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September 22, 2026

How to select UL94 50W or 500W flame

50W = V‑0/V‑1/V‑2 (20 mm flame, IEC 60695‑11‑10)


500W = 5VA /5VB (125 mm flame, IEC 60695‑11‑20)


1. Core rule

Follow the requirement of end-product safety standard / customer specification. This is the #1 rule. If your product standard or drawing specifies 5VA/5VB → choose 500W flame. If it only requires V‑0/V‑1/V‑2 → choose 50W flame.


2. Difference of test objects & risk scenario

✅ Choose 50W flame (V0/V1/V2)

2.1 Purpose: Evaluate reaction to small low-energy ignition source (minor electrical fault, small hot spot)

2.2 Specimen: only bar specimens (125 ×13 mm), vertical mounting

2.3 Flame: 20 mm blue flame, apply twice, 10 s each time

2.4 Typical applications:

2.4.1 Common consumer electronics housing, adapter, PCB support, small internal insulation

2.4.2 Low/medium power electrical parts with low risk of sustained strong flame attack

2.4.3 Most IEC 62368-1 general plastic components

✅ Choose 500W flame (5VA /5VB)

2.5 Purpose: Evaluate resistance to strong repeated flame attack + burn-through risk

2.6 Specimen: bar specimens + plaque plate (150×150 mm)

2.7 Flame: 125 mm flame, apply 5 times ×5 s, interval 5 s, burner tilted 20°

2.8 Typical applications (high fire risk enclosure):

2.8.1 High-voltage cabinet, energy storage / battery enclosure, large power supply housing

2.8.2 Parts where enclosure integrity must survive severe local flame exposure

2.8.4 Customer or product standard explicitly calling for 5VA or 5VB


Precondition: Material must first pass V‑0 or V‑1 before 5V classification can be granted.

5VA: No burn-through hole on plaque, no flaming drips igniting cotton\

5VB: Burn-through hole allowed, no flaming drips igniting cotton


3. Quick selection checklist

Item 50W (V grade) 500W (5V grade)
Flame power 50 W, 20 mm 500 W,125 mm
Specimen Bar only Bar + plaque plate
Main evaluation After-flame, afterglow, dripping After-flame, afterglow, dripping + burn-through
Fire hazard Small ignition source Intense, repeated flame attack
Common requirement General electronics plastic parts High-risk power / battery enclosure


4. Important notes

4.1.500W test is more expensive and stricter; material cost will also rise for 5VA/5VB grade. Do not select 500W unless required.

4.2.Rating is thickness dependent. V0 @1.6 mm does not equal V0 @0.8 mm; same for 5VA/5VB.

4.3.UL94 only gives small-scale lab classification. It cannot fully represent real fire performance of finished product.


5. Simple decision sentence

Use 50W flame for normal plastic components requiring V0/V1/V2.

Use 500W flame when the enclosure needs to resist strong flame penetration and specification requires 5VA or 5VB.

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