🔍 Introduction to the Single Flame Source Test Apparatus: More Than Just a Device
The Single Flame Source Test Apparatus is a key device for executing the Small Flame Ignitability Test in building material flammability assessments. It simulates flame contact on vertically mounted samples to evaluate ignition, carbonization, and dripping, and is widely used for fire classification under GB 8626 and ISO 11925-2:2020.
The apparatus features a Kleinbrenner burner with a 0.17 mm nozzle and a fixed 45° angle. Flame exposure time is programmable from 1 to 99 seconds, enabling precise control. Test behavior—including ignition duration, carbonization length, and melt dripping—is clearly observable through a high-strength safety window.
In practice, many manufacturers skip pre-certification flame testing, leading to failed inspections and costly delays. This is especially common with PVC composites, foam plastics, and flexible surface materials. The Single Flame Source Test Apparatus helps mitigate these risks by generating repeatable ignition data before third-party testing.
Widely adopted by labs and export-focused producers, the device supports fire classification according to EN 13501, ISO 11925-2, and GB 8624, making it essential for reliable material compliance.
⚙️ Key Features
🔹 High-Precision Flame Source Control
The apparatus is equipped with a standardized Kleinbrenner burner featuring a 0.17 mm nozzle and a fixed 45° tilt angle. It produces a stable flame of 20 mm ±1 mm in length, strictly complying with vertical ignition test specifications. This configuration eliminates operator-induced variation and ensures consistent testing conditions, which is critical for maintaining reproducibility in certification results.
🔹 Fully Automated Ignition and Timing
All ignition procedures—including flame application duration and shutoff—are digitally controlled via a microprocessor system. Users can predefine testing parameters without manual timing or switching operations. This effectively solves timing deviation issues found in manual setups, making the apparatus especially suitable for tests requiring ±0.5s precision.
🔹 Visual Monitoring Through Safety Window
The front of the test chamber includes a high-strength, heat-resistant observation window coated with a low-reflective finish. It allows real-time monitoring of key test behaviors such as ignition persistence, carbonization length, and flaming drips, enabling accurate operator assessment or video documentation if needed.
🔹 Optional Sample Fixture and Automatic Adjustment
The system supports integration with an optional stainless-steel retractable sample holder. This motorized fixture adapts to different sample sizes, maintaining consistent test distance and positioning. It’s especially useful for standardized comparisons across foam, PVC membranes, and rigid board materials.
🔹 Supports Test Record Storage and Review
While the device is primarily designed for independent operation, it features a user interface that allows key testing parameters—such as flame duration and test identifiers—to be digitally logged. These records can be used for certification documentation, internal audits, or third-party inspection reviews.
🏗 Use Case Scenarios
✅ Building Material Exporters: Predict Risk Before Testing
For materials such as PVC-laminated boards, foam fillers, or decorative coatings exported to the EU or Middle East, passing EN 13501 / ISO 11925-2 fire tests is mandatory. Without pre-testing, products are prone to rejection due to excessive carbonization length or flaming drips. The Single Flame Source Test Apparatus allows manufacturers to simulate fire exposure conditions in-house before shipment, increasing the likelihood of passing certification on the first attempt.
✅ Certification Laboratories: Standardized Flame Application for Accurate Reports
Third-party test labs conducting B1/B2 classification under GB 8624 or ISO 11925-2 need precise and reproducible flame control. This device offers automated ignition timing and fixed-angle exposure, minimizing operator variability. It ensures consistency in test results and meets procedural requirements for issuing legally valid reports. Many fire test labs consider it a standard component of their setup.
✅ Universities and Research Institutions: Fire Science Training and Experimental Study
With its open design, clear observation window, and digital safety control, the apparatus is well-suited for teaching demonstrations and material behavior research. It supports experimental evaluation of combustion characteristics, such as droplet temperature or char length, across various material densities and compositions—making it a practical tool in fire engineering and material science education.
✅ Project Owners and Contractors: Onsite Sample Inspection and Pre-Acceptance
For large-scale construction projects involving fire-rated coatings or insulation boards, onsite labs or project quality teams often perform preliminary flame response tests before material approval. The device allows for fast setup, intuitive operation, and repeatable testing, helping contractors validate incoming material performance early in the procurement process.
Used for flammability testing of building materials, featuring automatic ignition and timing.
📦 Conclusion: From Testing to Certification with One Reliable System
The Single Flame Source Test Apparatus is more than just a testing machine—it’s a compliance gateway. Whether you’re a manufacturer, certifier, or lab technician, this apparatus ensures your materials are not only tested but truly prepared for real-world regulations.
Click below to explore specifications and discover how it can streamline your testing workflow.