What is UL 159C-2020 ?

Title: What is UL 159C-2020 and UL 1598:2018? A Technical Overview

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a globally recognized independent safety science company that provides testing and certification services for a wide range of products. Recently, UL has released the updated version of UL 1699, which is an important technical standard for the electrical industry. In this article, we will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of UL 1699:2020 and its significance.

UL 1699:2020 - The AFCI Standard

UL 1699:2020 is a standard developed by UL specifically for arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), also known as arc fault detectors. The purpose of UL 1699:2020 is to set the requirements for AFCIs to ensure their effectiveness in preventing electrical fires. The standard specifies the performance, testing, and marking requirements for AFCIs, including their ability to detect electrical faults and their resistance to voltage surges.

Key Changes in UL 1699:2020

UL 1699:2020 includes several key changes compared to the previous version, such as:

Increased emphasis on performance: The standard now places a greater emphasis on the performance of AFCIs, including their accuracy, speed, and reliability.

New requirements for marking: The standard requires manufacturers to clearly mark their products with the UL 1699:2020 standard, including the model number and certification number.

Increased focus on environmental impact: The standard now includes requirements for the environmental impact of AFCIs, such as their energy efficiency and use of recycled materials.

UL 1598:2018 - The Luminaire Standard

UL 1598:2018 is a standard developed by UL specifically for luminaires, which are lighting fixtures used in various applications. The purpose of UL 1598:2018 is to ensure that lighting fixtures meet certain quality standards and do not pose any significant risks or hazards to users.

Key Requirements of UL 1598:2018

UL 1598:2018 provides requirements and guidelines for the safety and performance of luminaires, including:

Electrical safety: The standard specifies the electrical safety requirements for luminaires, including their ability to withstand electrical currents and their resistance to voltage surges.

Performance: The standard specifies the performance requirements for luminaires, including their brightness, color temperature, and efficacy.

Safety: The standard specifies the safety requirements for luminaires, including their ability to withstand various environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, low temperatures, and humidity.

Conclusion

UL 1699:2020 and UL 1598:2018 are important technical standards that provide requirements and guidelines for various products, including AFCIs and luminaires. By adhering to these standards, manufacturers can demonstrate that their products are safe and reliable, gaining the trust of consumers and regulatory authorities.