The Role and Importance of Needle Flame Testing Instrument in Fire Hazard Assessment

Abstract
Fire safety is a crucial aspect of electrical and electronic device manufacturing. The needle flame testing instrument is an essential tool used to assess the fire hazard risk of materials and components by simulating small flame ignition sources under specific conditions. This paper explores the working principles, testing procedures, standard compliance, and practical applications of the LISUN ZY-3 Needle Flame Testing Instrument. Additionally, a comparative analysis of test results is provided to highlight the significance of such assessments in ensuring product safety.

Introduction
In electrical and electronic industries, components must withstand potential fire hazards caused by faults such as short circuits and overheating. The needle flame testing instrument provides a controlled method for evaluating how materials respond to direct flame exposure. The LISUN ZY-3 Needle Flame Testing Instrument meets international safety standards and ensures that manufacturers can reliably test their products.

ZY-3 Needle Flame Test

Working Principle of the Needle Flame Testing Instrument
The needle flame testing instrument consists of a precisely dimensioned needle burner (Φ0.9mm), which is fueled by either butane or propane gas. The burner is placed at a 45° angle relative to the sample and ignites the material for a defined period. The primary objective is to assess the combustion characteristics, including:
• Ignition capability
• Flame propagation rate
• Self-extinguishing behavior
• Impact on adjacent materials

Testing Procedure
The LISUN ZY-3 Needle Flame Testing Instrument operates according to a standard testing procedure to ensure consistency:
Sample Preparation
• The test sample is conditioned at 23±2°C and 50±5% relative humidity for at least 24 hours before testing.
• A standard ignition pad (white pine board with 12 mm thickness) is placed beneath the sample.

Test Execution
• The needle burner (Φ0.9mm) is positioned at a 45° angle and set to apply flame for a predetermined time (typically 5 to 30 seconds).
• Observations are recorded, including ignition behavior, after-flame duration, and damage extent.

Criteria for Evaluation
• If the test specimen self-extinguishes within 30 seconds and does not ignite the underlying pad, it passes the test.
• If the material continues burning beyond 30 seconds or ignites the underlying pad, it fails.

Compliance with International Standards
The needle flame testing instrument complies with multiple safety standards, including:
• IEC 60695-11-5 – Fire hazard testing for electrotechnical products.
• GB/T 5169.5 – China National Standard for small flame ignition.
• UL 746A – Flammability tests for plastic materials.

Experimental Data and Results
A series of tests were conducted using the LISUN ZY-3 Needle Flame Testing Instrument to assess the flammability of different insulating materials. The results are summarized in the table below:

Conclusion
The needle flame testing instrument, particularly the LISUN ZY-3 Needle Flame Testing Instrument, plays a vital role in fire risk assessment for electrical and electronic components. By simulating real-world ignition scenarios, manufacturers can ensure compliance with international safety regulations and improve the fire resistance of their products.

As the demand for fire-safe materials increases, rigorous testing using advanced equipment like the LISUN ZY-3 Needle Flame Testing Instrument remains an indispensable practice in the industry.