Graphite test-limiters have been used as single main limiters in TEXTOR and exposed to convective heat loads of typically 10-20 MW/m(2). Local carbon release has been studied by means of local spectroscopy of CI-and CII-emission lines. Surface temperature distributions were determined by CCD camera measurements in the IR spectral region. It was found that the increase of the local carbon flux was below 15% when the surface temperature increased locally up to about 1900 degrees C demonstrating that radiation enhanced carbon emission (RES) is negligible under these conditions. The suppression of RES-emission is discussed in view of present RES models.