In this test, we play with fire.
The vertical flame test was built to test to the UL 62 standard for flexible cords and cables.
During the test, a Bunsen burner is lit and then the flame is tilted into the cable or wire.
The cord is burned five times: 15 seconds on, 15 seconds off.
To pass, no more than 25% of the indicator flag at the top can be burned.
The cable also has to extinguish in less than 60 seconds, and flaming droplets can’t ignite the cotton below it.
A flame retardant mixture in the PVC jacket helps extinguish the fire and this test makes sure they’ve got the right mix.
Interpower has been using this custom-built burn box since 2012.
They know what to expect, and rarely see failures.
This test saves time, so there are now surprises when the cord goes to agencies for approval. It also saves lives.
The Testing Series covers how one American manufacturer is making sure that we stay safe and our products remain powered. It features the Top 6 tests every cord should go through before it finds a mate.
The series includes exclusive footage from Interpower’s state-of-the-art facilities in Iowa, as the tests were being performed.
