Flame Spread Tester for Bunched Cable ( UL1685/GB18380 )
The Bundle Cable Fire Resistance Test Apparatus is designed according to UL 1685 and GB 18380.3 requirements for evaluating flame propagation on vertically installed wire and cable bundles. The system also complies with IEC 60332-3-10 and KS C IEC 60332-3-21~25 (Class A–D). When the burner is adjusted to a 20° angle, it further meets IEEE 383 (IEEE 1202) test conditions.
The chamber can be equipped with heat release measurement interfaces, allowing connection to external gas analysis devices for parameters such as Heat Release Rate (HRR) and Smoke Production Rate (SPR). It is built for laboratories, cable manufacturers, and certification institutions that require accurate, repeatable, and standards-compliant flame-spread testing.
Application
This apparatus is used to evaluate the flame-spread characteristics of wire and cable bundles when exposed to abnormal heat sources such as overload, overheating, or ignition.
Typical applications include:
Vertical flame propagation testing of power cables, communication cables, and optical cables
Used to determine whether flame spread remains within specified limits during a bundled burning event.
Assessment of insulation and sheath flame-retardant performance
Helps manufacturers optimize material formulation for improved fire safety.
Droplet and molten material evaluation under flame exposure
Ensures cables meet requirements for preventing the spread of ignition through melting drips.
Quality control and certification testing for cable manufacturers
Provides reliable verification for production batches before delivery.
Third-party laboratory, research institution, and regulatory testing
Supports compliance testing for safety certification and product development.
Standards
The apparatus complies with major international and regional standards, including:
IEC 60332-3-10 – Tests on vertically installed bundled cables: flame spread.
EN 50399 – Common test methods for cables under fire conditions.
GB/T 18380.31-2008 / IEC 60332-3-10
GB/T 18380.32-2008 / IEC 60332-3-21 (Category AF/R)
GB/T 18380.33-2008 / IEC 60332-3-22 (Category A)
GB/T 18380.35-2008 / IEC 60332-3-24 (Category C)
GB/T 18380.36-2008 / IEC 60332-3-25 (Category D)
UL 1685 – Vertical-Tray Flame Test for Cables
IEEE 383 / IEEE 1202 (with 20° burner adjustment)
Key Features
Chamber Structure
Stainless-steel test chamber measuring 1000±100 (W) × 2000±100 (D) × 4000±100 (H) mm with thermal insulation on rear wall.
Equipped with stainless-steel ladder as specified in GB/T 18380.31.
Two sample preparation racks for efficient test turnaround.
800±20 mm × 400±10 mm air inlet positioned 150±10 mm from the front panel.
K-type armored thermocouples (2 mm diameter) installed inside the chamber.
Exhaust system made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
Airflow maintained at (5000±500) L/min for stable combustion conditions.
Burning System
Propane ribbon burner: 257 mm × 4.5 mm with 242 precision-drilled holes arranged in three rows.
High-precision ball valves and dual flowmeters for air and gas control.
Flame arrestor installed to prevent flashback and ensure operational safety.
Automatic ignition and horizontal test angle; 20° configuration available.
Computer-based gas compensation adjusts airflow and fuel flow according to temperature and pressure.
Control System
PLC control with large touch-screen interface.
Automatic ignition, automatic timing, and automated test procedures.
Data storage with query function.
Built-in 40-minute and 60-minute alarms for long-duration tests.
Motor-driven lifting system for sample installation.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chamber Size | 1000±100 (W) × 2000±100 (D) × 4000±100 (H) mm |
| Wind Speed Accuracy | 0.1 m/s |
| Airflow Range | 8000 L/min |
| Exhaust Air Velocity | (5000±500) L/min, adjustable |
| Burner Size | 257 mm × 4.5 mm |
| Gas Type | 95% purity propane (supplied by user) |
| Gas Flow Condition | 100 kPa, 20°C |
| Combustion Gas Source | Propane or LPG |
| Overall Dimensions | 1165 (W) × 2165 (D) × 4350 (H) mm |
| Control Console Size | 600 (W) × 750 (D) × 1600 (H) mm |
| Power Supply | AC 220V, 50/60 Hz, 15A |
| Weight | 1500 kg |
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of bundle cable flame testing?
It evaluates how far flames travel along vertically installed cable bundles under controlled ignition conditions. This determines whether a cable meets fire-safety requirements for its intended installation environment.
2. What types of cables can be tested?
Power cables, control cables, communication cables, optical fiber cables, and any multi-core or jacketed cable designed for vertical tray installations.
3. Does the apparatus support smoke and heat release measurement?
Yes. The chamber includes connection ports for optional gas analysis equipment, enabling HRR, SPR, and other fire-reaction data measurement.
4. What fuel should be used during testing?
Propane with 95% purity or higher is recommended to ensure test consistency and compliance with standards.
5. Can this equipment be used for certification testing?
Yes. It is built to meet major international certification standards including IEC 60332-3 series, UL 1685, and IEEE 383.
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