1 Listing and Labeling Part I

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 2 Considerations When selecting an electrical device it can often be difficult to determine which is the best product to use. At a minimum, one decision factor to consider is to use products that are listed to an industry product standard by a third party qualified testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. or UL.

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 3 What does UL listing mean? UL listing is defined by UL as: –The manufacturer’s representation that samples of the complete product have been tested by UL to nationally recognized Safety Standards and found to be free of reasonably foreseeable risk of fire, electric shock and related hazards.

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 4 Benefits of a Listed Device Devices can be applied knowing it will meet the performance criteria of the particular standard. Gives the user peace of mind and assurance knowing the product will perform as intended (per the standard’s performance criteria). Reduces the liability and risk to the owner or designer.

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 5 Proper Application A device must be applied according to the standard to which it is listed. UL 508 states – A listed device shall: –Be used as intended by the manufacturer. –Be installed according to instructions provided by the manufacturer. –Not exceed their marked electrical and environmental ratings.

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 6 Where is it used? It is important to note where a device is being used. –For example, a UL listed hedge trimmer, and a UL listed beard trimmer are not intended for the same use.

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 7 Where is it used? The electrical location in the circuit is of equal importance as the physical location. For example, in a motor circuit there are numerous devices that can be used for various functions. Consideration must be given to the type of device and where it is used in the circuit.

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 8 Determine Correct Use Two steps to determine the proper use for a device are as follows. Read installation guides such as the National Electrical Code ® or NEC ®. Read the label – look for markings such as: –UL marking, voltage marking, ampere rating and interrupting rating –Markings to describe the type of device: “Fuse Holder,” “Misc. Sw.,” “Pullout Switch,” “HACR Type,” “Man. Mtr. Contrlr.,” or “Suitable as Motor Disconnect.” –A “special purpose” listing

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 9 Determine Correct Use Important Markings on Device –UL mark is composed of four elements: the “UL” in a circle, the word “LISTED” in all caps, an alpha-numeric control number, and the product name. –Voltage rating: AC or DC –Ampere rating –Interrupting rating or short-circuit rating: dependent upon voltage, i.e. 65kA 480V –Markings to describe the type of device such as “Fuse Holder,” “Misc. Sw.,” “Pullout Switch,” HACR Type,” “Man. Mtr. Contrlr.,” or “Suitable as Motor Disconnect.”

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 10 Determine Correct Use Example: Manual Motor Controllers (UL 508) –May be used as on-off switch to meet NEC Article 420 Part VII. –Cannot be used as motor disconnecting means per NEC –If marked as “Suitable as Motor Disconnect” and listed as a “manual motor controller” it may be used as a motor disconnect provided it is located between the final motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device and the motor. –Review of the marking on the device is required to insure correct use.

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 11 Test Your Knowledge Q1: What are some of the benefits of a device that is listed by a qualified test laboratory? Answer on next page.

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 12 Test Your Knowledge A1: What are some of the benefits of a device that is listed by a qualified test laboratory? –Devices can be applied knowing it will meet the performance criteria of the particular standard. –Gives the user peace of mind and assurance knowing the product will perform as intended (per the standard’s performance criteria). –Reduces the liability and risk to the owner or designer.

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 13 Test Your Knowledge Q2: List some of the important markings to look for on an electrical device. Answer on next page.

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 14 Test Your Knowledge A2: List some of the important markings to look for on an electrical device. –UL mark composed of four elements: the “UL” in a circle, the word “LISTED” in all caps, an alpha-numeric control number, and the product name. –Voltage rating: AC or DC & Ampere rating –Interrupting rating or short-circuit rating: dependent upon voltage, i.e. 65kA 480V –Markings to describe the type of device such as “Fuse Holder,” “Misc. Sw.,” “Pullout Switch,” HACR Type,” “Man. Mtr. Contrlr.,” or “Suitable as Motor Disconnect.”

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 15 Test Your Knowledge Q3: What are the four elements of the UL mark? Answer on next page.

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 16 Test Your Knowledge A3: What are the four elements of the UL mark? –The “UL” in a circle –The word “LISTED” in all caps –An alpha-numeric control number –The product name.

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 17 Test Your Knowledge Q4: Why is it important to read the labels of a particular device? Answer on next page.

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 18 Test Your Knowledge A4: Why is it important to read the labels of a particular device? –Review of the marking on the device is required to insure correct use.

© 2003 Cooper Bussmann, Inc. 19 For more information on this subject see Listing and Labeling Part II.