Radiant Panel Test (Surface Flame Spread Test)
IEC 61730 is an international standard for evaluating photovoltaic cell modules. To confirm the IEC 61730 -1 ed.1 safety compatibility of photovoltaic (PV) cell modules, radiant panel tests (flame propagation test) are required for materials used on external surfaces (Back seat, etc.) depending on the operating conditions. The test method is based on ASTM E 162 (Standard Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source).
The flame propagation index is evaluated by the radiant panel test. The lower the surface flame spread index (IS), the stronger the flame resistance. Members of photovoltaic cell modules are required to have a flame propagation index of 100 or less.
■Test Method
Six 152 mm × 457 mm samplesare used. Set the sample at 30 degree angle towards the vertically placed radiant panel. First, heat the radiant panel to 670℃, and then ignite the sample by using the pilot flame at the top of the sample. The flame ignited at the top of the sample spreads downward until the radiant heat from the radiant panel gradually decreases and the flame cannot continue to propagate. Calculate the flame propagation index by determining the speed at which the flame travels across the sample surface (Propagation speed: Fs) and the internal temperature rise (Q) in the exhaust pipe at the top of the instrument.
■Calculation Formula
Flame propagation index is calculated by the formula: Is=Fs×Q
Is：Flame propagation index
Fs：Flame propagation speed on sample’s surface
Q：Internal temperature rise in the exhaust pipe
About Radiant Panel Test (Surface Flame Spread
Test)
Contact information
PIC: Mitsuya Mochizuki (Mr.)
TEL:+81-551-42-5061
