UL 94 and UL 1694 – Flammability Testing
The most commonly referenced Standards for evaluation of flammability are UL 94 and UL 1694.
- UL 94: Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances
- UL 1694: Tests for Flammability of Small Polymeric Component Materials
While UL 94 is referenced far more often, UL 1694 is valuable for small component evaluation.
Both flame tests are intended for the evaluation of polymeric [plastic] materials.
UL 94 Tests Performed at ELTEK Labs
UL 94: Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances has a single approach for flame-testing which provides flammability ratings of [1] Horizontal and [2] Vertical testing. The flame ratings and procedure are available in a separate document in ELTEK International University [EIU].
Test methods in UL 94:
- HB = Horizontal Burning Test [Section 7 Per ASTM D635 / IEC 60695-11-10]
- V-0, V-1, or V-2 = Vertical Burning Test [Section 8 Per ASTM D3801 / IEC 60695-11-10]
- 5VA or 5VB = Extended Vertical Burning Test [Section 9 Per ASTM D5048 / IEC60695-10-20]
- Radiant Panel Flame Spread Test [Section 10 per ASTM E162]
- VTM-0, VTM-1, or VTM-2 = Thin Material Vertical Burning Test [Section 11 Per ASTM D4804 / ISO9773]
- HBF, HF-1, or HF-2 = Horizontal Burning Foamed Materials Test [Section 12 Per ASTM D4986 / ISO9772]
All of these flame tests are conducted by ELTEK Labs.
Ignition Without Application of Flame
Another common series of flammability tests evaluates a material’s susceptibility to ignition when exposed to a focused heat source without flame.
ASTM D-3874: Standard test Method for Ignition of Materials by Hot Wire Sources
UL 746-A: Polymeric Materials – Short Term Property Evaluations
- Section 31: Hot Wire Ignition – Performance Level Categories
ASTM D-6194: Standard Test Method for Glow-Wire Ignition of Materials
IEC 60695: Fire Hazard Testing
- Part 2: Glowing/Hot Wire Based Test Method
- Part 2-10: Glow-wire apparatus and common test procedure
- Part 2-11: Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products
- Part 2-12: Glow-wire flammability method for materials
- Part 2-13: Glow-wire ignitability test method for materials
UL 746-A: Polymeric Materials – Short Term Property Evaluations
- Section 34: Glow-Wire Ignitability Test
UL 746-C: Polymeric Materials – Use in Electrical Equipment Evaluation
- Section 73: Glow-Wire End-Product Test
Fire Hazard Testing
In addition to the group of flame/flammability testing presented above, an expanding suite of Fire Hazard testing has been added to our total capabilities.
IEC 60754: Test on gases evolved during combustion of materials from cables
- Part 1: Determination of the halogen acid gas content
Sample size per test: 2 samples, each 1 gram = 2 grams. Recommended amount = 20 grams for handling, set-up and preliminary evaluation
IEC 61034: Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions
- Part 1: Test apparatus
Sample size per test: cable length can vary. The amount needed must be discussed and agreed upon prior to the preparation and issuance of the quotation for testing. Please contact Sales@ELTEKlabs.com.
ASTM E162: Standard Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
Sample size per test for a flat sheet type of material vary as this test method can be used to evaluate a wide range of materials such as films, papers, composite sheets, polymeric materials, flexible or rigid. Components such as enclosures, housings, panels and other shapes can be evaluated. To determine the needed number, size and configuration of test specimens, contact Sales@ELTEKlabs.com.
The apparatus can handle test objects up to 2000mm x 1000mm and with a maximum weight of 25kg.
For flame and fire hazard tests call Eltek Labs at 636-949-5835 or request a quote online.
