Flame retardant terminal blocks for household appliances

14th May 2007

Switchtec Ltd

ES Admin

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Available from specialist distributor Switchtec, a range of flame retardant terminal blocks from Euroclamp meet the highly desired EU directive EN60335-1 ‘domestic’ Standard. There is a high demand from manufacturers to meet this standard as approved components can be used in the manufacture of appliances for domestic use. It also enables appliances not manufactured specifically for normal household use to be used in domestic applications – thus opening up new markets. Similarly, appliances not intended for household use but that may be a source of danger to the public such as light fittings for industry or farms, catering equipment and cleaning appliances can also benefit from these special Euroclamp terminals.

Of interest to OEMs, CEMs and equipment manufacturers, the terminals will specifically find favour with manufacturers of domestic/household appliances, medical equipment, catering equipment, cleaning equipment, industrial/commercial manufacturers and heating/ventilation manufacturers.
The high standard of the terminal blocks is proven by a range of tests. The GWT test defines the flammability grade of plastic materials. The conformity of Euroclamp’s products to this standard is obtained by the use of a specifically developed plastic that features a GWIT(Glow-Wire Ignition Temperature) of 775 degrees C, and a GWFI (Glow-Wire Flammability Index) of 960 Degrees C.
The GWFI test states that any flames or glowing of the test specimen should extinguish within 30 seconds after removal of the glow-wire, and that there is no ignition of the wrapping tissue placed underneath the test specimen, and there is no re-ignition of the test specimen.

In accordance with IEC 60695-2-13, the GWIT test is expressed as the temperature – being 25 degrees C higher than the maximum temperature of the tip of the glow-wire – that does not cause ignition of a test specimen of a given thickness during three subsequent tests.

The majority of Euroclamp’s terminal blocks and plug in connectors can be manufactured according to EN60335-1. These items are not kept as ‘stock’, but are manufactured upon request. Further details on the availability can be obtained from Switchtec. The same in form and fit, the only difference between Euroclamp’s normal connectors and an EN60335-1 version is the plastic that they are manufactured from, so upgrading an existing design is very simple.