Glow wire and needle flame test methods are popular in Europe for ascertaining the flammability of plastics.
These tests simulate thermal stresses to which materials may be subjected in a failure situation, such as the glowing elements of an overloaded resistor, to assess fire hazard.
Glow wire testing can be conducted using two methods:
Glow Wire Flammability Index
Flame or glowing must self extinguish within 30 seconds after removal of the glow wire.
Glow Wire Ignition Temperature
No flame or glowing for more than 5 seconds while the glow wire is applied.