What is the Contact Heat Test?
The Contact Heat test is carried out to determine the effectiveness of a product against heat transfer from direct contact with a hot surface. The standard uses the test method in EN ISO 12127:2015 to determine contact heat transmission.
Understanding Contact Heat Testing
Contact Heat Testing is a crucial process that determines a product’s ability to protect against heat transfer from direct contact with a hot surface. The time it takes for the heat to transmit through the material at a specified temperature, is measured and this allows the end user to assess how effectively the material will protect them from thermal risks such as contact with heated items. There are many thermal hazards present within several industries, these include but are not limited to those working in glass manufacturing, mining, construction and many others. Workers that may be exposed to thermal and contact heat risks, require high levels of protection that meet the necessary standards.
Compliance with EN 407:2020
Our Contact Heat Testing aligns with the stringent requirements of EN 407:2020, ensuring that protective gloves meet essential safety standards. By partnering with Tilsatec, you can be confident that your products are rigorously tested and compliant with industry regulations.
The Contact Heat Test Method
The Contact Heat Test is a standardised method for assessing the protective capabilities of gloves against thermal hazards, specifically for users that handle heated items. The test evaluates a glove’s ability to protect an end user from heat transmitted through the material when in direct contact with hot objects. Conducted according to the EN ISO 12127:2015 test method, the test involves placing the part of the glove intended to offer protection, on a calorimeter. A heated cylinder is then brought into contact with the glove. The threshold time, defined as the time taken for the calorimeter to register a 10°C temperature increase, determines the level of heat resistance
How is the test measured?
The classification is based on the threshold time achieved at various test temperatures. Where the threshold time is greater than 15 seconds, the glove has passed the level for which the specified temperature has been tested. If a level 3 contact heat is achieved, then the limited flame spread test (Clause 6.2 of BS EN 407:2020) must also be tested and pass level 1. Where this does not pass, the highest contact heat that can be claimed, is level 2.
Tilsatec Laboratory Testing
The Tilsatec Laboratory is renowned for delivering reliable, accurate, and consistent testing services to leading manufacturers. Established in 2018 as part of our expansion strategy, we have achieved and maintained accreditation to ISO 17025 on an annual basis. This accreditation underscores our commitment to technical competence, impartiality, and ongoing quality assurance, ensuring the highest standards in all our testing activities, including mechanical testing.
The Contact Heat Test is a valuable addition to the laboratory’s scope of testing, and we are excited to announce its availability at our facility in the UK. This means that our customers can benefit from a wider range of testing services , faster turnaround times due to in-house capabilities and assurance that the test results are met against the requirements of ISO 17025 accreditation.
If you’re looking for a laboratory that can carry out mechanical testing on protective gloves and PPE, or would like to enquire about our testing facility, contact our team today to find out more.