What is UL 987?

UL 987 is a widely recognized safety standard in the electrical industry. It sets forth specific requirements for industrial controls and related devices to ensure they meet certain safety criteria. Understanding UL 987 is important for manufacturers, engineers, and users of electrical equipment to ensure compliance with safety regulations and prevent potential hazards.

Scope and Purpose of UL 987

The scope of UL 987 covers a wide range of industrial control equipment, including motor controllers, switches, relays, and various other electronic controls used in manufacturing and industrial processes. The primary purpose of UL 987 is to provide guidelines for evaluating the performance, construction, and safety features of these devices.

UL 987 focuses on preventing electrical shocks, fire hazards, and other risks associated with the use of industrial control equipment. It specifies requirements for insulation, overcurrent protection, temperature limitations, and durability, among other factors.

Compliance and Certification Process

To ensure compliance with UL 987, manufacturers must subject their industrial control devices to rigorous testing by certified testing laboratories. These laboratories evaluate the equipment based on the specified requirements and conduct various tests to determine if it meets the necessary safety standards.

If the industrial control equipment successfully passes all required tests, the manufacturer can obtain UL certification. This certification indicates that the equipment has been thoroughly tested and meets the safety standards set forth by UL 987.

Importance of UL 987 Compliance

Compliance with UL 987 is crucial for manufacturers, as it provides assurance to consumers, regulatory authorities, and insurance companies that their products meet recognized safety standards. Compliance helps protect against potential liabilities, ensures product reliability, and enhances the manufacturer's reputation in the market.

For engineers and users of industrial control equipment, compliance with UL 987 is equally important. It ensures the safety of workers and prevents accidents or injuries that could result from using non-compliant, potentially hazardous equipment.

Furthermore, compliance with UL 987 may be a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, meaning non-compliance could lead to penalties or bans on selling or using the equipment.

In conclusion, UL 987 is an essential safety standard in the electrical industry that sets requirements for industrial control devices. Compliance with UL 987 helps ensure the safety and reliability of electrical equipment, protects manufacturers against liabilities, and safeguards workers from potential hazards.