers of electrical/electronic equipment and insulating materials

Related standards

• IEC 60695-2-11 (Glow‑wire flammability test for end products, GWEPT)
• IEC 60695-2-12 (Glow‑wire flammability index for materials, GWFI)
• IEC 60695-2-13 (Glow‑wire ignition temperature test, GWIT)
• IEC 60695-1-10 / IEC 60695-1-11 (fire risk guidance)
• IEC Guide 104 / ISO/IEC Guide 51 (basic safety publication principles)

Keywords: IEC 60695-2-10, glow‑wire apparatus, glow‑wire test, fire hazard testing, GWIT, GWFI, GWEPT, glow‑wire flammability, product safety testing.