What is UL 497H-2020 ?

Title: What is UL 497H-2020: The Standard for Surge Protective Devices?

Introduction

Surge protective devices (SPDs) are essential for protecting electrical and electronic equipment from power surges and transient voltage events. The main purpose of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) regulations and guidelines is to ensure that SPDs meet specific safety and performance requirements before being sold in the market. One of the most important UL standards is UL 497H-2020, also known as the Standard for Surge Protective Devices (SPDs).

What is UL 497H-2020?

UL 497H-2020 is a set of regulations and guidelines established by UL to provide a standardized method for evaluating the effectiveness of surge protective devices. The purpose of UL 497H-2020 is to ensure that SPDs meet specific safety and performance requirements before they are sold in the market.

The SPD is designed to protect electrical and electronic equipment from power surges and transient voltage events. The device must be able to withstand voltage surges without causing a failure or creating a risk to the equipment. UL 497H-2020 outlines the requirements and performance criteria for SPDs, including the types of tests that should be performed, the testing procedures, and the evaluation criteria.

Testing and Certification

SPDs that are compliant with UL 497H-2020 must undergo testing and certification before they can be sold in the market. The testing and certification process involves a series of tests designed to verify that the SPD meets the requirements and performance criteria outlined in the standard.

The testing process typically includes the following steps:

Non-destructive testing (NDT): This involves the use of specialized equipment to inspect the SPD for any defects or vulnerabilities.

Electrical testing: This involves the use of specialized equipment to verify that the SPD can withstand voltage surges without causing a failure or creating a risk to the equipment.

Environmental testing: This involves the testing of the SPD in various environmental conditions, such as high temperature, low temperature, and vibration.

Emissions and immunity testing: This involves the testing of the SPD to ensure that it does not emit any harmful gases or interfere with other electrical systems.

Compliance with UL 497H-2020

To ensure that an SPD meets the requirements and performance criteria outlined in UL 497H-2020, manufacturers must conduct regular testing and certification procedures. They must also maintain records of the testing and certification process, including the results of each test and the results of any failures or non-conformities.

Conclusion

UL 497H-2020 is an essential standard for surge protective devices used to protect electrical and electronic equipment from power surges and transient voltage events. Compliance with this standard is mandatory for manufacturers of SPDs, and failure to comply may result in the product being banned or restricted. By following the guidelines and requirements outlined in UL 497H-2020, manufacturers can guarantee that their products are reliable and capable of safeguarding sensitive equipment against harmful power disturbances.