What is non-combustibility?

The Non-Combustibility Tester is a professional device used to evaluate the combustion performance of materials. Its working principle is based on international standards such as ISO 1182 (Test Method for Non-Combustibility of Building Materials). The testing process usually involves exposing the sample to a specific heat source, simulating real fire conditions.

Core Concept of the Non-Combustibility Tester

The core principle involves thermal exposure, temperature monitoring, and data analysis. The device uses a built-in heating furnace to apply high temperatures to the sample (e.g., 750°C) while sensors record real-time temperature changes, burning time, and sample mass loss. These parameters are used to determine whether the material meets the “non-combustible” classification, meaning it does not sustain burning or produce significant flames during testing.

From a practical standpoint, the design of the tester must ensure high precision. For example, typical devices use electric heating elements with a temperature control accuracy of ±5°C, and the data acquisition module can automatically generate reports, minimizing human error.

This type of equipment is widely used in building fire-resistant material certification, textile safety testing, and similar fields. Test results directly impact whether a product complies with regulations such as the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR).

It is important to note that non-combustibility testing differs from flammability or other combustion tests, as it focuses on the overall performance of materials under extreme heat rather than short-term flame suppression.

Usage Method of the Non-Combustibility Tester

1. Pre-Use Preparation

Check the equipment status:

Ensure power supply (AC 220V ± 10%, 50 Hz) is normal.

Verify thermocouple connections are secure, and the furnace interior is unobstructed.

Ensure thermocouples are positioned correctly (typically at the furnace center and sample surface or center).

Calibration preparation (if required):

Furnace temperature should be stable at 750 ± 5°C, with temperature drift ≤ 2°C within 10 minutes.

Furnace wall temperature should be measured and recorded at multiple points along three vertical axes according to the standard.

2. Testing Steps

Sample preparation:

Standard sample size is usually a cylinder of Φ95 mm × 75 mm height (specific dimensions follow the standard).

Weight measurement accuracy should be 0.01 g; it is recommended to weigh together with the sample holder.

Equipment preheating and balancing:

Open testing software, navigate to the “Furnace Temperature Balancing” interface, and start heating.

Wait until the average furnace temperature stabilizes at 750 ± 5°C for at least 10 minutes, ensuring temperature drift is within limits.

Sample placement and testing:

Place the weighed sample into the sample holder and insert thermocouples (contacting the sample surface and center).

Insert the sample frame into the designated furnace position, start the timer, and conduct a 30-minute test.

Monitoring during testing:

Record furnace temperature and sample surface or center temperature in real-time.

Observe the sample for combustion using mirrors, and record any sustained burning time (if flames occur).

End of test and cooling:

If final temperature equilibrium is reached within 30 minutes (temperature drift ≤ 2°C for 10 minutes), the test may end early; otherwise, continue up to 60 minutes or until termination criteria are met.

After testing, wear heat-resistant gloves to remove the sample frame, allow the sample to cool to room temperature, and weigh again to calculate mass loss rate.

3. Safety and Precautions

Safety protection:

Testing may release toxic or harmful gases. Operators should wear protective masks and work in well-ventilated environments.

Equipment maintenance:

Regularly calibrate thermocouples and temperature control systems.

Clean ash from the furnace and maintain unobstructed airflow.

Practical Tips for Selecting a Non-Combustibility Tester2

When selecting a non-combustibility tester, professional buyers should prioritize technical parameters and actual requirements rather than simply brand or price. Key points include:

Standards compliance: Devices must support ISO 1182. ASTM E136. or other mainstream international standards. Check for third-party certification reports to ensure result credibility. Some devices with CE or ISO 17025 certification can simplify laboratory audits.

Precision and repeatability: Pay attention to temperature control error (generally < ±10°C) and data acquisition frequency. High repeatability reduces testing variability; review calibration records or actual measurement data.

Brand reputation and support: Choose brands with long-term industry experience, which usually provide reliable after-sales service and technical support. Verify whether training, maintenance, and spare parts are offered to avoid test interruptions due to equipment failure.

Physical suitability: Consider laboratory space and device size/weight (e.g., compact design 10 cm × 15 cm × 17 cm for easy installation; weight ~12 kg affects portability). Confirm ease of cleaning and maintenance to extend lifespan.

Additional features: Modern testers often include software analysis, automatic report generation, data export, and remote monitoring. If budget permits, selecting such devices improves work efficiency.

During selection, it is recommended to request on-site demonstrations or sample test reports to verify performance. Avoid focusing solely on low-cost options, as this may compromise accuracy or compliance. Professional equipment’s value lies in reliability and long-term stability.

Daily Maintenance Principles

1. General Principles

Dedicated management: Trained personnel should handle operation, cleaning, recording, and periodic inspection.

Environmental control: Maintain clean, dry, and low-electromagnetic-interference conditions. Avoid high temperature, humidity, or dusty environments.

Complete records: Establish a device archive, including usage, maintenance, and calibration records, ensuring traceability.

2. Routine Maintenance

Surface cleaning: After each use, wipe the device and components with a soft cloth to remove dust or residues. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners; a small amount of water or neutral detergent is acceptable.

Component inspection: Ensure burners, gas pipelines, sensors, and seals are unobstructed, intact, and leak-free.

Function testing: Periodically power on to check indicators, displays, and alarms.

System flushing (if applicable to combustion or heating): After each test, flush the atomizing or combustion chamber with pure water or specified solvent to prevent corrosion from residues.

Role of the Non-Combustibility Tester

The Non-Combustibility Tester evaluates whether building materials possess non-combustible properties under high-temperature conditions, determining compliance with national or international definitions of A-class non-combustible materials. Its main functions are:

Determining combustion performance level: According to ISO 1182:2002. test building materials to determine if they meet A1 or A2 classification (non-combustible).

Supporting fire safety and certification: Provides scientific basis for fire-resistant building design, material certification, and fire inspection, ensuring materials do not exacerbate fire.

Ensuring public safety: Widely used in construction, ships, rail transit, and other fields to prevent flammable materials from being used in high-risk areas.

Promoting material R&D: Helps manufacturers optimize material formulas and develop safer non-combustible or flame-resistant materials.

Intelligent integration is the core trend for non-combustibility testers. Next-generation devices combine computer control, automated operation, and networked data features for precise process control, automatic data acquisition, real-time monitoring, and traceability.Technologies such as AI-assisted interpretation and blockchain record-keeping further enhance testing efficiency and data credibility. Application scenarios are rapidly expanding and specializing. Beyond traditional construction and furniture, emerging high-risk areas like new energy vehicle battery packs, energy storage systems, and electronic components are included in mandatory certification, creating new testing demands.Industry collaboration has also fostered new models such as “R&D–Testing–Optimization” loops and on-site rapid testing, raising requirements for customized and professional equipment services.