Automation of glow-wire test apparatus

The object of this paper is to present a low-cost automation of the glow-wire test apparatus. Glow-wire test apparatus is used for fire hazard testing of household and similar electrical appliances. In the original configuration, the carriage which supports the test specimen has to be manually moved to the glow-wire. In the improved system, a microcontroller is used in conjunction with a stepper motor and optical distance sensor to fully automate the carriage movement. The result is a better objectivity and reduced health hazard for the person performing the test. Sources of uncertainty are also evaluated.