What is UL 696-2020 ?

Title: A Comprehensive Guide to UL 1699:2020 and UL 60947-9-2020

Introduction:

The safety and reliability of electrical products are of utmost importance in today's world. This is where Underwriters Laboratories (UL) comes in, providing independent safety science solutions for a wide range of products. Recently, UL has released the updated version of UL 1699, which is an essential technical standard for arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), also known as arc fault detectors. In this article, we will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of UL 1699:2020 and its significance.

What is UL 1699:2020?

UL 1699:2020 is a technical standard published by UL, which sets the requirements for AFCIs. It is an important technical standard in the electrical industry, ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical devices. The standard specifies the performance, testing, and marking requirements for AFCIs to prevent electrical fires.

Key Changes in UL 1699:2020

UL 1699:2020 has several key changes compared to its previous version. These changes include:

1. Increased Performance and Safety Requirements: The standard has been updated to reflect the latest trends in electrical safety, such as the use of new materials for electrical equipment and the reduction of potential hazards.

2. Test Requirements: The standard has been refined to provide tighter tolerances for testing, ensuring that AFCIs perform consistently and reliably.

3. Marking Requirements: The standard has been updated to require manufacturers to use more detailed and accurate marking for their products, making it easier for end-users to identify and use AFCIs correctly.

The Purpose of UL 60947-9-2020

UL 60947-9-2020 is a professional technical standard that sets the guidelines for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear products. The primary objective of UL 60947-9-2020 is to provide a standardized framework for manufacturers, regulators, and end-users to evaluate and compare low-voltage switchgear and controlgear products. The standard helps ensure that these products meet industry safety standards and perform consistently in various operating conditions.

Key Requirements of UL 60947-9-2020

UL 60947-9-2020 has several key requirements that manufacturers must meet to ensure the safety and reliability of their products. These requirements include:

1. Electrical Safety: Products must meet or exceed the requirements of NEC (National Electrical Code) and UL 508, which cover electrical safety and fire protection.

2. Performance: Products must perform consistently and reliably, as tested in accordance with UL 102, UL 103, and UL 104.

3. Environmental Stability: Products must withstand the environmental conditions specified in UL 101, including temperature, humidity, and voltage.

4. Electrical Interface: Products must be designed to provide a clean electrical interface, as specified in UL 508.

5. Safety Characteristics: Products must have appropriate safety characteristics, as specified in UL 102 and UL 103.

6. Traceability: Products must be traceable through the entire production and testing process, as specified in ISO 9001.

Conclusion

UL 1699:2020 and UL 60947-9-2020 are important technical standards that ensure the safety and reliability of electrical products. By following the guidelines and requirements set by these standards, manufacturers can produce high-quality, safe, and reliable electrical products that meet industry safety standards and perform consistently in various operating conditions. As the world continues to evolve.