How can you tell if an enclosure protects against fire or excess heat?

Check whether the enclosure has been glow wire tested to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60695-2-11 series of specifications. All Spelsberg enclosures undergo this testing. The tests replicate the type of effects that could happen when overloaded connections or overheating components cause electrical equipment to malfunction, and they are designed to provide insight into an object’s ability to resist ignition and prevent dripping.

Glow wire tests are known as indirect flame method tests and were developed by the IEC in 2001 as a more comprehensive test than the previous direct flame methods. A non-flaming heat source, such as a heated wire, is applied to a specimen for 30 seconds, with tissue paper placed below the specimen to test for dripping. The results allow comparisons of a material’s tendency to resist ignition, its self-extinguishing properties should ignition occur, and its resistance to dripping.

For an enclosure to pass Spelsberg glow wire testing:

• Parts exposed to live components must not burn or glow when exposed to a wire heated to 960°C ±15°C, depending on the enclosure material.

• Once the heat source is removed, any residual glow must be extinguished within 30 seconds.

• Any falling parts from the test sample must not ignite the tissue below.

Electrical enclosures are designed to keep electrical equipment safe, so it is important to understand how they perform in extreme situations such as exposure to fire or excessive heat. We manufacture our enclosures to meet stringent international safety standards and we conduct rigorous safety testing on every Spelsberg enclosure design, so that you can make an informed decision and select the appropriate product for your needs.