What is UL 817:2007?

UL 817:2007 is a technical standard developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to ensure the safety and performance of cord sets, power supply cords, and cord sets connected to appliances in North America. It is an important standard that manufacturers and consumers should be aware of to prevent potential hazards and accidents related to electrical cords and appliances.

Scope and Purpose

The primary purpose of UL 817:2007 is to establish guidelines and requirements for the construction, testing, and certification of cord sets and power supply cords. This includes considerations such as mechanical strength, electrical insulation, voltage ratings, temperature resistance, and more. The standard aims to ensure that these cord sets and power supply cords meet specific safety standards and are suitable for use with various appliances and devices.

Key Requirements

UL 817:2007 outlines several important requirements that must be met by cord sets and power supply cords. These include:

Marking and labeling: Cord sets must be marked with specific information such as manufacturer's name or trademark, voltage and current rating, and maximum operating temperature. This helps users identify essential details about the cord set and ensures proper usage.

Mechanical design: Cord sets must have appropriate strain relief features to prevent stress on the electrical connections. They should also be designed to resist damage from typical wear and tear, such as bending or pulling.

Electrical performance: The standard specifies requirements for electrical conductors, grounding conductors, and insulation materials used in cord sets. This ensures that they safely conduct electricity without any leakage or hazards.

Environmental considerations: Cord sets and power supply cords must meet specific requirements for temperature resistance, flame resistance, and resistance to moisture or chemical exposure.

Compliance and Certification

Manufacturers of cord sets and power supply cords must ensure that their products comply with the requirements set forth by UL 817:2007. This involves conducting various tests and evaluations to verify safety and performance characteristics. Once a product successfully meets these criteria, it can be certified with the UL mark, indicating compliance with the standard. Consumers are advised to look for this UL mark when purchasing cord sets and power supply cords to ensure they are of high quality and safe to use.