IEC 60695-10-2:2014

Fire hazard testing - Part 10-2: Abnormal heat - Ball pressure test method

IEC 60695-10-2:2014 specifies the ball pressure test as a method for evaluating the softening temperature and accelerated material flow under load of polymeric materials and parts of end products in their ability to resist abnormal heat. It is applicable to the materials used in electrotechnical equipment, subassemblies and components, and to solid electrical insulating materials except ceramics. The Ball Pressure test method is not appropriate for certain elastomers, foamed materials, and other materials that tend to be soft at room temperature. Product Committees are encouraged to evaluate these materials using other methods such as IEC 60695-10-3. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 60695-10-2 published in 2003. It constitutes a technical revision. The main changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows:
- The addition of an introduction introduces the user to the basic guidance documents published by TC 89,
- Addition of a reference to IEC Guide 104 and ISO/IEC Guide 51 in the Scope,
- Additional relevant Terms and Definitions in new Clause 3,
- 5.2: Additional requirements to the test specimen support at the suggestion of IECEE-CTL to improve reproducibility,
- 5.3: Clarification of heating oven requirements at the suggestion of IECEE-CTL to improve reproducibility,
- 5.4: Specification of minimum resolution consistent with method requirements for optical measurement instrument,
- New Test Procedure in Clauses 6 and 8 which introduces separate methods for End Product proof testing (Method A) and material performance testing (Method B) and
- Updated Clause 11 Test Report to be consistent with other IEC 60695 documents.
Key words: Abnormal heat, Ball pressure test method, Fire hazard

Essais relatifs aux risques du feu - Partie 10-2: Chaleurs anormales - Essai à la bille

IEC 60695-10-2:2014 spécifie l'essai à la bille comme méthode d'essai permettant d'évaluer la température de ramollissement et le flux accéléré sous charge des polymères et parties de produits finis, afin de vérifier leur aptitude à résister à un échauffement anormal. Elle est applicable aux matériaux utilisés dans les matériels, sous-ensembles et composants électrotechniques, et aux matériaux isolants électriques solides à l'exception des céramiques. L'essai à la bille n'est pas approprié à certains élastomères, matériaux alvéolaires et autres matériaux qui présentent une tendance au ramollissement à la température ambiante. Les comités de produits sont encouragés à évaluer ces matériaux en appliquant d'autres méthodes, telles que celles de l'IEC 60695-10-3. Cette troisième édition annule et remplace la deuxième édition de l'IEC 60695-10-2 publiée en 2003. Elle constitue une révision technique. Les principales modifications apportées par rapport à l'édition précédente sont énumérées ci-dessous:
- Ajout d'une introduction qui renseigne l'utilisateur sur les documents directeurs de base publiés par le CE 89,
- Ajout d'une référence au Guide IEC 104 et au Guide ISO/IEC 51 dans le Domaine d'application,
- Ajout d'un nouvel Article 3 comportant des termes et définitions pertinents,
- 5.2: Exigences supplémentaires applicables au support d'éprouvette d'essai sur proposition du IECEE-CTL, afin d'améliorer la reproductibilité,
- 5.3: Clarification des exigences applicables à l'étuve sur proposition du IECEE-CTL, afin d'améliorer la reproductibilité,
- 5.4: Spécification d'une résolution minimale cohérente avec les exigences relatives aux méthodes utilisant un instrument de mesure optique,
- Nouveau mode opératoire d'essai aux Articles 6 et 8, qui présente des méthodes distinctes pour les essais de validité de produit fini (Méthode A) et les essais de performance des matériaux (Méthode B), et
- Mise à jour de l'Article 11 Rapport d'essai pour alignement avec les autres documents de l'IEC 60695.
Mots-clés: Echauffement anormal, essai à la bille, risques du feu

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 18-Feb-2014
• ICS: 13.220.40 - Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products
• ICS: 29.020 - Electrical engineering in general
• ICS: 31.040.10 - Fixed resistors
• Technical Committee: TC 89 - Fire hazard testing
• Drafting Committee: WG 12 - TC 89/WG 12
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 19-Feb-2014
• Completion Date: 28-Feb-2014

Relations

• Revises: IEC 60695-10-2:2003/COR1:2006 - Corrigendum 1 - Fire hazard testing - Part 10-2: Abnormal heat - Ball pressure test
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 60695-10-2:2003 - Fire hazard testing - Part 10-2: Abnormal heat - Ball pressure test
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 60695-10-2:2014, titled Fire hazard testing - Part 10-2: Abnormal heat - Ball pressure test method, is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This standard specifies the ball pressure test to evaluate the softening temperature and the behavior of polymeric materials and components under mechanical load and elevated temperatures. The primary aim is to assess the resistance of these materials to abnormal heat conditions, which is critical for ensuring fire safety in electrotechnical equipment.

This test method focuses on the deformation characteristics of polymeric materials (excluding ceramics) when subjected to heat and pressure, providing valuable data on material performance under thermal stress. It is applicable to materials used in electrical insulating parts, subassemblies, and components but is not suitable for certain elastomers, foamed materials, or polymers that are soft at room temperature.

Key Topics

• Ball Pressure Test Method: This test involves placing a weighted ball on a material sample heated in an oven to monitor its softening and deformation under load.
• Material Softening Temperature: Determines the temperature at which a polymeric material begins to soften and deform under pressure.
• Test Procedures: The standard outlines two separate methods:
  • Method A: For end product proof testing to evaluate the performance of the final manufactured product.
  • Method B: For material performance testing focusing on raw material properties.
• Test Apparatus Requirements: Specifications include:
  • Loading device with accurate application of the ball pressure.
  • Heating oven with precise temperature controls to ensure uniform heating.
  • Optical measuring instruments with minimum resolution levels for accurate deformation measurement.
• Test Specimen Preparation and Conditioning: Clear guidelines on test specimen size, conditioning methods, and environmental factors impacting accuracy and reproducibility.
• Data Reporting and Reproducibility Enhancements: Updated requirements for test specimen support and oven specifications aim to improve test result consistency.

Applications

• Material Selection in Electrotechnical Equipment: Helps manufacturers evaluate polymeric insulating materials and components for their ability to withstand abnormal heat without losing mechanical integrity.
• Fire Safety Assessment: Provides critical data for assessing fire hazards related to material behavior under thermal stress, supporting product safety designs that reduce ignition risk and fire spread.
• Quality Control and Compliance Testing: Used by product committees and manufacturers during development and production phases to ensure materials conform to safety standards.
• Research and Development: Offers a standardized method for comparing different polymeric materials' heat resistance and mechanical stability under abnormal heating scenarios.

Related Standards

• IEC 60695-1-10 & IEC 60695-1-11: These companion standards provide methodologies for preventing ignition and confining fire within electrotechnical enclosures, complementing the material behavior insights gained from IEC 60695-10-2.
• IEC 60695-10-3: An alternative test method recommended for elastomers, foamed material, and other polymers unsuitable for the ball pressure test.
• IEC Guide 104 and ISO/IEC Guide 51: These guides offer foundational safety principles and risk assessment frameworks referenced within IEC 60695-10-2 for evaluating and managing fire hazards.

---

By adhering to IEC 60695-10-2:2014, manufacturers and safety engineers can reliably evaluate polymer material performance against abnormal heat, enhancing fire hazard assessments and ensuring safer electrotechnical products worldwide. This standard plays a crucial role in product safety compliance, helping reduce fire risks through improved material selection and testing methodologies.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60695-10-2 ®
Edition 3.0 2014-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
BASIC SAFETY PUBLICATION
PUBLICATION FONDAMENTALE DE SÉCURITÉ
Fire hazard testing –
Part 10-2: Abnormal heat – Ball pressure test method

Essais relatifs aux risques du feu –
Partie 10-2: Chaleurs anormales – Essai à la bille

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IEC 60695-10-2 ®
Edition 3.0 2014-02
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
BASIC SAFETY PUBLICATION
PUBLICATION FONDAMENTALE DE SÉCURITÉ

Fire hazard testing –
Part 10-2: Abnormal heat – Ball pressure test method

Essais relatifs aux risques du feu –

Partie 10-2: Chaleurs anormales – Essai à la bille

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX P
ICS 13.220.40, 29.020 ISBN 978-2-8322-1393-3

– 2 – 60695-10-2 © IEC:2014
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 General description of the test method . 7
5 Apparatus . 7
5.1 Loading device . 7
5.2 Test specimen support . 8
5.3 Heating oven . 8
5.4 Optical measuring instrument . 9
5.5 Temperature measuring equipment . 9
6 Test specimens . 9
6.1 End product test method . 9
6.2 Material Test method . 9
6.2.1 Test specimen preparation . 9
6.2.2 Test specimen dimensions . 9
7 Conditioning . 9
8 Test procedure . 10
8.1 Selection of the test temperature . 10
8.1.1 Method A − End product test method . 10
8.1.2 Method B − Material performance test method . 10
8.2 Heating oven and test apparatus setup . 11
8.3 Test setup . 11
8.4 Test specimen post conditioning . 11
8.5 Measurements . 12
9 Evaluation of test results . 12
10 Information to be given in the relevant product standard . 13
11 Test Report . 13
Annex A (informative) Correlation between the ball pressure test and the Vicat test of
ISO 306 . 14
Annex B (informative) Depth indentation method . 15
Bibliography . 16

Figure 1 – Loading device (example) . 8
Figure 2 – Measurement of dimension d (example) . 12

Table 1 − Suggested initial test temperatures . 10

60695-10-2 © IEC:2014 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
FIRE HAZARD TESTING –
Part 10-2: Abnormal heat – Ball pressure test method

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
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between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
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5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60695-10-2 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 89:
Fire hazard testing.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 60695-10-2 published in
2003. It constitutes a technical revision.
It has the status of a basic safety publication in accordance with IEC Guide 104 and
ISO/IEC Guide 51.
The main changes with respect to the previous edition are listed below:
– The addition of an introduction introduces the user to the basic guidance documents
published by TC 89
– Addition of a reference to IEC Guide 104 and ISO/IEC Guide 51 in the Scope
– Additional relevant Terms and Definitions in new Clause 3

– 4 – 60695-10-2 © IEC:2014
– 5.2: Additional requirements to the test specimen support at the suggestion of IECEE-CTL
to improve reproducibility
– 5.3: Clarification of heating oven requirements at the suggestion of IECEE-CTL to improve
reproducibility
– 5.4: Specification of minimum resolution consistent with method requirements for optical
measurement instrument
– New Test Procedure in in Clauses 6 and 8 which introduces separate methods for End
Product proof testing (Method A) and material performance testing (Method B)
– Updated Clause 11 Test Report to be consistent with other IEC 60695 documents.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
89/1203/FDIS 89/1210/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 60695 series, under the general title Fire hazard testing, can
be found on the IEC web site.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
60695-10-2 © IEC:2014 – 5 –
INTRODUCTION
In the design of any electrotechnical product, the risk of abnormal heat and the potential
hazards associated with abnormal heat need to be considered. In this respect the objective of
component, circuit, and product design, as well as the choice of materials, is to reduce to
acceptable levels the potential risks during normal operating conditions, reasonable
foreseeable abnormal use, malfunction and/or failure. IEC/TC 89 has developed IEC 60695-1-
10, together with its companion, IEC 60695-1-11, to provide guidance on how this is to be
accomplished.
The primary aims of IEC 60695-1-10 and IEC 60695-1-11 are to provide guidance on how:
a) to prevent ignition caused by an electrically energized component part, and
b) to confine any resulting fire within the bounds of the enclosure of the electrotechnical
product in the event of ignition.
Secondary aims of IEC 60695-1-10 and IEC 60695-1-11 include the minimization of any flame
spread beyond the product’s enclosure and the minimization of the harmful effects of fire
effluents such as heat, smoke, toxicity and/or corrosivity.
Fires involving electrotechnical products can also be initiated from external non-electrical
sources. Considerations of this nature should be dealt with in the overall fire hazard
assessment.
This part of IEC 60695 describes a test method where the softening and accelerated material
flow under load of a polymeric material is evaluated using a weighted ball-bearing in a heating
oven. It should be used to measure, describe, and rank a property of a material in response to
elevated temperatures under controlled laboratory conditions. This may be useful for the
evaluation of materials for use in products that may be exposed to excess thermal stress. It
should also be used for the evaluation of materials used in end products. It should not be used to
solely describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies
under actual abnormal conditions. However, results of this test method may be used as
elements of a fire hazard assessment which takes into account all of the factors pertinent to a
particular end use.
This International Standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. It
does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices
and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

– 6 – 60695-10-2 © IEC:2014
FIRE HAZARD TESTING –
Part 10-2: Abnormal heat – Ball pressure test method

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60695 specifies the ball pressure test as a method for evaluating the
softening temperature and accelerated material flow under load of polymeric materials and
parts of end products in their ability to resist abnormal heat. It is applicable to the materials
used in electrotechnical equipment, subassemblies and components, and to solid electrical
insulating materials except ceramics.
NOTE The Ball Pressure test method is not appropriate for certain elastomers, foamed materials, and other
materials that tend to be soft at room temperature. Product Committees are encouraged to evaluate these
materials using other methods such as IEC 60695-10-3.
This basic safety publication is intended for use by technical committees in the preparation of
standards in accordance with the principles laid down in IEC Guide 104 and
ISO/IEC Guide 51.
One of the responsibilities of a technical committee is, wherever applicable, to make use of
basic safety publications in the preparation of its publications. The requirements, test
methods or test conditions of this basic safety publication will not apply unless specifically
referred to or included in the relevant publications.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60216-4-1, Electrical insulating materials – Thermal endurance properties − Part 4-1:
Ageing ovens – Single-chamber ovens
ISO/IEC 13943:2008, Fire safety – Vocabulary
ISO 3290-1, Rolling bearings – Balls – Part 1: Steel balls
IEC Guide 104, The preparation of safety publications and the use of basic safety publications
and group safety publications
ISO/IEC Guide 51, Safety aspects – Guidelines for inclusion in standards
ISO 293, Plastics – Compression moulding of test specimens of thermoplastic materials
ISO 294 (All Parts), Plastics – Injection moulding of test specimens of thermoplastic materials
ISO 295, Plastics – Compression moulding of test specimens of thermosetting materials

60695-10-2 © IEC:2014 – 7 –
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 13943:2008,
one of which is reproduced below for the users' convenience, as well as the following apply.
3.1
abnormal heat
heat that is additional to that resulting from use under normal conditions,
up to and including that which causes a fire
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 13943:2008, definition 4.1]
3.2
end product
product that is ready for use without modification
Note 1 to entry: An end product can be a component of another end product.
[SOURCE: IEC 60695-4:2012, definition 3.2.7]
3.3
proof test
any predetermined and specified test required of an end product to verify its suitability for its
intended purpose
4 General description of the test method
To measure and to verify the dimension d of the indentation left by a steel ball applied on a
test specimen with a specified force and at a specified temperature.
5 Apparatus
5.1 Loading device
The loading device shall consist of a 5 mm ± 0,05 mm diameter pressure ball (a finished steel
ball for rolling bearings in accordance with ISO 3290-1) attached to a system of weights
designed to apply a downward force equivalent to a 20 N ± 0,2 N load including the mass of
the pressure ball.
An example of a typical loading device is shown in Figure 1.

– 8 – 60695-10-2 © IEC:2014
IEC  0314/14
Key
1 Test specimen
2 Pressure ball
3 Weight
4 Test specimen support
Figure 1a
R = 2,5 mm
IEC  0315/14
Figure 1b
Figure 1 – Loading device (example)
5.2 Test specimen support
The test specimen support shall be such that
a) it rigidly supports the test specimen in a horizontal position;
b) it has sufficient strength to support the loading device;
c) it has a smooth flat surface;
d) it has sufficiently large mass to prevent a significant reduction in temperature of the
apparatus during the installation and removal of the test specimen from the heating oven.
NOTE It has been found useful to mount a separate thermocouple in the centre of the test specimen support
approximately 3 mm below the surface to check that the temperature of the test specimen support does not
significantly deviate from the test temperature.
5.3 Heating oven
The heating oven shall be a single chamber type in accordance with IEC 60216-4-1 with
regard to temperature differences, fluctuation, and variations appropriate to the test
temperature.
60695-10-2 © IEC:2014 – 9 –
In addition, the heating oven shall be capable of returning to the set temperature in
accordance with the requirements in 8.3 after the heating oven door is closed after inserting
the test specimen.
5.4 Optical measuring instrument
The optical measuring instrument shall have an optical magnification of at least 10 × and shall
incorporate a calibrated reticule or cross-travel measuring table with a resolution of not more
than 0,1 mm. A lighting device can be used to illuminate the surface where the pressure ball
was applied.
5.5 Temperature measuring equipment
The temperature shall be measured using equipment with a accuracy of ± 2 K below 100 °C
and ± 3 % at 100 °C and above. It is preferable to measure the temperature by a
thermocouple type K or J inserted in the test specimen support.
6 Test specimens
6.1 End product test method
A test specimen is cut from the end product in such a way that a piece at least 2,5 mm thick
with approximately parallel upper and lower surfaces is obtained. If necessary, the thickness
may be attained by stacking two or more sections so long as there is no noticeable movement
between the surfaces prior to testing. If it is not possible to cut a test specimen with parallel
surfaces, care shall be taken to support the area of the test specimen directly under the
pressure ball. The test specimen shall be a square with a minimum of 10 mm sides or a circle
with a diameter of at least 10 mm.
If it is impracticable to use a test specimen from the end product, then a plaque of identical
material may be used as the test specimen as described in 6.2.
NOTE Three test specimens may be necessary.
6.2 Material Test method
6.2.1 Test specimen preparation
Test specimens shall be fabricated using the appropriate ISO method, e.g. casting and
injection moulding in accordance with the ISO 294 series, compression moulding in
accordance with ISO 293 or ISO 295, or transfer moulding to the necessary shape.
6.2.2 Test specimen dimensions
The dimensions of the planar sections of the test specimens shall be at least 10 mm in length
and 10 mm in width, or a circle with a diameter of at least 10 mm and shall be provided in a
thickness of 3,0 mm ± 0,5 mm.
NOTE 15 test specimens may be necessary.
7 Conditioning
The test specimen shall be stored for at least 24 h in an atmosphere having a temperature
between 15 °C and 35 °C and a relative humidity between 45 % and 75 %.
NOTE For materials, the mechanical characteristics of which are significantly affected by moisture content or
temperature, a more precise conditioning may be specified.

– 10 – 60695-10-2 © IEC:2014
8 Test procedure
8.1 Selection of the test temperature
8.1.1 Method A − End product test method
The Method A test method (proof test method) generally entails testing at a single
temperature as defined below in order to determine if the pass requirement of Clause 9 is
obtained.
Unless otherwise specified in the relevant product specification, conduct the test method at a
temperature as defined below:
a) For parts supporting live parts, the test temperature shall be 40 °C plus the maximum
allowable temperature rise of the part under consideration as defined in the product
specification, or
b) For other parts, the test temperature shall be the ambient temperature plus the maximum
allowable temperature rise (as defined in the product specification) of the part under
consideration.
Unless otherwise specified in the relevant product specification, the test temperature shall not
be less than 125 °C for parts supporting live parts or 75 °C for all other parts under
consideration.
8.1.2 Method B − Material performance test method
The Method B test method (material performance test method) entails multiple tests to find
the maximum temperature at which the pass requirement of Clause 9 is obtained.
Select an appropriate initial test temperature.
NOTE Generally, for many engineering thermoplastics, a starting temperature 10 °C lower than the VST
A50
temperature (in accordance with ISO 306) has been found to be a useful starting point. The VST temperature is
A50
the Vicat Softening Temperature as determined using the A50 method of ISO 306, which uses a force of 10 N and
a heating rate of 50 °C/h.
Subsequent test temperatures will be determined by the procedures outlined in 8.2 to 8.5.
Test temperatures shall be in multiples of 5 °C.
Table 1 provides guidance regarding the initial test temperature.
Table 1 − Suggested initial test temperatures
Material Initial test temperature
(°C)
PA6 200
PA66 240
PA46 280
PBT 200
PET 240
PC 140
PC+ABS 90
PP 120
If the initial test temperature results complies with the pass requirement of Clause 9, repeat
the test procedure (8.2 to 8.4) with a new test specimen at a higher temperature than the

60695-10-2 © IEC:2014 – 11 –
initial temperature. If the initial test temperature result does not comply with the pass
requirement of Clause 9, repeat the test procedure (8.2 to 8.4) with a new test specimen at a
lower temperature than the initial temperature. Continuously repeat this process with higher
and lower test temperatures, until the maximum temperature in compliance with the pass
requirements of Clause 9 is determined.
Once this maximum temperature is determined, the test method should be repeated once at
this temperature to confirm the result.
The Ball Pressure Temperature (BPT) for the material under test is the highest confirmed
temperature in compliance with the pass requirements of Clause 9.
8.2 Heating oven and test apparatus setup
Conduct the test method in air, in a heating oven (see 5.3) at a temperature specified in the
relevant specification (within a tolerance of ± 2 °C) measured within 50 mm of the
approximate centre of the test specimen. The test specimen support and loading device shall
be preheated at the test temperature for a minimum of 3 h.
8.3 Test setup
Place the test specimen in the approximate centre of the test specimen support ensuring that
its upper surface is horizontal. Gently lower the pressure ball of the loading device on to the
approximate centre of the test specimen. Ensure that no conditions exist that will cause the
pressure ball to move other than in a downward direction during the test method.
The installation of the test specimen shall be performed in as short a time as practicable, but
not exceeding 30 s. The test chamber shall return to the specified temperature (± 2 °C) within
5 min and without any overshoot exceeding 5 °C.
+2
The loading device shall remain on the test specimen for a period of 60 min min.
8.4 Test specimen post conditioning

After removal of the loading device;
a) the test specimen shall be placed into water at 20 °C ± 5 °C (at the time of immersion)
within 10 seconds, then
b) the test specimen shall remain immersed in the water for 6 min ± 2 min, then
after removal from the water, remove all visible traces of water and measure dimension d
as described in Figure 2 within 3 min.

– 12 – 60695-10-2 © IEC:2014
IEC  0316/14
Figure 2 – Measurement of dimension d (example)
8.5 Measurements
Dimension d is the largest distance that can be measured across the indentation from one
clearly defined edge of the indentation to another. Dimension d shall exclude any upward
deformation.
In case of dispute with regard to Method A (End product test method), make two further tests
on two other test specimens, both of which shall meet the pass requirement of Clause 9.
When additional tests are being conducted in the same heating oven at the same
temperature, the heating oven and test apparatus preconditioning noted in 8.2 may be waived
and the testing initiated as soon as the heating oven temperature stabilizes.
NOTE 1 An indentation which is not circular may indicate non-level conditions, movement of the apparatus or test
specimen, a non-homogeneous material such as glass-reinforced plastics, or external vibrations in the vicinity of
the heating oven.
NOTE 2 In case of dispute regarding the value of d, the test specimen may be subjected to cross-sectioning (see
Figure 2).
NOTE 3 To assist in the measurement of the diameter d by clarifying the edges of the indentation, it has been
practical to colour the surface of the specimen in a contrast colour after the test whereby the indentation edge
appears more distinctly.
9 Evaluation of test results
The result is presented as a pass if dimension d does not exceed 2,0 mm.

60695-10-2 © IEC:2014 – 13 –
10 Information to be given in the relevant product standard
For proof testing (Method A), the relevant product standard shall specify, where necessary,
the following details:
a) the surface to be tested and the point(s) of application (see 8.2);
b) the test temperature (see 8.2).
11 Test Report
The test report shall include the following information:
a) a reference to this International Standard;
b) a description of the test specimen material including type and manufacturer;
c) test specimen information from Clause 6. For example, whether the test specimen was
1) an end product, or
2) a part cut from an end product and, if so, the location of the part, or
3) test plaques not taken from an end product and, if so, the fabrication method;
d) the conditioning of the test specimens;
e) the test specimen thickness (in mm), the quantity of stacked test specimens (if
applicable), the test temperature(s) (in °C), and the reading of dimension d (in mm) per
test temperature.
f) the final results
1) For Method A (proof test method), indicate as PASS or FAIL
2) For Method B (material performance test method), indicate the Ball Pressure test
temperature expressed as: BPT (T) °C.
Example: BPT 290 °C.
– 14 – 60695-10-2 © IEC:2014
Annex A
(informative)
Correlation between the ball pressure test and the Vicat test of ISO 306

Considerable work has been undertaken to establish a correlation coefficient so that results
obtained from Vicat measurements can be converted into ball pressure test results. Japan has
been especially active in this work [6], [7] .
However, whilst the results obtained have been encouraging, at present it is not considered
possible to produce one correlation coefficient that will work with all plastic material
formulations used by industry.
___________
Numbers in square brackets refer to the Bibliography.

60695-10-2 © IEC:2014 – 15 –
Annex B
(informative)
Depth indentation method
Considerable work has been undertaken to establish an alternate depth indentation method
that would give results consistent with the diameter method. Regrettably, the results show
that the depth method is slightly less reproducible than the diameter method and therefore
there is no justification for inclusion of a depth method in this standard.

– 16 – 60695-10-2 © IEC:2014
Bibliography
[1] IEC 60695-1-10, Fire hazard testing – Part 1-10: Guidance for assessing the fire
hazard of electrotechnical products – General guidelines
[2] IEC 60695-1-11, Fire hazard testing – Part 1-11: Guidance for assessing the fire
hazard of electrotechnical products – Fire hazard assessment
[3] IEC 60695-4:2012, Fire hazard testing − Part 4: Terminology concerning fire tests for
electrotechnical products
[4] IEC 60695-10-3, Fire Hazard Testing – Part 10-3: Abnormal Heat – Mould Stress
Relief Distortion Test
[5] ISO 306, Thermoplastic materials – Determination of Vicat softening temperature
(VST)
[6] Report on the 0,1 mm Softening Temperature of Plastic Materials to be used for
Electric and Electronic Appliances, and Test Methods Used, The Japan Society of
Plastics Technology, Japan (1987)
[7] How is Heat Softening Temperature of Plastics Affected Under Moisture Conditions?,
The Japan Society of Plastics Technology, Japan (1990)

_____________
– 18 – 60695-10-2 © CEI:2014
SOMMAIRE
AVANT-PROPOS . 19
INTRODUCTION . 21
1 Domaine d'application . 22
2 Références normatives . 22
3 Termes et définitions . 23
4 Description générale de la méthode d’essai . 23
5 Appareillage . 23
5.1 Dispositif de charge . 23
5.2 Support d’éprouvette d’essai . 24
5.3 Etuve . 24
5.4 Instrument de mesure optique . 25
5.5 Instrument de mesure de la température . 25
6 Eprouvettes d'essai . 25
6.1 Méthode d'essai de produit fini . 25
6.2 Méthode d'essai de matériau . 25
6.2.1 Préparation de l’éprouvette d’essai . 25
6.2.2 Dimensions de l’éprouvette d’essai . 25
7 Conditionnement . 25
8 Mode opératoire . 26
8.1 Sélection de la température d’essai . 26
8.1.1 Méthode A − Méthode d'essai de produit fini . 26
8.1.2 Méthode B − Méthode d'essai fonctionnel des matériaux . 26
8.2 Etuve et montage de l'appareillage d’essai . 27
8.3 Montage d'essai . 27
8.4 Post-conditionnement de l'éprouvette d’essai . 27
8.5 Mesures . 28
9 Evaluation des résultats de l'essai . 28
10 Renseignements à fournir dans la norme de produits applicable . 29
11 Rapport d’essai . 29
Annexe A (informative) Corrélation entre l’essai à la bille et l'essai Vicat de l’ISO 306 . 30
Annexe B (informative) Méthode par mesure de profondeur d'empreinte . 31
Bibliographie . 32

Figure 1 – Dispositif de charge (exemple) . 24
Figure 2 – Mesure de la dimension d (exemple) . 28

Tableau 1 – Températures d’essai initiales proposées . 26

60695-10-2 © CEI:2014 – 19 –
COMMISSION ÉLECTROTECHNIQUE INTERNATIONALE
____________
ESSAIS RELATIFS AUX RISQUES DU FEU –

Partie 10-2: Chaleurs anormales – Essai à la bille

AVANT-PROPOS
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