A cone calorimeter test for the measurement of flammability properties of insulated wire

We have investigated the use of the cone calorimeter to measure flammabilit y properties of small diameter wires. Several different lest protocols were evaluated and one had the advantages of bring simple, effective and repeat able. Four commercially available wires were tested using this protocol. Pa rameters measured were: total heat release, peak heat release rate, total s moke, peak smoke production rate, peak carbon monoxide production and time to ignition. Three of the wires were flame retarded with metal hydroxide ba sed halogen-free systems; the key difference between these wires was insula tion wall thickness (thin, medium and thick). The fourth wire was insulated with chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) which contained antimony trioxide to i mprove flame retardancy, and was of medium wall thickness. The results demo nstrate the negative impact on smoke and CO production of the CPE/Sb FR ins ulation versus the equivalent thickness halogen-free system. The tests also show how increased wall thickness adversely affects fin properties even wh en all the products are halogen-free. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.