Hot-Wire Ignition
The HWI test determines a polymeric material’s resistance to ignition when exposed to abnormally high temperatures resulting from a component failure such as a conductor carrying far more than its rated current.
For doing the evaluation take a test specimens (5″ X 0.5″ X minimum part thickness), then wrapped with wire that dissipates a specified level of electrical energy. Apply power, and start timing! Use the table below to know where you are.
Specimen SetUp
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HWI is the time it takes to either ignite or burn through a specimen. |
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| These times are grouped into Performance Level Categories or PLCs: | |
| HWI Mean Ignition Time (Seconds)* | PLC** |
| 120 and longer | 0 |
| 60 through 119 | 1 |
| 30 through 59 | 2 |
| 15 through 29 | 3 |
| 7 through 14 | 4 |
| <7 | 5 |
| *A longer Ignition Time is better | |
What is Hot-Wire Ignition
