What Is a Bundle Wire and Cable Burning Test Machine？

The bundled wire and cable combustion testing machine is manufactured in strict accordance with GB/T 18380.31-2022. equivalent to IEC 60332-3-10:2009 standards.  It is used to evaluate the ability of vertically installed bundled wires, cables, or optical cables to inhibit vertical flame propagation under specified conditions. This testing equipment is independently developed and manufactured by Shanghai Qianshi Precision Electromechanical Technology Co., Ltd., offering high cost-effectiveness and comprehensive after-sales service.

Application

Apply to evaluate suppression ability of spread of fire for bundles installed wires and cables ,under specified conditions.

Standards

IEC60332-3-10:2000: Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions - Part 3-10: Test for vertical flame spread of vertically-mounted bunched wires or cables

GA306.1-2007: Flame retardant and fire resistive cables - Classification and requirement for flame retardant and fire resistive cables with plastic insulation - Part 1: Flame retardant cables

Main components

Testing chamber, electric control system, air source, ignition source flew control system (propane gas and air compressed gas), steel elevator, Fire extinguishing devices, emissions purification equipment (user option).

Features

1. Equipped with a standard stainless steel ladder, conforming to the requirements of GB/T18380.31;

2. Two sample support racks are included;

3. The ladder is made of stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean;

4. An air inlet port measuring 800±20(W) × 400±10(D) is located in the lower part of the chamber, 150±10mm from the front of the chamber;

5. A K-type armored thermocouple with a 2mm diameter is installed inside the chamber;

6. The airflow inside the combustion chamber can be stably controlled at (5000±500) L/min.

Parameters

Test Procedures

Sample Preparation: Cut a wire harness or cable sample of the specified length (e.g., ≥600mm) according to the standard, and remove the outer sheath from both ends (if necessary), ensuring the sample condition meets the test requirements.

Equipment Inspection: Check the sealing of the combustion chamber, gas supply, ignition device, and ventilation system to ensure the equipment is in normal working condition.

Sample Installation: Secure the sample horizontally on the support inside the combustion chamber, adjust the distance between the sample and the flame nozzle (e.g., 175mm), ensuring the lower end of the sample is aligned with the top of the burner.

Parameter Setting: Set the burning time (e.g., 15 seconds/30 seconds), flame height (e.g., 125mm), and gas supply pressure according to the test standard (e.g., UL1581. IEC 60332. etc.).

Start the Test: Ignite the flame, and after the flame stabilizes, start the test. Observe the burning of the sample, record the burning time, flame spread distance, and whether the dripping material ignites the filter paper below.

End of Test: After the burning time is reached or the sample is completely burned out, turn off the gas, activate the ventilation system to clear the smoke, and remove the sample residue.

Advantages of Bundle Wire and Cable Burning Test Machine

1. Accurate Evaluation of Flame Retardant Performance of Bundled Wires and Cables

The Bundle Wire and Cable Burning Test Machine can simulate the burning conditions of multiple cables installed together in actual engineering applications. Through bundled cable flame tests, it evaluates flame propagation height, burning duration, carbonization degree, and flame retardant classification, providing reliable data for cable fire resistance performance evaluation.

2. Realistic Simulation of Engineering Application Conditions

The tester adopts a bundled installation test method, which closely replicates actual cable laying conditions in applications such as buildings, power systems, rail transit facilities, and communication rooms. It can effectively evaluate the risks of group cable combustion and flame propagation during fire situations.

3. High-Precision Burning Control System

Equipped with a standard flame source device, the machine can accurately control combustion temperature, flame height, burning time, and gas supply conditions. This ensures consistent testing conditions between different batches of samples and improves test repeatability and accuracy.

4. Comprehensive Analysis of Cable Flame Retardant Performance

The tester not only determines whether cables burn but also provides comprehensive evaluation of flame propagation speed, heat release characteristics, smoke generation, and burning damage range, helping manufacturers fully understand the fire safety performance of their products.

5. Automated Operation for Improved Testing Efficiency

The intelligent control system enables test parameter setting, combustion process control, data recording, and automatic shutdown after testing. It reduces human operation errors and improves laboratory testing efficiency.

6. Safety Protection Design for Operator Safety

The equipment is equipped with a fire-resistant test chamber, smoke exhaust system, observation window, and safety protection devices. These features effectively isolate the combustion area and reduce the impact of high temperature, smoke, and flames on operators.

FAQ

1. What is the purpose of a Bundle Wire and Cable Burning Test Machine?

It is used to evaluate the flame propagation and flame retardant performance of bundled wires and cables.

2. Which standards does the tester comply with?

It can comply with standards such as IEC 60332-3. GB/T 18380. and EN 50399.

3. What types of cables can be tested?

It is suitable for power cables, communication cables, control cables, and other bundled cables.

4. What parameters can be evaluated during testing?

It can evaluate flame spread height, burning time, carbonization degree, and fire performance.

5. Is the operation of the machine automatic?

Yes, it features intelligent control for parameter setting, test operation, and data recording.