{"product_id":"glow-wire-tester-qualiflame-gwt","title":"Glow Wire Tester - QualiFlame™ GWT","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGlow Wire Tester – QualiFlame™ GWT\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGlow Wire Test Apparatus for Electrical Insulation and Plastics\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QualiFlame™ GWT Glow Wire Tester is designed for fire hazard testing of electrotechnical products, plastics, and electrical insulation materials. The system uses an electrically heated nickel-chromium loop as the ignition source to evaluate how finished products, molded components, and insulation materials respond when exposed to a glowing element.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe glow wire test apparatus operates from 500°C to 1000°C with temperature stability of ±2°C. During testing, the heated wire contacts the specimen under a calibrated force of 0.97 N. The instrument is suitable for appliance manufacturers, electrical component suppliers, polymer testing laboratories, and certification organizations conducting glow wire flammability and fire resistance evaluations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable Configurations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QualiFlame™ GWT is available in two configurations: a version with an integrated test chamber and a configuration without the chamber. The chambered model provides an enclosed testing area exceeding 0.5 m³, featuring a dark interior and black test background to improve flame visibility through the large viewing window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn included exhaust pipe helps direct combustion products away from the testing area during operation. A touchscreen control system manages the test sequence, while a separate remote control box provides convenient operation near the specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperature and Ignition Time Measurement\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA digital timer controls the standard 30-second contact period with an accuracy of ±0.1 seconds. Separate timing channels measure ignition time and flame extinction time over a range of 0 to 999.9 seconds. Test timing data is recorded automatically, while manual timeout control is also available when required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe system uses an armored Type K thermocouple rated from -40°C to 1100°C to measure the glow wire tip temperature. Temperature data is displayed through a digital indicator for clear monitoring during the test.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGlow Wire Heating and Safety Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QualiFlame™ GWT provides continuously variable current adjustment for precise control of glow wire heating. A built-in ammeter allows operators to monitor the heating current directly during testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor electrical protection, the control system incorporates fuses and a miniature circuit breaker. These safety components help protect the electrical control circuit during operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QualiFlame™ GWT provides a controlled setup for glow wire testing, fire hazard evaluation, ignition behavior analysis, and flame extinction measurement of electrical insulation, plastics, and electrotechnical components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGlow Wire Tester – QualiFlame™ GWT Applications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QualiFlame™ GWT Glow Wire Tester supports fire hazard evaluation for electrical products, plastics, polymer materials, and electrical insulation. It is suitable for product development, quality assessment, material evaluation, and third-party testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHousehold Appliance Manufacturing: Evaluates housings, terminal blocks, and internal plastic components used in refrigerators, washing machines, and small kitchen appliances for resistance to ignition caused by overheated components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElectrical Connectors and Terminal Blocks: Tests insulating housings and components positioned near current-carrying conductors and screw terminals to assess ignition behavior under glowing wire contact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwitches, Sockets, and Wiring Accessories: Evaluates finished wiring devices to determine their response to contact with a heated glow wire and assess the potential for localized ignition to spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlastics and Polymer Compounding: Supports evaluation of flame-retardant polymer formulations by analyzing ignition temperature and burning behavior during material development and grade qualification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWire and Cable Insulation: Assesses insulation and jacketing compounds for resistance to ignition when exposed to glowing contact points, overheated connections, or similar thermal conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLighting Fixtures and Luminaires: Tests lamp holders, drivers, diffusers, and other polymer components positioned near sustained heat sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAutomotive Electrical Components: Evaluates fuse boxes, relay housings, connector bodies, and other electrical components used in automotive wiring systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIT and Audio-Video Equipment: Tests enclosure materials and internal polymer components used in power supplies, adapters, and electronic equipment for their response to glowing wire contact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCertification and Third-Party Laboratories: Supports glow wire testing for product evaluation, including the determination of glow wire flammability and ignition temperature characteristics for certification and approval processes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGlow Wire Tester Standards\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QualiFlame™ GWT is designed around internationally recognized glow wire test methods covering apparatus configuration, glow wire temperature control, specimen contact, and testing procedures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIEC 60695-2-10: Fire hazard testing – Part 2-10: Glowing\/hot-wire based test methods – Glow-wire apparatus and common test procedure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUL 746A: Standard for Polymeric Materials – Short Term Property Evaluations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese standards provide test procedures and requirements used to evaluate the fire-related behavior of polymeric and electrical insulating materials under controlled glow wire conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGlow Wire Tester – QualiFlame™ GWT Key Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QualiFlame™ GWT Glow Wire Tester combines precise temperature control, automated timing, and adjustable electrical current to provide consistent and controlled glow wire testing for plastics, electrical insulation, and electrotechnical components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTouchscreen Program Control: Controls the approach, contact, dwell, and withdrawal sequence according to preset parameters, reducing operator-dependent timing variations during glow wire testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemote Control Box: Allows operators to start and stop the test sequence from a convenient position while maintaining direct visibility of the specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptional Integrated Test Chamber: Available with or without an integrated enclosure, providing flexibility for laboratories with existing extraction or testing enclosures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrecision Contact Timer: Controls the standard 30-second contact period with ±0.1 s accuracy and provides a timer range from 0 to 9999 seconds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeparate Ignition and Extinction Timing Channels: Records ignition and flame extinction times independently over a range of 0 to 999.9 seconds, with automatic data recording and manual timeout functionality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContinuously Variable Current Adjustment: Provides smooth control of glow wire heating current, allowing operators to achieve the required tip temperature without changing fixed current ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt-In Ammeter Monitoring: Displays glow wire current in real time, providing an additional reference during temperature setup and test operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDigital Temperature Indicator: Displays the measured glow wire tip temperature directly for convenient monitoring during calibration and testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArmored Type K Thermocouple: Covers a temperature range of -40°C to 1100°C and is designed for repeated glow wire testing cycles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNickel-Chromium 80\/20 Glow Wire: Uses a Ø4 mm ±0.04 mm nickel-chromium glow wire to maintain the specified geometry and consistent heat transfer during testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalibrated Application Force: Applies the specified contact force to help maintain consistent specimen contact and improve test repeatability between laboratories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eControlled 7 mm Penetration Limit: Limits glow wire travel to the specified penetration depth, helping prevent excessive penetration through thin test specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDark Interior and Black Background: Improves visibility of brief or low-intensity flames, supporting accurate observation and timing during the test.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupplied Exhaust Pipe and Buckle: Provides a dedicated route for combustion products to exit the test area without requiring a custom extraction connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsumables Kit Included: Includes a spare glow wire loop, thermocouple, silver foil, metal brush, pine board, tissue paper, and specimen disc for testing and maintenance requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFuse and Miniature Circuit Breaker Protection: Provides electrical protection for the control circuit against overload during extended testing and high-temperature operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustomizable Power Supply and Interface Language: Supports different local power supply configurations and operator interface language requirements for international laboratory use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTheory and Method\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe QualiFlame™ GWT Glow Wire Tester reproduces a localized thermal failure that can occur in electrical and electronic products. An overheated component, damaged connection, overloaded resistor, or heating element can reach high temperatures and come into contact with nearby plastic or electrical insulation. Glow wire testing evaluates whether the material ignites under this contact and measures how long any resulting flame continues after the heat source is removed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe test uses a 4 mm diameter nickel-chromium 80\/20 glow wire as the standardized heat source. Its electrical resistance and thermal characteristics provide a controlled heating element for repeatable testing cycles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eResistive Heating and Temperature Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElectrical current passes through the nickel-chromium wire, generating heat through electrical resistance. The glow wire reaches an equilibrium temperature when the electrical heat input balances heat losses through radiation and convection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn armored Type K thermocouple positioned at the glow wire tip measures the actual temperature directly. This provides a more reliable temperature measurement than estimating temperature from electrical current alone. The control panel includes adjustable current control and an ammeter, allowing operators to fine-tune the heating conditions before and during testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Contact and Mechanical Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMechanical test parameters are also critical for consistent glow wire testing. The specimen carriage advances at 18 mm\/s, applies a calibrated contact force of 0.97 N, and limits penetration to 7 mm. These controlled parameters help prevent excessive penetration through thin-wall specimens and maintain consistent contact conditions throughout the test.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the test, operators monitor and record key observations, including ignition time, flame extinction time after glow wire withdrawal, and whether burning particles ignite the tissue paper positioned on the pine board beneath the specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting observations can be used to determine the applicable flammability index, ignition temperature characteristics, or pass\/fail assessment, depending on the test method and product requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGlow Wire Tester - QualiFlame™ GWT Technical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"table\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eParameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQualiFlame™ GWT\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConfiguration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWith or without integrated test chamber\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGlow Wire Element\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eØ4 mm ±0.04 mm, nickel-chromium 80\/20\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e500°C to 1000°C, continuously adjustable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature Accuracy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e±2°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThermocouple\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eØ1.0 mm Type K (Ni\/Cr-Ni\/Al), armored sheath rated -40°C to 1100°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSearing Time\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 s ±0.1 s (OMRON H5CN-XAN-Z digital timer, 0 s to 9999 s, preset table)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIgnition Timing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0 s to 999.9 s ±0.1 s, automatic recording, manual timeout\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlame Extinction Timing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0 s to 999.9 s ±0.1 s, automatic recording, manual timeout\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePenetration Depth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 mm ±0.5 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApplication Force\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.97 N ±0.1 N\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproach Speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18 ±3 mm\/s\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTest Background\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTest Process\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAutomatic control, independent test cycle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTest Chamber Volume\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e≥0.5 m³ (chambered configuration)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eControl System\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMicrocontroller with touch screen program\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReference Standards\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIEC 60695-2-10, UL 746A\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVoltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e220 V, 48 Hz to 60 Hz, 800 VA (110V is also available)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDisplay Panel Language\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEnglish (other languages available on request)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Qualitest USA LC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52990290985271,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/1859\/1543\/files\/glow-wire-tester-qualiflametm-gw.webp?v=1789489355","url":"https:\/\/qualitest.us\/pt\/products\/glow-wire-tester-qualiflame-gwt","provider":"Qualitest USA LC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}