IEC 60695-2-10:2026

Overview

IEC 60695-2-10:2026 outlines the requirements for glow-wire apparatus and the common test procedure used in fire hazard testing, specifically within the context of glowing/hot-wire based test methods. This international standard, developed by IEC Technical Committee 89, provides a simulation technique to assess fire risks by reproducing the thermal stresses caused by heat sources-such as glowing electrical elements or overloaded resistors-using a standardized electrically heated wire as an ignition source. The 2026 fourth edition reflects important technical revisions, including updates related to pyrometer use and harmonization of terminology.

As a foundational part of the IEC 60695-2 series, this standard forms the reference point for other related standardized fire hazard tests defined in IEC 60695-2-11, IEC 60695-2-12, and IEC 60695-2-13. IEC 60695-2-10 serves both as a basic safety publication and as a guide for developing fire safety testing protocols for electrotechnical products and materials.

Key Topics

• Glow-Wire Apparatus Requirements: Specifies design, material, and construction criteria for the glow-wire (e.g. nickel/chromium wire, diameter, annealing requirements) and related components to ensure consistent test conditions.
• Temperature Measurement: Details temperature control and measurement via thermocouple or, as specified in the new Annex D, pyrometer devices-ensuring accurate simulation of real-world ignition scenarios.
• Test Chamber Environment: Emphasizes operation in a draught-free chamber with adequate size and light control for consistent fire behavior data.
• Safety and Verification: Outlines methods for verifying apparatus integrity, including calibration of the glow-wire tip and temperature measurement system, to ensure precision and repeatability.
• Test Procedure: Provides step-by-step procedures for preparing specimens, achieving required test conditions, and recording results such as ignition, flaming, and fire propagation.
• Significant Updates in Edition 4.0:
  • Addition of Annex D, specifying the use of pyrometers for glow-wire tests
  • Alignment of terminology with ISO 13943:2017
  • Expanded requirements and clarifications for apparatus verification and use

Applications

• Electrotechnical Product Safety: Used by manufacturers and testing labs to assess the fire hazard potential of finished electrical appliances and electronic products. The glow-wire test ensures products do not ignite or contribute significantly to fire under abnormal thermal stresses.
• Testing of Materials: Essential for evaluating the fire behavior of solid insulating and combustible materials (e.g. plastics, components housings) used in electrical and electronic assemblies.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports regulatory and certification bodies in verifying compliance with international fire safety requirements, making it a critical tool for product approval processes worldwide.
• Quality Assurance and Product Development: Integral to R&D and QA teams focused on minimizing fire risk in design, material selection, and finished products.

Related Standards

• 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: EMF specifications and tolerances for thermocouples
• ISO 13943:2017: Vocabulary for fire safety
• ISO 4046-4:2016: Definitions related to paper and board products

IEC 60695-2-10:2026 is essential for organizations aiming to ensure product and material safety in line with international fire hazard testing standards, supporting both compliance and innovation in electrical and electronic industries.