Glow Wire Test Equipment
ED&D glow wire test equipment supports repeatable flammability and ignitability testing for electrotechnical products, components, and insulating materials in programs associated with IEC 60695-2-10, IEC 60335, IEC 60598, IEC 61058, and related product standards that adopt the glow wire method. This product family includes the T4-08 Automated Glow Wire Test Equipment, GWT-2000 Glow Wire Test Equipment, replacement elements, replacement thermocouples, and the GWT-SVR Silver Foil accessory for one-point temperature verification.
Standards-Based Glow Wire Testing
Designed for controlled glow wire testing where the specimen is brought into contact with a heated wire under defined temperature and loading conditions.
Complete Test Support
ED&D offers complete test equipment, replacement elements, thermocouples, and silver foil accessories to support both routine operation and maintenance.
Built Around IEC 60695
The product family is organized around the glow wire reference method and the product standards that adopt it.
Tell us the exact standard, required glow wire temperature range, and whether you need complete test equipment, a replacement element, thermocouple, or verification accessory.
Glow Wire Testing for Fire Hazard, Ignitability, and Flammability Evaluation
Glow wire testing is used to evaluate the fire hazard that may result when heated or overloaded components create elevated temperatures in electrotechnical equipment. In a glow wire test, a resistance wire loop is electrically heated to a specified temperature and then brought into contact with the test specimen under a defined force and contact time. Observations are then made to assess ignition behavior, flame persistence, and related fire-hazard response.
ED&Dās glow wire product family includes complete test equipment along with the key consumable and service parts needed to maintain the method over time. That includes replacement glow wire elements, Type K thermocouples, and silver foil used for one-point verification of glow wire temperature.
These products are centered on IEC 60695-2-10, the reference apparatus and common test procedure standard identified in your source material, and are relevant to product standards that adopt the glow wire method, including IEC 60335, IEC 60598, and IEC 61058.
Important standards note: glow wire testing is only meaningful when the element geometry, thermocouple placement, temperature verification, force application, and timing all match the exact method required by the governing standard.
How This Page Is Organized
- Glow Wire Test Equipment: complete systems for automated glow wire testing
- Accessories & Replacement Parts: silver foil, replacement thermocouples, and replacement elements
- Comparison: quick guidance on choosing the right system or accessory
Glow Wire Test Equipment
T4-08 Automated Glow Wire Test Equipment
The T4-08 is an automated glow wire test apparatus with motor drive for flammability and ignitability testing of components and materials using the glow wire method.
The system includes an electronic feedback heating current stabilizer / regulator, ammeter, thermometer, motor drive, and timer. The apparatus consists of an electric unit and a mechanical unit.
Positioned for testing associated with IEC 60695-2-10 and related adopted product standards including IEC 60335.
GWT-2000 Glow Wire Test Equipment
The GWT-2000 is designed to carry out fire hazard testing on electrotechnical products using the glow wire method defined by the IEC glow wire reference standard.
In use, a resistance wire loop is heated to a specified temperature and the specimen is brought into contact with the heated wire under defined horizontal loading. Observations and measurements are then made to evaluate the fire hazard presented by the specimen during exposure to elevated temperature.
Best fit for programs associated with IEC 60695 and adopted product standards such as IEC 60335, IEC 60598, and IEC 61058.
Selection note: choose the system based on your preferred configuration, automation needs, maintenance plan, and the exact product standard your lab is working to.
Accessories & Replacement Parts
GWT-SVR Silver Foil Glow Wire Accessory
GWT-SVR silver foil is used for the one-point verification of glow wire temperature as required by IEC 60695-2-10, Clause 6.2.2.
The foil is specified as silver with purity of at least 99.8%, approximately 2 mm², and 0.006 mm thick. A certificate of compliance is provided for these specifications.
T4-08A Automated Glow Wire Thermocouple Replacement
Replacement Type K thermocouple for automated glow wire test equipment.
Construction includes a solid / bendable sheath at the measurement end and a rubber jacket protecting the portion of the thermocouple that passes through bushings in the enclosure and support bracket.
Key dimensions: overall length minimum 8 in., diameter 1.0 mm, sheath length 3-1/8 in., sheath diameter 0.02 in., jacket length at least 2 in. positioned at the end of the sheath.
T4-08E Automated Glow Wire Replacement Element
Replacement glow wire element precision manufactured in accordance with IEC 60695-2-10.
Element tip diameter is 4.0 mm. Thermocouple hole is 1.0 mm diameter and 3.0 mm deep at the back of the bend.
P-GWT2000-E Glow Wire Replacement Element
Replacement glow wire element manufactured for the current IEC 60695-2-10:2013 glow wire method.
Element tip diameter is 4.0 mm. The thermocouple hole accommodates a 1.0 mm thermocouple and is positioned 0.6 mm from the front edge of the tip. Elements are also annealed per the requirement.
Maintenance note: glow wire testing depends on correct element condition, thermocouple condition, and temperature verification practice. Replacement parts should match the system and the method exactly.
Which Glow Wire Product Is Right for Your Lab?
| Product | Primary Use | Best Fit | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| T4-08 | Automated glow wire testing | Labs needing motor-driven glow wire test equipment with integrated controls | Includes motor drive, timer, ammeter, thermometer, and electronic feedback heating current stabilizer |
| GWT-2000 | Glow wire fire hazard testing | Labs needing complete glow wire test equipment built around IEC glow wire requirements | General glow wire platform for electrotechnical product fire hazard evaluation |
| GWT-SVR | One-point temperature verification | Labs performing required glow wire temperature verification checks | Silver foil accessory aligned with IEC 60695-2-10 Clause 6.2.2 |
| T4-08A | Thermocouple replacement | Maintenance support for automated glow wire test equipment | Type K thermocouple with protected construction for glow wire apparatus routing |
| T4-08E / P-GWT2000-E | Replacement glow wire element | Labs maintaining element geometry and temperature measurement capability | 4.0 mm tip geometry with thermocouple hole sized for the glow wire method |
Selection guidance: start by deciding whether you need complete test equipment or only a service part. Then match the accessory or replacement item to the exact platform and glow wire method in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is glow wire test equipment used for?
Glow wire test equipment is used to evaluate the fire hazard, ignitability, or flammability response of materials and components when they are brought into contact with a heated wire under defined test conditions.
What does the silver foil accessory do?
The silver foil is used for one-point verification of glow wire temperature as required by the apparatus and common test procedure in IEC 60695-2-10.
Why would a lab need replacement glow wire elements?
Glow wire elements are precision parts that must maintain the required tip geometry and thermocouple-hole arrangement. Replacing worn or damaged elements helps keep the equipment aligned with the method.
Why is the thermocouple important in glow wire testing?
The thermocouple is used to measure and control the glow wire temperature. Its dimensions, placement, and condition directly affect whether the applied temperature is accurate and repeatable.
Are glow wire requirements used only in IEC 60695?
No. IEC 60695 provides the glow wire reference method, and a number of product standards adopt that method for specific product categories, including IEC 60335, IEC 60598, and IEC 61058.
Can one glow wire system cover every product standard automatically?
Not automatically. The lab still needs to confirm the required temperature, force, timing, specimen setup, and acceptance criteria for the exact product standard being used.
Send the exact product standard and whether you need complete test equipment, a replacement element, thermocouple, or verification accessory.
Typical Glow Wire Test Applications
ED&D glow wire systems are used in electrical safety laboratories, product certification programs, materials and component evaluation labs, and engineering verification environments where elevated-temperature fire hazard behavior must be evaluated in a controlled, repeatable way.
Depending on the product and method, these workflows may relate to IEC 60695-2-10, IEC 60335, IEC 60598, IEC 61058, and related adopted glow wire product standards.
- Glow wire ignitability testing of components
- Flammability screening of insulating materials
- Fire hazard evaluation for electrotechnical products
- Appliance-related glow wire testing
- Lighting and switch component testing
- Routine temperature verification and maintenance support
- Replacement element and thermocouple maintenance programs
- One-point temperature verification using silver foil
- Test-lab workflows built around adopted IEC glow wire methods
Method note: glow wire testing is only valid when the element geometry, temperature measurement, verification practice, contact force, and timing all match the exact method required by the governing standard.